How to Make a Centerpiece Patchwork Cushion.

So I'm no textiles expert, but I've made my fair share of cushions to know its time to teach others a recipe for one (I'm calling it a recipe because I don't think there's a name for the sewing equivalent). I've included LOOOOOADSSSSS of pictures so it should be fairly easy to follow.

So here's the cushion I made:
Step 1: Measure a 9"x 9" square on card and cut it out, use this as a template to cut out a piece of fabric the same size (we will call this A). This will act as the centerpiece of your cushion.







 Step 2: using the template, transfer the shape onto a piece of paper. Draw your desired symbol/logo/image onto the paper until you are happy with it. Next, cut it out and then attach it to a contrasting fabric to A, and cut out the desired shape. You can attach it with pins or even pritt stick. We will call this shape B.


Step 3: Measure a smaller square of 3"x 3" on card and cut this out. Taking two different fabrics, use this card as a template to cut out 20 squares of each. We will call these C and D. Once these have all been cut out, lay them in alternate fabrics as a patchwork, surrounding A.






Step 4: Pin and tack B onto A. Then, either by hand or on a sewing machine, stitch B into place, for this step I chose a running stitch right along the edge of B, however you can use any appliqué stitch you like.

Step 5: Next, take the 3 small squares to the right of A and, right sides together, stitch them together, Repeat this process for the squares on the left. Then, do the same for the three on the outer layer of patchwork, before stitching them together, you should have two 2 X 3 rows.




Step 6: Follow the same process for the two rows along the top & bottom of the centerpiece. This should give you two 2 X 7 rows. Laid out, it should look like the photo on the left.

Step 7: Sides first, sew the blocks onto the centerpiece. Its best to pin the design together first to make sure the squares are in alignment.

Step 8: Hooray! The hard work is done and now we can move onto the back of the cushion. For this, you will need to cut out two large squares of 21" x 21". This will be slightly larger than the front due to the stitching of the patchwork. If you want to be more accurate, simply pin the cushion front onto the fabric and cut around it.


 Step 9: Fold over about 1/3 of each square to double it up. Make sure there is enough room for them to comfortably overlap when on the cushion back. Then, stitch the fold down to secure it in place.




Step 10: Decide which piece of fabric is going on the top. fold this in half widthways (i.e so the top and bottom remain in alignment). Then, using the bottom center, measure a buttonhole for the button of your choice. unfold the fabric and make sure the button hole is center. (I usually just wing buttonholes by drawing round the button and adding a bit - if using this method its a good idea to do a tester first to make sure its the right size!) After this, sew the button hole.



Step 11: Next, position the back of the cushion onto the front and pin it into place, wrong sides together (We are going to blind hem it). Sew this down with a stitch very close to the edge. Once this is complete, turn the cushion inside out and again, stitch along the edge. This time, use a regular running stitch and seam allowance.

Step 12: finally, line up the button hole and sew a button into position on the corresponding fabric. Fill with a cushion inner (mine is 17" x 17" but 19" x 19" would probably fit); fasten the button and you are finished!

 I really hope these instructions weren't too difficult to follow! Please feel free to leave photos of your own cushions in the comments below! And finally, thank you for reading, happy sewing xo


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