Easy DIY Cushion Covers: Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Stylish Accents (2024)

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Crafting stylish cushion covers is a breeze with these simple steps. Start by cutting fabric to size, pinning it together, and hand-sewing the bottom edge. Clip the corners, turn it right-side out, and insert your pillow form.

To personalize, add pom-poms, tassels, or fabric yo-yos. Create an envelope-style opening for easy cover changes. Experiment with different fabrics, trims, and embellishments to showcase your personality.

Sewing your own cushion covers allows you to customize with names, monograms, appliques, and more. If you’re ready to dive deeper into unique cushion cover designs and advanced techniques, keep reading.

Basic Cushion Cover Instructions

To create a pillow cover with a vintage feel, follow these steps:

1. Materials: Gather your supplies, including fabric, pillow form, needle, thread, straight pins, and the That Purple Thang tool.
2. Instructions: Begin by cutting out the front and back sides of the pillow and pinning them together with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Start pinning 2 inches from one bottom corner and continue until you reach the other bottom corner. Then, thread your needle and begin hand-sewing at the bottom edge of the pillow where your first pin is.
3. Ladder Stitch: Use the ladder stitch to sew around the pillow, pulling the thread through the fabric and keeping the stitches about 1/4 inch apart. Stop about 2 inches away from the corner on the bottom edge of the fabric. Knot off your thread by taking a small bite of fabric next to where your thread is. Clip the fabric on the four corners, making sure not to clip your stitches. Turn the fabric right side out and use the That Purple Thang tool to push out the corners.
4. Insert Pillow Form: Insert the pillow form into the pillow cover and pin the bottom edge closed. Hand sew the pillow closed using the ladder stitch.
5. Tips: Clip the fabric on the four corners, making sure not to clip your stitches. Turn the fabric right side out. Use a That Purple Thang tool to push out the corners. Insert the pillow form and pin the bottom edge of the pillow cover closed. Hand sew the pillow closed using the ladder stitch.

Remember to use plastic or tin foil underneath for a worn look, push harder in some places for a vintage effect, wash the cover multiple times for a washed-out look, and subscribe to mailing lists for post updates. You can also participate in One Room Spring Tour for kitchen inspiration.

Decorative Cushion Cover Ideas

Want to add some personality to plain cushions? Try embellishing them with pompoms, tassels, or fabric yo-yos. For an easy way to change up your cushion covers, consider creating envelope-style closures that allow you to quickly remove and replace the covers.

Personalize Plain Cushions With Pompoms, Tassels, or Fabric Yo-yos

To personalize plain cushions, consider adding pompom embellishments, tassel accents, or fabric yo-yos. These unique designs can be achieved through advanced techniques found in sewing tutorials.

Pompoms can be added to the corners of a cushion cover, while tassels can be attached to the edges. Fabric yo-yos can be sewn onto the cushion cover for a more intricate look.

These decorative throw pillows are a great way to add personality to your home decor. Experimenting with these embellishments can be a fun and rewarding experience for sewing enthusiasts.

Create Envelope-style Cushion Covers for Easy on and Off

Envelope-style cushion covers offer a chic and practical solution for those who love to switch up their decor. They’re a breeze to remove, perfect for a quick wash or style update. Here’s how to craft your own:

1. Choose patterned fabrics and accent colors that reflect your personality.
2. Add decorative trims or embellished closures for a unique touch.
3. Mix and match cushions to showcase your inner book lover with a hand-sewn pillow flair.

Customizing Cushion Covers

Add personalized touches to your cushion covers by embroidering names or monograms. Experiment with different trims, zippers, and embellishments to create truly one-of-a-kind designs that reflect your style.

Add Names or Personalize Cushions for Family Members

To add names or personalize cushions for family members, consider using embroidery, monogramming, applique, painted fabric, or stenciling. Here are some tips:

1. Embroidery: Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order embroidered cushion covers. You can choose the options you’d like for the order, and under Add your personalization, fill out the requested information.
2. Monogramming: You can also use a monogramming tool or hire a professional to add names or initials to your cushion covers. This can be a great way to make them unique and personal.
3. Applique: For a more creative approach, consider using applique. You can use iron-on bonding to apply the applique motif, making it easier to work with.
4. Painted Fabric: If you’re feeling artistic, you can stencil a fabric pillow cover using acrylic craft paint and a stencil. This method allows you to create unique designs and add personalization.
5. Stenciling: You can stencil a fabric pillow cover with your chosen design using a stencil brush. This method is easy and allows for precise placement of the design.
6. Thread: If you’re comfortable with sewing, you can use different colored threads to sew names or designs onto the cushion cover.
7. That Purple Thang tool: This tool can be used to push out the corners of the cushion cover after turning it right side out.
8. Ladder Stitch: Once the cover is turned right side out, you can use the ladder stitch to hand sew the pillow closed.

Experiment With Various Piping, Zippers, and Other Embellishments

To add a personal touch to your cushion covers, you can experiment with various piping techniques, zipper styles, and embellishments. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Piping Techniques: Piping gives a professional finish to your cushion covers. You can use piping to outline the edges of your cushion cover or add it to the seams for a decorative touch. To add piping, start by pinning it to the raw edge of the fabric, then stitch around the piping with your zipper foot on top of the piping stitching.
2. Zipper Styles: Zippered cushion covers are a practical and stylish choice. You can choose from different zipper styles, such as plastic (nylon coil) zippers, which are better for cushion covers than metal ones as they’re smoother and easier to sew. To sew a zipper onto your cushion cover, sew one side, leaving a gap, then baste the gap and insert the zipper face down.
3. Embellishments Choices: Adding embellishments to your cushion covers can make them more unique and personalized. Some ideas include adding buttons, ribbons, or lace. You can also experiment with different fabric combinations to create a unique look.
4. Personalized Details: Consider adding names or personalized details to your cushion covers for family members. This can be done using embroidery, appliqué, or even monogramming.

Unique Cushion Cover Designs

Now that you’ve mastered customizing your cushion covers, it’s time to explore unique designs. Here are four ideas to inspire your creativity:

1. Pillow Shams: Create a set of matching shams for your decorative pillows. This adds a cohesive look to your living space and can be easily swapped out for seasonal changes.
2. Throw Pillows: Design a throw pillow with a contrasting fabric or a bold pattern. This can add a pop of color or texture to your sofa or chair.
3. Reupholster Cushions: Give old cushions a new life by reupholstering them with a fresh fabric. This is a cost-effective way to update your furniture and add a personal touch.
4. Cushion Inserts: Experiment with different cushion inserts, such as memory foam or down, to create a comfortable and supportive seating area. This can make a big difference in the overall comfort of your home.

Advanced Cushion Cover Techniques

Ready to take your cushion cover game to the next level? Here are some advanced techniques to try:

1. Creating pillow shams: Sew a sham to match your cushion cover, adding a touch of elegance and versatility.
2. Using decorative stitches: Experiment with various stitches to add texture and visual interest to your covers.
3. Adding appliques: Embellish your covers with appliques made from different fabrics or trims.
4. Mixing fabrics: Combine various textures and patterns for a unique, eclectic look.
5. Repurposing vintage fabrics: Give new life to old fabrics by incorporating them into your cushion covers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)