Cushion Cover Pattern Maker
A cushion cover is easy to get the wrong size: too big and it looks slack, too small and it won’t go on. Type the size of the insert, set how snug a fit you want, and the front and back panels are worked out.
Choose an envelope back, a zip or buttons, and add piping round the edge if you like.
Make this pattern in your size →When to choose this one
Choose the cushion cover for an insert that sits on a sofa or a bed. It is sized from the insert, with a snug-fit setting, an envelope, zip or button back, and optional piping round the edge.
For a bed pillow, use the pillowcase. For a seat that needs a boxed cover with a gusset, use the chair cushion.
What you can change
Size
- Insert length / width: 18–100 cm (7⅛–39⅜″). Across the cushion, or along the pillow from closed end to opening.
- Insert height: 18–70 cm (7⅛–27½″). Across the other side of the cushion or pillow.
Sizes are typed in centimetres, millimetres or inches. The starting size is Insert length / width 45 cm (17¾″), Insert height 45 cm (17¾″).
Options
- Back closure: envelope overlap, zip or buttons
- Switches: Front interfacing, Piping
- Measurements and counts: Snug-fit ease, Back overlap, Buttons, Button diameter, Zip tape width, Piping cord
Starting points
These are sizes and settings to begin from, and every one stays fully editable. Type your own measurements, or start from the nearest one.
| Starting point | Finished size, cm | Same starting point in round inches |
|---|---|---|
| Square cushion | 45 × 45 cm insert · envelope back | 18 × 18″ insert · envelope back |
| Lumbar cushion | 50 × 30 cm insert · zip back | 20 × 12″ insert · zip back |
| Piped cushion | 45 × 45 cm insert · zip back | 18 × 18″ insert · zip back |
| Large cushion | 60 × 60 cm insert · buttons back | 24 × 24″ insert · buttons back |
The cushion / pillowcase pattern has 5 starting points in all; the other 1 are in the maker.
Cutting list
At the starting size (Insert length / width 45 cm (17¾″), Insert height 45 cm (17¾″)) the pattern has these pieces. Fabric sizes include seam allowance, interfacing is cut to the stitching line, and pieces cut on the fold are shown opened out. Each size is the width and height of the piece as cut.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut | Size to cut | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cushion front | Main fabric | 1 | 46 × 46 cm (≈18⅛ × ≈18⅛″) | Rectangle: cut by measurement or from the print |
| Upper overlap back | Main fabric | 1 | 46 × 30 cm (≈18⅛ × ≈11¾″) | Rectangle: cut by measurement or from the print |
| Lower overlap back | Main fabric | 1 | 46 × 30 cm (≈18⅛ × ≈11¾″) | Rectangle: cut by measurement or from the print |
You will also need: Thread. The cover page and materials list give the amounts for your size.
The maker’s fabric estimate at this size: Main fabric about 0.9 m of 112 cm fabric.
How it goes together
These are the maker’s own instructions at the starting size. They change with the options you pick, and the PDF carries the full set with the cover, cutting list and materials list.
- Cut the three rectangles to the cutting-list sizes; those sizes include the side seams and the opening hems or zip seams. Transfer the opening-edge labels and any button marks.
- The insert measures 45 × 45 cm. The cover stitching line measures 44 × 44 cm, giving 1 cm less width and height overall. Check the fit against your actual insert before cutting expensive fabric.
- On the upper back bottom edge and lower back top edge, turn 1 cm to the wrong side twice. Press and stitch close to each inner fold.
- Lay the upper back over the lower back, both right sides up, so their finished opening edges overlap by 10 cm. Align the combined back to the front's 44 × 44 cm stitching line and baste the overlapped side edges together inside the seam allowance.
- Place front and assembled back right sides together, aligning all four corners. Sew around all four outside edges at 1 cm.
- Trim and grade the corner allowances without cutting the stitching. Turn right side out through the back opening, push out the corners gently, and insert the cushion.
Fabric suggestions
Outer: Stable woven cotton, linen or upholstery-weight cloth. Choose a softer, washable fabric for a sleeping pillowcase.
Lining: The cushion has an unlined front and two finished back panels. The pillowcase has a front and back joined on three sides.
Interfacing, padding or other layers: Light interfacing on a cushion front is optional. Keep it out of the seam allowances; pillowcases do not need it.
How each fabric family suits it
- Stable woven: great choice. Stable woven fabric holds a predictable cover size.
- Heavy or stiff: great choice. Use a suitable needle and grade the bulky corner seams.
- Stretchy knit: possible, with care. The cover may grow in use; stabilise the opening and test the fit.
- Slippery or fine: possible, with care. Baste the opening and use plenty of clips so the back panels stay even.
The maker’s advice adjusts to the fabric family you pick in the Fabric tab.
Printing it
At the starting size the printed pieces take 12 A4 pages, taped together using the page labels, alignment marks and page map. For a print shop, choose a sheet from A0 to a 36″ roll: the pieces are packed onto as few sheets as they will fit on, and if one is too big for the sheet the maker says so. Every piece here is a rectangle or a strip, so the cutting list above is enough and you can skip printing. How printing, tiling and the test square work.
Frequently asked questions
What size can I make?
The cushion cover pattern takes insert length / width from 18–100 cm (7⅛–39⅜″); insert height from 18–70 cm (7⅛–27½″). It starts at Insert length / width 45 cm (17¾″), Insert height 45 cm (17¾″), and you can work in centimetres, millimetres or inches. This page starts from Square cushion, Lumbar cushion, Piped cushion and Large cushion. Every starting point stays fully editable.
Which fabric suits the cushion cover pattern?
Stable woven cotton, linen or upholstery-weight cloth. Choose a softer, washable fabric for a sleeping pillowcase. In the maker’s fabric advice, stable woven and heavy or stiff are a great choice; stretchy knit and slippery or fine are possible with care.