Here is something incredibly rewarding about seeing your piece of block-printed fabric made up into a cushion or pillowcase. They make a fantastically generous present for someone special, or allow you to add a real piece of homespun charm to your own hom

Measure the size of the cushion pad, adding at least 5cm (2in) seam allowance on all sides.

Cut two squares from your printed fabric and press, then pin the squares right-sides together. Machine stitch around three sides (remember to remove the pins as you go). If you have an overlocker, overlock the edges. If you don’t, simply trim off the excess fabric and zigzag stitch the edges. Turn the cover right-side out. Turn the unsewn edges in and press. Insert your cushion pad and pin the open seams together. Sew along the final edge with a sewing machine or stitch the edge by hand.

DESIGN NOTES

While your design will be printed flat onto the fabric, once your cover is placed over the cushion pad the pattern will be given so much life – the pad also hides any areas where your design may have wobbled.