How to make fabulous cushions from old clothes

We all know how expensive buying new fabric can be, but we don’t always have to spend a fortune.  Most of us have clothes that don’t fit or we don’t like anymore, but you don’t need to throw them away.

If you still like the fabric you can upcycle them into some really creative and attractive cushions.  You can even create cushions from left over bits of fabric

This step by step guide shows you have to make a cushion from an old sweatshirt which is bang on trend and would make a lovely gift for a friend.

You will need

• An old sweatshirt
• Cushion pad
• Felt
• Embroidery cotton/wool
• Ribbon
• Needle and thread

Step one

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Take your sweat shirt and cut up the seams, separating the front from the back.

Step two

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Measure your cushion and cut out your fabric to the desired size.  This cushion measured 20 cms by 30cms ins so I cut out two identical oblongs 25cms 35cms which leaves a good sized seam allowance.

Step three

Before you stitch you pieces together you need to add your decoration. This cushions uses a dachshund template, but you can use any design you want.  Pin your template on your piece of felt and cut out.

Place on the fabric in the desired position and pin in place.

Step four

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Secure the image to the fabric with embroidery cotton using blanket stitch.

Step five

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Add a simple bow to the neck and your design is complete

Step six

If  you want to add a zip you need to insert it at this stage.

>> how to insert a zip into a cushion

Otherwise  place right sides together and stitch around the edges.  If you aren’t using a zip make sure that you leave one side open.

Step seven

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Turn the cushion in the right way and insert cushion pad.

Turn in the edges of the open side and hand stitch the opening.

To finish off stitch around the edges with wool in a blanket stitch.