How to Design Cushions

Experiment with fun cushion designs.

Making cushions is simple and fun. Just get some fabric, pillow stuffing, scissors and needle and thread. Cut two equal squares of fabric to whatever size you want. Lay them atop each other and sew three sides closed, 1/2 inch in from the edges of the fabric. Then stuff the cushion, sew the final side closed, and you're finished. Sew two or three to get the hang of making basic cushions, then experiment with designing and customizing them.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Pillow stuffing
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Decorative elements

Instructions

1. 

   Patterns and prints make your cushions stand out.

   Choose fun fabrics. Use both texture and color to create a striking effect. Bold shades, uncommon patterns and wacky prints can make your cushions stand out, as can unusual textures such as velvet, suede and leather instead of plain cotton. And even if you choose neutral and muted colors for your cushions, these textures will make them pop. Visit fabric stores and hobby and craft shops to browse their selections and see what will appeal to you. Customizing cushions in this way allows you to make them fit in with a specific room's decor or color scheme.

2. 

   Add a fun border.

   Add decorative elements. Sew on ornamental cord, piping, ribbon or even shoelaces for a fun border. Adorn the cushion with fabric cutouts, tassels, feathers or fabric scraps. Attach Velcro tabs or ties to hold the cushion in place on a chair. Add hardware and trinkets such as small wooden or metal carvings, shells, mirrors, arrowheads, marbles and beads. Superglue a short length of a chain or tie a loop of string onto the trinket, then stitch it onto your cushion.

3. 

   A heart-shaped cushion livens up a kid's bed.

   Make cushions in quirky shapes and sizes. No need to stick to chair and seat cushions; make them as large or little as you want. Oversized cushions are great for kids to throw on the floor to lie or play on. Make small cushions for children's furniture. And remember: Your cushions don't have to be square. Rectangular ones can cover a toy chest or bench; oblong or oval ones can make a hammock more comfortable; round ones can cover stools or a futon. A heart- or starburst-shaped cushion can liven up a kid's bed.

References

• Allfreecrafts.com: Learn How to Make A Pillow
• Fabrics-manufacturers.com: Fabric Textures