I have recently released my latest quilt pattern to the world and I have shared on social media how I have made two types of cushions using the FPP blocks that I designed in that pattern.

For both cushions I have used plain fabrics for two main reasons: they are the ones that best suit this design and they are the ones that best combine with any kind of decoration. The plain fabrics give a much more modern and avant-garde touch to the cushion.

For the two back cushions I used two different prints: a more classic one, with daisies, and a much more modern one, with abstract lines. I want to share with all of you how I measure the filling of the cushion to calculate the size of the cover and how to calculate the edges needed to sew the top of the cushion. I will also explain how to make a simple envelope backing. In future posts I will explain how to add a traditional zipper and an invisible zipper. Let’s get to it!

Here are the two designs I have prepared for the cushions I have made, and more examples of how to use the blocks.

For the square cushion, I used one block from the pattern, which measures 10″ square. Optionally you could use (2), 10 ” × 5″ blocks.
For the lumbar cushion, I used (3) 10 ” × 5″ blocks. Optionally you could use (1) 10″ square block and (2) 10 ” × 5″ blocks.

In both cases you can play with the position/rotation of the blocks. The possibilities are really endless.

MEASURING THE CUSHION INSERT

I always measure the cushion filling, regardless of the type of filling, from one of the side seams to the opposite side seam, without squeezing the cushion. The measuring tape should “hug” the cushion without strangling it, so that the measurement is not too tight.

Taking this measurement into account, you have two options:

If you want the cushion cover to fit tighter, use that measurement as the final size of your cushion cover. That is, if the cushion measures 19″ square, your top should measure 19″ square finished. Then add the seam allowance, which is usually ¼ ” or ½ ” , i.e. the unfinished size of the top would be 19 ½” square or 20″ square.
If you want the pillowcase to be looser, add ½” to the finished size of your pillowcase. That is, if the cushion measures 19″ square, your top should measure 19 ½” square finished. Then add the seam allowance, which is usually ¼” or ½”, i.e., the unfinished measurement would be 20″ square or 20 ½” square.

CALCULATING THE BORDERS

Calculating the borders of your top is very simple.
We will take as a reference the finished measurement of the top that we have already calculated in the previous step. For example 19 ½” square.

On the cushion there are always four borders, two vertical and two horizontal.

VERTICAL BORDERS

The length of the vertical borders would be the measurement of the FPP blocks of the cushion, in this case 10 ½”.
The width is calculated according to the following formula: (finished length of the cushion minus (the sum of the widths of the FPP blocks) divided by 2 plus the seam allowance. In this case it would be: (19 ½” – 10″=9 ½”)/2 = 4 ¼” + ½” = 4 ¾”.

HORIZONTAL BORDERS

The length of the horizontal borders is the length of the cushion top.
The width is calculated the same as for the verticals.

Whereupon, for a 19 ½” square cushion, using a ¼” seam allowance, we would need

(2) 10 ½” x 4 ¾”
(2) 19 ½” x 4 ¾”

And for a 20 ½” x 14 ½” lumbar cushion, also using a ¼” seam allowance, we would need:

(2) 10 ½” x 3 ¼”
(2) 21″ x 2 ¾”

CALCULATING THE BACKING FABRIC AND BATTING

For the envelope backing you’ll need two equal pieces of fabric.

The length of each piece would be the same as for the top.
To calculate the width, divide the width of the top by 2 and then add 6″. For example, for a 20″ cover: 20/2=10 + 6 = 16″ + seam allowance

So my final pieces are: (2) 20½” × 16½”

For the batting, add 4″ to the top size: 24″ square. Same for the backing fabric.

PIECING THE CUSHION TOP

Sew the block/s and the vertical borders right sides together. Press seams open.

2. Sew one horizontal border to both the top and the bottom edges of your cushion top.

FINISHING THE CUSHION COVER

Baste and quilt using the 24″ square piece of fabric for the pillow backing and the 24″ square piece of batting.
Take your two pieces of backing fabric and locate the two sides you want towards the middle – this is where we will hem and create an envelope opening to insert your pillow form.
Fold over that edge ½” and press, then again another ½” and press. At your sewing machine, stitch hem in place. Repeat for the other half of the envelope backing.
Place the quilted pillow front right side up on your work surface. Place the first envelope backing face down on the pillow front with hemmed edges towards the centre.
Place the second backing piece face down with hemmed edges towards the centre, overlapping your two hemmed sides.
Sew the backing to the pillow front along the perimeter using ¼” seam allowance.
Trim the seam allowance at the corners of the pillow next to the stitch line. Don’t cut the thread.
Turn the pillow inside out.