Welcome to
Cushions and more 
 

If, like me, you love cushions and soft furnishings, sewing and creative home crafts you are I the right place. Here at Cushions and more, you can explore ideas, inspiration and practical information on choosing, buying , styling them in your home, and branching out into related sewing and craft projects.

These can add comfort, colour, personality and warmth to a room - and they are often on of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of your space.

Whether you want to learn about cushion covers, fabrics, fillings, curtain ideas, or sewing projects, this site is here to help you explore and enjoy the possibilities.

Take a look around and explore the topics below to find ideas, guidance and inspiration for your next project.

 

Where would you like to start?

Explore the topics below for ideas and inspiration on....

Cushions and Soft Furnishings

Find ideas, inspiration and practical help for choosing the right cushions and styling them beautifully in your home.

Buying Cushions - Learn about base, back and scatter cushions. How to choose the right type for comfort, support and everyday use.

Decorative covers - Discover colours, patterns and styles to refresh a room without replacing the whole cushion.

Styles and Shapes - Explore different styles and shape ideas

Fabrics - Learn which fabrics suit different cushions and how fabric affects the final look and feel.

Fastenings - Compare the different fastening options used on cushions and see which work the best

Fillings - Find out which cushion filling offer the best comfort, support and durability.

Curtains - Discover curtain styles, headings and fabrics to help tie a room together

---

Sewing

If you enjoy making things yourself, this section helps you to build your sewing confidence.

All About Sewing - Learn about the parts of a sewing machine, what the different presser feet are used for,  scissors and basic sewing tools.

Making Cushions - See how to make cushions yourself, especially when you want a particular size or shape.

---

Creative Crafts

Basic Crochet Steps - Learn the steps for simple stitches and granny squares.

Knitting Basics - Explore the purl, knit and cable stitches. how to cast on and cast the stitches off.

Patchwork - Discover the history of patchwork to the different types of patchwork blocks.

Bunting - Add a cheerful handmade touch to a room or occasion.

Other Sewing Crafts - Find ideas for embellishing cushions and covers with appliqué, beads, buttons, ribbon, or sequins.

---

What are cushions?

Many may just think that a cushion is the small, loose, usually square soft furnishing that usually sits on the settee or an arm chair.

The dictionary definition is - 'A cushion is a soft bag or pad filled with soft material, like feathers, foam, or air. You use it to make sitting more comfortable.'

This is quite true but there is a lot more if you really break the cushion theme down.

The Base Cushion

These cushion bases are usually a square edge shape. Some lounge furniture have loose base cushions if the cover is removable for cleaning otherwise the base will be an unholstered part of the frame with the base built into it.

To get this square edge shape a piece of material inserted between the front fabric and the back.

This piece is called a gusset and can be wide or narrow depending on the appearance of the base. This shape also gives strength to the cushion. 

The Back Cushion

The one shown in this picture is a loose cushion much like a large scatter cushion. On armchairs and settees these can either be loose and, to keep them in place, zippers are attached to the frame and the cushion to hold them in place. These are used if the covers are washable to allow for them to be removed. The back cushion can also be a padded part of the frame and fixed in place.

Scatter cushions

This is where the artistic touch is added as scatter cushionscan be made to compliment or coordinate the chair colour.

These do not need to be as hard wearing as bases or backs so can be decoratively made. 

Taking cushions a bit further

From sewing beads or sequins onto a ready made cushion or its cover can possibly lead onto learning other crafts. 

It will be bespoke because you made it and a designer one because you have designed it to your own specifications....so what could be better? 

Making cushions is a great way to learn to sew. A simple square cushion has straight lines to practise sewing seams.

Sewing and other crafts sometimes have a fastening like button and zips another step to conquer. With time, effort and patience the craft of sewing is obtained...this in turn can lead to 

• Making Clothes
• Making Curtains
• Learning other sewing crafts

There can be so many questions on and I will try to give you the information to help you make your choices as well as giving you information of the different types that are used.

Delve into the world of cushions, crafts and a lot more besides.