Learn to Sew: Envelope Style Cushion Cover

A new cushion cover is a great way to refresh your home's decor. Envelope style cushion covers are quick and easy, and can be adapted to fit almost any size of cushion. In just over an hour, you'll have a stylish new accessory for your home.

Materials

To make an envelope style cushion cover, you'll need:

1/2 to 1 meter of fabric (depending on size of form)
1 cushion form
Matching thread as desired
Measuring tape, ruler and marking tool (this can be a chalk marker, a pencil, a washable marker, or - surprisingly enough - a piece of soap!)

Directions

To make your envelope style cushion cover, follow these steps.

(Note: In these diagrams, white is the inside (called the wrong side), and the patterned side is the outside (called the right side) of the fabric. )

Start by measuring your cushion form.
Now, on the wrong side of your fabric, draw the three pieces of your cushion cover with a marking tool and ruler, and cut them out. (You can draw them onto a large sheet of paper first, if you want.)
The front piece:

And two back pieces:
Turn under one "B" edge of a back piece by a 1/2 inch, and press it well.
Turn this pressed edge under by 1/2 inch again, and press it well.
Stitch the hem down, close to the inside folded edge. Congratulations! You've made a hem!
Make a hem on the second back piece.
Next, pin one unhemmed "B" side of a back piece to one "B" side of the front piece, right sides together. Stitch them together with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Repeat for the other "B" sides of the hemmed and front pieces. Press the seams towards the front piece.
You now have one large rectangle with two seams. Lay this rectangle on a flat surface (your sewing table or ironing board) right side up, and fold the two hemmed ends towards the centre, using the seams as your fold lines. The hemmed edges will overlap.
Pin the sides of your cushion cover together. Then stitch them together using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Turn your cushion cover right side out, using the opening. Iron it smooth and flat if you want.
Finally, stuff your cushion into the cushion cover. It will be a tight fit since the cover is about 1 inch smaller all around than your cushion. (This keeps your cushion nice and plump and helps prevent it from flattening.)