VELVET CUSHIONS

Play with colour blocking and simple patchwork to make this luxe duo

MATERIALS

Crushed velvet, 50cm (19 ") each in light pink, gold, light blue and medium blue, 1m (393/ 8") in dark pink (ours was from www. myfabrics.co.uk) Rotary cutter Cutting mat Matching sewing threads Metal ruler 45 x 45cm (17 x 17 ") cushion pad Polyester stuffing Sewing needle The whole gang’s here – modern geo patchwork, colour block goodness, rich jewel brights and luxe crushed velvet. Basically, this simple-sew cushion duo project is smashing through all of our favourite interiors trends in one go like some kind of crafty juggernaut.

Don’t you think it’s time you let your sofa live its best life?

Square cushion

Using the rotary cutter and cutting mat, cut a 50 x 50cm (19¾ x 19¾") square and a 50 x 26.5cm (19¾ x 10½") rectangle from the light blue velvet. Cut a 50 x 50cm (19¾ x 19¾") square and a 50 x 26.5cm (19¾ x 10½") rectangle from the medium blue velvet.

Using the rotary cutter, cutting mat and metal ruler, cut the two squares in half diagonally from the bottom left to the top right to create two triangles in each shade. Set one of each triangle aside as you’ll only need a light blue one and a dark blue one for this project.

For the cushion front, place a light blue and dark blue triangle with right sides (RS) together and sew along the diagonal line with a 0.5cm (¼") seam allowance.

Next, with each of the 50 x 26.5cm (19¾ x 10½") pieces, fold one of the long edges to the wrong side ( WS) by 0.5cm (¼"), and then again by 0.5cm (¼"). Top stitch in place approximately 0.25cm ( 1 /8") in from the edge.

Place the cushion front with RS facing. Lay the cushion back pieces on top, aligning the edges, and with WS facing. The hemmed back

pieces should overlap in the middle to form an opening, as shown.

Pin in place and carefully sew all the way around the outer edge with a 0.5cm (¼") seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end. For added security, encase the seams with zigzag stitch. Turn the cover RS out and insert the cushion pad to finish.

Semi-circle cushion

Using the templates on page 96, cut one triangle piece from the dark pink, light pink and gold velvet fabrics. For the cushion back, cut a semi-circle piece from the dark pink velvet.

Place the light pink triangle and gold triangle with RS together and sew along the right diagonal sides with a 0.5cm (¼") seam allowance.

Place the gold triangle and dark pink triangle with RS together and sew with a 0.5cm (¼") seam allowance. This is the cushion front.

Place the cushion front with RS facing. Lay the semi-circle template from page 96 on top of the cushion front with the curve at the top, aligning the bottom point of the gold triangle with the bottom edge of the template. Carefully trim away the excess fabric around the top of the template to create the upper curve of the semi-circle.

Place the cushion front and back pieces with RS together, aligning the edges. Pin in place, then sew with a 1cm ( seam allowance, leaving a 12cm (4¾") gap along the bottom edge for turning out.

Snip the seam along the curved edge, then turn RS out. Fill with stuffing, using small pieces for an even finish. Sew the gap closed.