hello sunshine

Bring good times to your outdoor room with fresh covers stitched by you!

aussie summers are made for afternoons of lounging outside. Now is the perfect time to reinvigorate your outdoor room and re-cover any weathered cushions, as even quality outdoor fabrics fade eventually. It’s a simple job to stitch them yourself, saving you a tidy sum, and you’ll be sitting pretty before you’ve poured your first icy drink. Cheers!

Arranging wide runners

across your table is a modern twist on placemats. Stylish runners are so expensive, you cry. Well, not if you make them yourself. Just pick your fabric, decide on the width and length (ensuring there is at least 20cm for the drop at each end), and include a little extra fabric for the hems. Then, with a little basic stitching, you’re done!

Turning a serveyourself

buffet-style lunch into something fancier is in the details. A stack of cloth napkins to match your scheme will always appeal. And here’s a hot tip for tidy stitching on cotton napkins: press the hems before you sew. Crisp edges make topstitching an easy-breezy affair. Instructions on page 202

FABRICS MADE FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

For lasting good looks, choose mildew-resistant outdoor-rated fabrics. Check the fabric’s details and look for key terms like UV resistant and fade-proof. The fabrics used here were purchased online from an outdoor fabric store. Prefer not to tackle the sewing yourself? Take advantage of its sewing service and have your cushions and covers made. To find out more, visit faboutdoorfabrics.com.au

To make cushions in a hurry,

cut two squares of fabric, 2cm larger than your insert. With fabric right sides facing, use 1cm seams and stitch cushion front and back together, leaving a 30cm opening on one side for your insert. Turn the cover right side out, push in the insert then hand-stitch the opening closed. Job done! To take it to the next level, add a zipper so you can remove the cover for cleaning. For a professional and tailored finish, consider piping in a contrast colour. Instructions on page 202 ➤

3

5