CUSHION
Cut out a fabric panel for the top of the cushion, making a template if necessary. Include a 12 mm scam allowance. For the back, cut two panels of fabric to fit the cushion allowing 2.5cm extra for the zip to be inserted across the panel. Make up a welt to fit tightly around the cushion pad. Clip into the scam allowances at the corners.
If the cushion is round or awkwardly shaped, cut the welt on the bias to make it easier to fit. Fit piping all around the upper and lower panels if required. With right sides facing inwards, fit the top and base panel to the welt and pin. If the cushion is to be tied in place, make up fabric tics and pin them into the scams at the back corners. Remove the pinned cover by opening the zip and machine stitch the scams.
Clip scam allowance across the corners and notch curved scams as necessary ( 198). The zip can be inserted into the welt in which case measure up for two lengths of fabric to make up the welt, one that extends around adjoining corners by 5cm both ways. This piece needs to be 2.5 cm wider than the other welt piece so that it can be split down its length to insert the zip. With the zip open, right sides facing and raw edges matching, sew around the cushion. Turn right side out. Press before inserting the cushion pad.
MAKING CUSHIONS BOLSTER CUSHION
Before cutting the fabric, decide whether any pattern should run along or around the cushion. Cut a rectangle of fabric long enough to wrap around the bolster pad, with 12 mm seam allowance down all sides. Make the rectangle into a tube to fit around the pad, setting a zip into the seam. Fit on to the pad wrong side out, and clip into the seam allowance. Cut a circle of fabric for each end of the cushion, including the same seam allowance.
Apply piping or frills around the edge if required. Fit the circles on to either end of the tube, wrong side out, and tack along the seam line. Remove the cover from the pad and machine stitch scams. Layer and notch seam allowances and press towards the circles. Press, and then turn right side out and press again before inserting the cushion pad. You can decorate the end of bolsters with tassels, rosettes, covered buttons etc.