Tutorial: Cushion cover with buttons

Note: I have used 2 fabrics for my cushion. A printed linen for the front and a plain linen for the back. 

1. Measure your cushion and cut your fabric:

• When measuring your cushion, make sure to measure from one side seam to the other and remember it is nicer to have a slightly tighter cover than a baggy one. 

• For example:

If your cushion insert is 40cm x 40cm-
Cut one square for the front of the cushion 42cm x 42cm (add 1cm each side for the seam allowance).
Cut one rectangle for the back of the cushion 42cm (same width) x 54cm (add 12cm), then cut this rectangle in half so you have 2 pieces of 42cm x 27cm.

2. Prepare the back panels:

• On one 42cm side of the two back pieces, turn the raw edge to the wrong side by 1cm and press. Then turn a down by a further 3cm and press again. 

• Sew along the length of the inside gold to secure. Make sure to choose a matching thread as you will see the thread on the outside. 

3. Buttonholes:

• On ONE of the back pieces, on the side you have just sewn, place one button in the center (of the folded section) and the remaining two on either side, equally spaced out. Mark the placement. 

• Sew your buttonholes on this piece. Make sure the buttonhole is parallel to your previous line of stitching and that it is in the middle of the stitched line and the folded edge. 

• To open your buttonholes, place a pin through the center of the buttonhole and use an unpicked to rip through the fabric in the center. The pin at the end will stop you from cutting the stitches at the end of the hole. 

4. Assembly:

• Place your back piece with the buttonholes over the folded and sewn edge of the remaining back piece so that the folded edge of the buttonhole piece just covers the stitching on the underneath piece. Make sure it is straight and pin together. 

• Place your front square right sides together on top of the back piece. Trim any discrepancies and pin all the way around. 

• See around the 4 edges with a 1cm seam allowance. 

• Zig zag or overlock around the 4 edges to avoid fraying. 

5. Finishing:

• Turn the cushion through to the right side. Push the corners out and press the seams. 

• Lay the cushion cover flat and make sure the two back pieces are lined up correctly. Push the buttonholes open slightly and mark the center of each hole on the fabric underneath. This is where you will see your buttons onto. 

• Sew the buttons on and you're done!