Cushions, Tablecloths and Throws – Customize and Create For the Less-Confident Sewer – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

Even if you don’t want to make your own soft furnishings from basics, there are lots of ways you can stamp your own personality on read-made items, without having to be too nifty with a sewing machine

Decorating existing cushions

A great idea for customizing existing cushions is to find some interesting trimming. Why not sew a length of fat cord, matching or contrasting with the fabric, around the outside of the cushions? Or you could attach large tassels to each corner for a dramatic look, or maybe scatter small multi-colored tassels over the whole surface. You could sew mattress-style tufts on the surface, or add a fringe around the edges of the cover. Wide silk, velvet or grosgrain ribbon looks really pretty layered in overlapping rows, or use a tasseled fringe, maybe woven with metallics for a really opulent look.

To give your old cushions a completely new look make tie-on covers that involve only the most basic needlework. You can do this in two ways. The first is to cut two pieces of fabric slightly larger than your pad, hem both of them then tie them together with strips of fabric stitched to each corner and half-way along each side – or use lengths of cord or ribbon. If you’re a little more confident then you could cut your squares slightly larger, hem them and sew buttonholes along the edges of one and buttons along the edges of the other. Not confident with making buttonholes – then re-purpose an old shirt – magic button-holes already made for you!

The second type of tie-on cover is most suitable for square cushions. To make it cut a square of your chosen fabric with sides twice as long as those of your cushion – plus seam allowance. Hem it, then attach ties to each corner. Lay the square flat, hems uppermost, and place your cushion on top so that each corner points to the mid-point of one of the square’s sides. Now fold over the corners and tie them together envelope style.

Tablecloths

If you only bring your tablecloth out at mealtimes then you’re missing a great opportunity. Tables offer a wonderful display surface for a wide variety of beautiful fabrics. Soft folds of fabric give a room a comfortable look and also provide a great disguise for tables that have become less than beautiful over the years. And you don’t have to stick to fabric – why not use an old or modern flat-pile rug such as a kelim or dhurry; the secret is to choose one that’s soft and thin enough to hang nicely. Or achieve a similar feeling with a woolen blanket, or an old quilt – and there’s no sewing at all involved! Choose a blanket woven with a simple check or maybe a patchwork quilt for a real country look.

Throws

Whatever your decorating style, use informal throw over covers to give your furniture a dramatic instant new look. Large pieces of fabric that have some thickness and weight are ideal – choose a quilt, blanket or bedspread. A quilt or checked blanket will create a country feeling, while a length of heavy linen or plain woolen bedspread will enhance a more minimalist scheme. A large paisley throw or soft rug will add a feeling of luxury to a room. Why not change your covers with the seasons? Choose richer, cosy colors for the winter months and fresh, light, bright fabrics for summer time.

Make sure the textiles you choose are plenty large enough to cover your chairs or sofa completely so that any movement in the cover won’t expose large expanses of the furniture underneath. You can secure with corner ties, but don’t tie tightly as this may cause the fabric to tear. After all the casual, slightly rumpled look of a draped cover is part of its charm.