A688 Tufted Cushion

A688 Tufted Cushion

Adorn your home with this Trim Pillow Cover, made using our excellent range of fabrics! Simply download and follow this How To pattern.

How to Make a Tufted Cushion

Sew a soft round cushion finished with covered buttons and a deep central tuft. The separate side panel gives the cushion depth, while the buttons pull the centre inward to create its distinctive shape.

This intermediate project is a great way to create a customised decorative cushion in a fabric that complements your home.

Project Details

  • Project number: A688
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

What You Will Need

Materials

  • Fabric
  • Matching thread
  • 2 self-cover buttons
  • Cushion stuffing
  • Strong thread suitable for tufting

Equipment

  • Dressmaker’s marking pencil
  • Fabric scissors
  • Ruler
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Upholstery needle
  • Hand-sewing needle

Cut the Cushion Pieces

  1. Cut two fabric circles, each measuring 40 cm in diameter.
  2. Cut one rectangular side panel measuring 130 cm × 7 cm.
  3. Mark the centre of both circles with a dressmaker’s pencil.

Assemble the Cushion Cover

  1. Pin one long edge of the rectangular panel around the edge of the first circle, with right sides facing.
  2. Sew around the circle, then join the short ends of the rectangular panel.
  3. Pin the remaining long edge of the rectangular panel to the second circle.
  4. Sew around the second circle, leaving an opening of approximately 8 cm.
  5. Trim the seam allowances and clip around the curves without cutting through the stitching.
  6. Turn the cushion right side out through the opening.

Stuff and Close the Cushion

  1. Fill the cushion evenly with stuffing, working it into the curved edges.
  2. Add enough stuffing to create a full, rounded shape.
  3. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward and hand-sew the gap closed.

Create the Central Tuft

  1. Cover the two self-cover buttons according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Thread a long upholstery needle with strong thread.
  3. Sew the first button to the marked centre on one side of the cushion.
  4. Push the needle through the centre of the cushion and bring it out through the marked centre on the opposite side.
  5. Thread the second button onto the needle.
  6. Pull the thread firmly so the buttons draw towards one another and a dip forms in the centre of the cushion.
  7. Pass the needle through the cushion several more times to reinforce the tuft.
  8. Secure the thread firmly and trim the excess.

Helpful Tips

Use strong upholstery thread for the tufting stage, as ordinary sewing thread may break when pulled tightly.

The original project sheet does not provide a complete project-time estimate, so no approximate time has been added.

Get a copy of the instructions Download guide

Things you'll need