Making Zipped Cushions Instructions

A zip is usually added to a cushion cover to enable it to be easily removed for cleaning. This is especially useful when using feather filled cushion pads.

The zip can be fitted into the side seam of the cushion pad, making the cushion reversible, or across the centre of the back of the cushion cover in which case the cushion can only be used one way up.

Adding a zip to a curved edge can result in a bulky, unsightly seam. For this reason, the instructions below are for a round zipped cushion with a zip fitted across the centre of the back of the cushion.

In the example shown to the right, the round zipped cushion has been embellished with bobble fringing. It is backstitched onto the finished cushion.

Requirements:

Round cushion pad in the desired size.

Fabric of your choice.

Zip, 2" (5 cms) shorter than the diameter of the cushion pad.

Matching thread.

Pencil, ruler and string.

Making a Round Zipped Cushion:

• Measure the diameter of the cushion pad, measure from seam to seam across the centre of the cushion and add 1" (2.5 cms) for seam allowances.
• Cut 1 square of fabric, 2" (5 cms) larger than the diameter of the cushion pad. If patterned fabric is used, make sure to centre any design on the fabric.
• Fold the fabric square into quarters, right sides together. Cut a length of string 8" (20 cms) longer than the radius of the cover so there is enough to tie onto the pencil. Anchor the string with the drawing pin in the folded corner of the fabric with the string the same length as the radius of the cover plus seam allowances. Draw an arc from edge to edge. Cut along the drawn line, through all thicknesses and unfold once so there is a semi-circle of fabric.
• Using this as a pattern, cut 2 semi-circles of fabric adding 0.5" (12 mm) seam allowance to the long straight side. These will be the back sections of the cushion.
• Place 1 back section on a flat surface, right side up and place the other back section on top, wrong side up, matching the raw edges.
• Pin and tack the long straight sides together, 0.5" (12 mm) in from the raw edges.
• Machine stitch 1.5" (3.75 cms) at each end of this seam making sure to fasten the ends of the thread securely and press the seam open.
• Insert a centre zip into the seam between the machine stitches.
• Remove the tacking stitches and open the zip.
• Place the front piece on a flat surface, right side up, and place the back section on top, wrong side up, matching the raw edges.
• Pin and stitch the layers together, 0.5" (12 mm) in from the raw edges.
• Clip the seam allowance approximately every 1" (2.5 cms).
• Turn right side out through the zip and press.
• Insert the cushion pad into the cover and close the zip.

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