Cushion made from pretty patches

Treasured pieces of fabric are sewn together to create colourful cushions to brighten any room on a grey winter’s day

“Her needlework both plain and ornamental was excellent, and she might have put a sewing machine to shame”

James Edward Austen-Leigh, about Jane Austen

REMNANTS OF FABRIC from past sewing projects or scraps saved from a favourite item of old clothing can be combined to make a single piece of material. Choosing a common colour theme ensures fabrics with large or small patterns and differing textures will sit harmoniously side by side when stitched together.

The simplest way to combine the remnants is to sew together pieces of the same depth into strips, creating ribbons of patchwork. This method means different lengths of fabric can be used, without the need for precise measuring.

The ribbons are sewn together horizontally to make one large piece of material, which can then be folded, stitched along the sides and filled with smaller scraps of cloth, stuffing or a pad to create decorative cushions full of memories.

Stripes and florals, plain and patterned materials will all work together if they share shades of the same colour.

Lines of contrasting running stitch can be added to patches for extra texture.