AN ARM LESS CHAIR COVER Draw a scale plan and work out a cutting layout for the panels of fabric, checking that the grain runs up and down the chair, and from front to back across the seat. Then calculate how much fabric you will need from the scale plan. Cut out rectangular panels for the back, outer back and seat of the chair to the appropriate measurements. Mark the center of the back panel, seat panel and chair with lines of pins. Pin the back panel on the chair, wrong side out, matching the pinned lines. Fit it around the top of the chair with stitched darts or tucks if necessary.
SCATTER CUSHION
Cut out the top cushion piece from fabric, allowing 12 mm seam allowance all round, and make a paper template from it. Cut the paper across where the zip is to be inserted (about J third of the way down), and spread the pieces 2.5 cm apart to allow for the zip. Make a template of this shape and use it to cut the fabric piece for the back. Insert the zip. Apply any decorative trims to the front panel of the cushion. Position the piping or a frill around one cushion piece if required, raw edges together, the piping or frill facing the center of the cushion piece. Tack and stitch in place.
Box CUSHION
Cut out a fabric panel for the top of the cushion, making a turn pleat, if necessary. Include a 12 cm seam allowance. For the back, cut two panels of fabric to fit the cushion allowing 2.5 cm extra for the zip to be inserted across the panel. Make up a welt to fit tightly around the cushion pad. Clip into the seam 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 at 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 ties and pin them into the seams at the back corners.
Remove the pinned cover by opening the zip and machine stitch the seams. Clip seam allowance across the corners and notch curved seams as necessary. 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 5 cm 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.