Making Cushion Patterns

Getting cushion patterns commercially can be done through some shopping outlets or magazines.

Making your own patterns may take you a little longer but you can then have the cushions to suit your own needs. There may be many things to take into consideration when making cushions but first start with the two main ones........

What size to make it?
What shape shall it be?

The pattern is then drawn onto paper, stiff card or cardboard depending on what you are making.

Pins will not go through cardboard or stiff card very easily and I would use this if I was going to draw around the shape directly onto the material.

Large stones, heavy beanbags can be use to hold the pattern piece onto the fabric but can be tricky if you need to lift the fabric to cut.

Craft paper can be bought in shops but I have used greaseproof, lining or foolscap paper as well with equally good results.

Making Cushion patterns for

Square Shaped

A Classic or Square

This shape is the first one that is thought of when talking about cushions. It is fairly easy to make and will have some sort of fastening either hidden in a seam or at the back, depending on the style.

These can be made in a box edged design or with an added frill.

Circular or Round Shape

The Circular or Round Shape.

This is a great shaped pillow and these can be elongate and made smaller to get bolster cushions.

Another shape that is good for placing in the small of the back for support and that can also have a single or double frill.

Rectangle Shape

A Retangular Shape

This shape is great for putting behind the small of the back when sitting in a chair or at the side and can be made elongated to suit the chair you are sitting in.

This shape can also be made as a box edge or with an added frill.

Heart Shaped

A Heart Shape.

These can be made in any size just like the other cushions. This shape is loved by all and the "V" shape at the top may allow this cushion to be placed in different positions for support such as placing it under the arm to give rest if broken and healing.

The depth of the V can be altered to give a deep V as shown or making that shallower so it is not really noticed.

These are great for loving decorative cushions.

Freestyle

To have a pattern consisting of two pieces, a front and back in the shape you would like. All you need to do it draw the shape on paper whether it is a clover leaf or any shape in a suit of cards, transfer this onto fabric, cut two pieces out, decide on your fastening and how type of filling you will be using and you are there.

Let your imagination go when thinking of your cushion patterns and try to experiment a little.

Sewing can easily be unpicked if the shape or style does not work and I know that it can be a little frustrating but with a bit of working out you will be really pleased with the end result knowing that you have made it all from the beginning.

Minerva Crafts have a selection of cushion patterns.

Enjoy