How to make: A quilted floor cushion (or dog bed :-)
I can’t tell you how many quilted floor cushions/ dog beds I’ve made in the last few years! Duffron has three at our house, all Duffron’s cousins and uncles (eg my parent’s and sister’s dogs) have at least one each too. It’s a fun way to take a baby or crib sized quilt and turn it into something fun! And before you click “back”, don’t worry, no zips in sight! P.S. If you prefer video instructions, or need more visualisations, I’ve got all of these steps in a reel which you can find here.
The instructions assume you already have a quilt top- for this one, I used Penelope Handmade’s Meadlowlark quilt.
The instructions assume a finished size of approximately 37" x 37” and is made to fit a 40 x 40" (1m x 1m) cushion insert. This ensures the cushion is nice and plump, and will flatten over time. You can of course use a different size top -the instructions can be adjusted accordingly very easily.
You need:
Quilt top- a square size (the instructions and measurements below are for a 38" quilt top but you can adjust as necessary)
Binding: 2.2 yards single fold binding- this should match the quilt top but is on the underside of the cushion so isn’t super important.
Cushion insert (You can purchase cushion inserts in Australia from Inner Green (they are made from recycled water bottles!). For mine, I used a 40” x 40” insert. If you are outside of Australia and cannot find a large cushion insert, you can just sew two pieces of cheap cotton together and stuff with polyfill to act as your own DIY cushion insert.
Batting is used on both the front and back- approximately 1.25 yards x 2.5 yards
Fabric A -1.25 yards: This is used for the underside/ back of the cushion. I recommend something that matches the top of the quilt (I used the same green)
Fabric B -2.5 yards (2.25m): Is used for inside the cushion- because you won't see this, use whatever you have lying around or whatever if you can find that is cheap!
Cutting Instructions:
Fabric A:
(2) pieces that are the width of your quilt top x ~2/3 the width of your quilt top- mine were 38” x 24.5” . Mine are the same colour as the main colour of my quilt top/ cushion top.
Fabric B (this can be any fabric you like- it only goes on the inside of the cushion so you can’t really see it):
(1) piece that is about 2” larger than your quilt top - mine was 40" x 40" piece
(2) pieces that are about 2” larger than your 2 pieces above- mine were about 40” x 27”
Making:
1. Make the cushion top sandwich with three layers:
1. Completed quilt top (~ 38 " x 38")
2. Batting (40 " x 40 ")
3. Backing fabric (the 40 " x 40" Fabric B piece)
Quilt as desired (either by hand or machine). Trim the excess backing and backing fabric to the same size as the quilt top (38” x 38”)
2. To make the cushion back, take the pieces of Fabric A and B and make another two quilt sandwiches using the following three layers:
1. 24” x 38" Fabric A
2. Batting (~27" x 40")
3. ~27 x 40" Fabric B
Quilt as desired (either by hand or machine). Trim the excess backing and backing fabric to the same size as the quilt top (38” x 38”)
Next we are going to add the binding to one edge of each of our two back pieces, as follows:
If you haven’t used binding before, you can find a tutorial here.
Now it’s time to assemble our cushion!
Take your cushion top and one of the back pieces and pin them right sides together with the bound edge towards the middle as follows:
Sew around the edges using a 1/4” seam. There are quite a few layers here so you may want to use a denim or leather needle. Make sure you go over the edge where the bound edge of the back piece meets the cushion top to make it extra secure.
Now add the second back piece over the top, with the bound edge towards the centre. Pin in place and using 1/4” seam, attach the second back piece to the cushion. Once again, make sure you go over the edge where the bound edge of the back piece meets the cushion top to make it extra secure.
Turn your cushion inside out and carefully push out the corners. Your cushion cover is done but an optional step I highly recommend is to go around the edge of your cushion, 5/8” from the edge. This hides the rough edges on the inside and gives it a really professional finish!
And your cushion cover is done! Stuff with your cushion insert and enjoy! :-)
