Floor cushions can complement or contrast with the furniture and really add some spark to a room, as well as being very practical if you need extra seating. In our segment Rita Hill made a luxurious, walled floor cushion, but you can vary the style and fabric to suit your décor. Rita suggested experimenting with different shapes, fake fur, decorative panels, velvet patchwork and tassels or braid when making your own comfy creations.
Walled floor cushion
1.5m cotton velvet 2 x 1kg bags toy stuffing 10 x 23cm self-covered buttons extra strong thread upholstery needle
Cut 2 x 68cm squares and 4 x 20cm x 68cm rectangles. (Note: you could use one long strip for the walls instead of 4 rectangles, but the rectangles are easier to sew and look better.)
Sew rectangles together, right side in, at 20cm ends to form a square.
Pin and sew a 68cm square to one end, right side in, to form an open box.
Repeat with next square leaving a 20cm gap.
Turn right way out and fill with at least 2kg of stuffing. (Tip: as the cushion wears and is used it will tend to settle a little, so always add more toy filling than you think you’ll need.)
Hand sew the gap shut.
Cover the buttons by cutting your fabric to size, sewing a running stitch around the edge and popping on the backing plate (see instructions on packet). Mark positions for the buttons using a ruler and the blunt end of an upholstery needle or tailor’s chalk. Place the 4 outer buttons 26cm from the centre point.
Double some extra strong thread through an upholstery needle and tie one button to the end. Pierce through the centre of the cushion to the other side. Push down to create a quilted effect. Thread another button onto the other end and tie it down. Repeat for the other buttons.
Cost and availability
Cotton velvet ($7 a metre) and toy stuffing ($11 for 1kg bag) are available at fabric and craft stores such as Spotlight (phone: 1300 305 405). 23mm self-covered buttons cost around $1 each and are available in packs and are also available from fabric and craft stores.