Sophie Conran cushions to make :: picnic box cushion cover pattern :: free sewing pattern :: UK sewing patterns

Recently I’ve become a little bit cushion obsessed! I love them, especially the big squishy ones that you can sink into on the sofa or lounge around on in the garden at the end of the day. They’re great for adding colour, pattern or texture to beds, chairs and sofas. Car boot sales, fleamarkets and antiques stalls are good sources of inexpensive fabrics: look out for vintage silk scarves, linen grain sacks, or old curtains or shirts.

There are all sorts of pads available (visit www.merrick-day.com for a selection or www.woolsoft.co.uk for good quality, wool-filled pads). Some will hold their shape and always look tidy, but I prefer feather pads – though they do need lots of plumping. But whatever filling, shape, size or fabric you choose, making your own cushion covers is easy and very rewarding.

Picnic box cushions

Perfect for out in the garden, picnics or just on the floor at home, these bright box cushions have a handle so they’re easy to carry.

How it’s done
Cut the material to size (we’ve used fabrics from a selection at Osborne and Little). You’ll need: a top and bottom section, each the size of your pad plus 1cm seam allowance; four gusset panels, each cut to the size of the sides plus 1cm seam; two bias cut strips for piping, each the length of the pad’s perimeter; one handle section, cut to the same width as the gusset plus a 1cm seam allowance each end.

Start by taking the bias cut strips: fold over and enclose a length of piping cord. Machine sew as close to the cord as you can. Turn in the seam allowance on the top and bottom panels and machine the piping into place.

Stitch the four gusset sections together end to end (don’t stitch into the seam allowance or you’ll have trouble attaching the gusset to the main panels).

Stitch the gusset around the edges of one of the main panels.

To make the handle, fold in the seam allowance on the long edges, then fold the whole piece in half lengthways. Edge stitch both long edges. Fold in the ends and attach to one gusset panel.

Stitch the gusset to the other main panel on three sides, insert the pad and slip stitch to close.

Tip: Use a different patterned fabric for each cushion to add a splash of summer colour to your garden