Not every cushion is a very simple square or rectangle, but don’t permit a complex shape save you from trying your hand at reupholstering or slipcovering old furniture. T-cushions, named for the shape made by furniture using arms put back from the edge of the chair, accentuate the front of a seat or seat and also are a functional part of the layout of the furniture. A snug fitting T-cushion is a hallmark of quality upholstery or slip-covering. Making the pillow cover is a job that can be accomplished with a bit of preparation and a few intermediate-level sewing skills.

Draw a sketch of the pillow. Measure across the back of the pillow for the back width and record the measurement on the sketch. Measure across the front of the cushion as the leading width and recording the measurement. Measure from the front of the cushion into the back of the “T” and recording the measurement. Subtract the leading width from the back width and check that the rest, divided by 2, is the exact same measurement as the true width of the “T” extensions. Remeasure if these are not the same. Measure the thickness of the pillow and recording the measurement.

Draw and cut a paper pattern based on the recorded measurements.

Set the cushion fabric on the table, wrong side up and also the top of the fabric design or pattern oriented away from you. Place the pattern on the fabric and pin it in position. Draw the cutting layer 1/2 inch away from the paper pattern and cut the fabric on the brand new cutting line. Cut two pieces, one for each of the pillow bottom and top.

Cut one piece of fabric for the boxing strip equivalent in width to the thickness of the pillow plus 1 inch, and the length of the strip equivalent to the cushion margin plus 1 inch. Join strips of fabric, as needed, to make a long strip. Align both short ends and sew the strip using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Mark the center front and middle of the pillow fabric pieces using a mark on the incorrect side of the fabric.

Align 1 edge of the boxing strip into the pillow front and pin the two pieces together all over the perimeter. Sew using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Place the boxing strip to the bottom as you sew and rebound at each corner. It is helpful to lift the machine and clip the boxing strip, from the outer edge to 1/8 inch from the pivot point before exhale.

Mark each pivot point on the opposite edge of the boxing strip, on the wrong side of the fabric.

Align the remaining cushion piece to the remaining long edge of the boxing strip, aligning the front and back marks and also matching the rebound points into the corners. Pin the two pieces together. Clip the rebound points to within 1/8 inch of the braided line and sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Sew using the boxing strip to the bottom and abandon a 10-inch opening at the back seam.

Turn the cover right side out, then insert the filler and hand-stitch the opening closed.

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