Beginners patchwork cushion tutorial!

Sarah Ashford, is one maker you don't want to miss! Her Instagram grid is a dreamy paradise of colour with so much inspiration we just don't know where to start! Well, how about this gorgeous patchwork cushion cover? This project is perfect for beginner quilters, with super easy steps to follow, you'll be giving your space a perfectly patchwork makeover in no time.

If you want to have a go at some simple patchwork, then this is the perfect project to get you started. I've used this beautiful 'Imagine' fat quarter bundle by Anna Bella to make a pretty patchwork cushion with a simple envelope back.

This project is the perfect introduction to quilting and fabric play; so much fun can be had with a handful of fat quarters! It would also be an ideal introduction to quilting with children as it comes together quickly and they can keep it on their bed! This gorgeous cushion will instantly brighten up any area of your home.

Materials

Fat Quarter bundle of around 5 fabrics
Cushion inner – 16inches square
Batting – approximately 20” square
Rotary Cutter
Cutting mat
Acrylic Ruler
Sewing machine
Spray baste
Fabric marking tool (eg. Hera marker, chalk pencil)
Thread, scissors etc.

Cut out your pieces

Cut out sixteen (16) 4 1⁄2 inch squares (If you have 5 fat quarters, cut 3 from each and then one additional square).

For the envelope pillow back cut out the top panel - 16 1⁄2 inches x 13 1⁄2 inches and the bottom panel – 16 1⁄2 inches x 8 1⁄2 inches.

To make the pillowcase

Lay your squares out in a pleasing arrangement, 4 across and 4 down. Try to get a balance of colour, light and shade. This can sometimes take longer than you might think with lots of moving pieces around!

Pro Tip

When you're happy with your layout, take a photo so that you have it to refer back to!

One row at a time, sew the squares into pairs and then into rows using a quarter inch seam. Do not press at this stage. You will see why in a minute!

You should now have 4 rows ready to be pressed. Take the top row and iron the seams to the right.

Take the next row and press the seams to the left. Then take the next row and press the seams to the right, and the last row and press the seams to the left. By alternating the direction of the seams, it enables us to 'nest' the seams when we join the rows together.

Now take the top row and place it wrong sides together on top of the second row, lining up the top edges. Line up the seams carefully.

Put a pin either side of the seam to ensure that the fabric doesn't move. You will see that one seam allowance is going one way, and one seam allowance is going the other way. This allows the seams to 'nest' nicely and reduces bulk.

Stitch along the top using a quarter inch seam.

Repeat for the bottom pair of rows.

Open out and press the two rows. Join the two rows together in the same way and open out and press to complete the cushion patchwork.

Adhere the patchwork top to the batting using spray baste.

Quilt as desired! I've done a simple crosshatch, intersecting the squares on the diagonal in each direction. I used a hera marker and acrylic ruler to mark in lines to follow, but you may prefer to use a chalk pencil or your preferred fabric marking tool.

Stitch all the way around the edge using a 1/8 inch seam to seal the edges.

We're now going to make the envelope back. Take the top and bottom pieces and turn a hem along the long edge by folding a 1⁄4 inch and then a 1⁄4 inch again. Put pins in place to hold it, and stitch across close to the edge to secure in place on each section.

It's now time to construct the cushion. Take the patchwork top and place it right side up. Take the large top section and align the raw edge with the top, with the hemmed edge in the centre, right sides down.

Take the bottom section and align the raw edge with the bottom of the pillow, with the hem overlapping the top section, right side down. Hold in place using binding clips.

Using a 1⁄2 inch seam, stitch all the way around the edge of the cushion, reinforcing the sections where the top and bottom panels overlap. Clip the corners and turn right sides out.

Insert your cushion inner and find the perfect chair, bed or sofa for your beautiful cushion!