Adding piping to a simple cushion gives a more defined edge to enhance the shape and can match, contrast or co-ordinate with the main cushion fabric. These free illustrated sewing instructions will enable you to make your own piped cushions.

Requirements:

Square cushion pad in desired size.

Suitable fabric for cover and piping if required.

Matching thread.

Piping cord or covered piping cord.

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.

If you are using your own fabric cover the piping cord with a strip of that fabric and machine stitch close to the cord using a zipper foot (See figure 1). To join piping, trim cord ends so they butt firmly together. Bind over the join firmly with sewing thread. Trim fabric so one end is 3/4 inch (2cms) longer than the other. Turn under 3/8 inch (1cm) and overlap opposite raw edge.

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

Pin and tack the covered piping around the edges onto the right side of the fabric, matching raw edges with the cord facing inwards. Snip piping fabric at each corner to help ease the piping around the corners (See figure 2). Place the fabric with right sides together, with the piping 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 cover 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