For a more feminine look a frill can be added to a simple cushion which can be made to match, contrast or co-ordinate with the main fagric. Frilled cushions look equally attractive in the living room as well as in the bedroom. These free illustrated sewing instructions will enable you to make your own frilled cushions.

Requirements:

Square cushion pad in desired size.

Suitable fabric for cover and frill.

Matching thread.

Making the Cushion:

Measure the cushion pad, place the tape measure seam to seam and add a seam allowance of 5/8 inch (1.5cms) to all edges.

To make a 2 inch (5cms)  frill, cut out strips of fabric, across the width, 3.25 inches (8.5cms) wide and long enough to go twice around the outside of the cover when joined. Pin and stitch the strips together using a  french seam into a ring of fabric. Turn under a double 3/8 inch (1cm) hem along bottom edge of frill (See figure 1). Pin and stitch. Run 2 rows of  gathering stitches along top edge. Tip: If the cover is large and the frill is long then divide both into 4 equal sections and mark with chalk. Work each section separately.

Cut out 2 pieces of fabric to the chosen size including seam allowance.

Place the frill on one piece of fabric with right sides together, frill facing inwards and raw edges matching (See figure 2).

Pull up gathering threads to make the frill fit the cushion and space gathers evenly.

Pin and stitch frill in place. Remove gathering stitches.

Place the fabric with right sides together, so that the frill is between the layers, pin, tack and stitch round the 4 corners and 3 sides, leaving an opening in the centre of the remaining side. Fasten ends of threads securely. Turn right side out.

Insert cushion pad. Turn under edges of opening in line with the remainder of the seam and  slipstitch across the opening.

Figure 1

Figure 2