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By using two different patterns in the same colour palette, one on each side of the cover, you can change the look just by flipping the cushion over. Tie fastenings are easier to make than a zip opening and are a pretty detail.

What you'll need:

● Fabric in two different designs or colours
● Cushion pad
● Tape measure
● Sewing machine
● Needle and thread
● Pins
● Iron

How it's done

1. Cut one fabric to the size of the cushion, plus a 1.5cm seam allowance. From the other fabric, cut two pieces, each two-thirds the cushion's size, plus a 1.5cm seam allowance (pieces 2 and 3). With wrong sides up, hem one of the long edges on both pieces 2 and 3.

2. Fold over the hemmed edges of pieces 2 and 3 by 4cm and iron flat. Sew the sides of the flaps closed. On piece 2, sew a hem close to the outside ironed edge. Now trim the opposite raw edge so piece 2 is half the size of the cushion, plus a 1.5cm seam on the raw edges.

3. Lay piece 1 right side up, with piece 2, then 3 on top, right sides down, hemmed edges overlapping. Sew together on all four sides. Turn right way out.

4. For the ties, cut four strips of fabric to 35cm x 4cm. With wrong side up, fold both edges in lengthways to meet in the middle and iron flat. Fold in half and stitch along the open edge.Repeat for other three ties.

5. Stitch two ties to the inside hem of piece 2, and two ties to the right side underlap of piece 3. Insert cushion and tie the bows.

Cushions made up in (from left): Plain Dotty in Cranberry, £39 a metre; Flora in Mushroom and Raspberry, £39 a metre; both Vanessa Arbuthnott

Words: Alaina Binks. Photos: Mark Scott

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