How to Make a Custom Heart-Shaped Cushion for Your Home Decor
Make your Heart Shaped Block using the Pattern above, it is a 16 x 16 inch finished block. Then turn it into a cushion using the method below. I had a 20 inch square cushion. You’ll appreciate that you can adjust the block to make it fit any cushion over 16inch square. Try creating your very own heart cushion, the process is fairly simple. I made this over a weekend.
Make your Heart Shaped Block using the Pattern above, it is a 16 x 16 inch finished block. Then turn it into a cushion using the method below. I had a 20 inch square cushion. You’ll appreciate that you can adjust the block to make it fit any cushion over 16inch square. Try creating your very own heart cushion, the process is fairly simple. I made this over a weekend.
Adding boarders to the Heart Block
Your heart block should be precisely 16.5" x 16.5" square. Go to the other blog post to find out how to make the heart block. Make sure to press it well and square it up. Next, add the 2.5" x 16.5" strip border to the two sides. It's important to press these borders before adding the 2.5" x 20.5" strips to the top and bottom. Once you press again, you should have a 20.5" square.
Quilting the patchwork front
Quilting involves making a sandwich of the top with the batting and the lining. I chose to free-motion quilted motif for mine, I used a meander and managed to write love on it too. It is a heart after all, I straight line quilted around the heart, echoing around the heart in the white background. If you don’t feel like using free motion quilting you could also opt for straight-line quilting in a diagonal crosshatch design all over, that would look fantastic as well. After you finish quilting, trim away the excess batting and lining to create a neat 20.5 in square.
Preparing the Cushion Back
Start by folding and pressing 1/2 inch along the edges of the top backing piece. Fold and press again, unfold, and place the right sides of the back pieces together. From the edge, mark 2 inches, pin, sew on the pressed 2 inches and backstitch at the 2-inch mark you created.
With the side of the fabric facing you being the wrong one, centre the zip. This may seem a bit tricky but it's important to make sure the zip puller is facing away from you and opened. This is how you get it right. You also want to ensure that when the 2 inches at the sides are stitched, there will be a gap for the zip.
Attaching the Zip
With the wrong side of the fabric facing the table, place your zip in the gap created. Pin the closed end to the stitched seam. Make sure the zip is facing away from you so that you can open it on the right side, then open the zip so the pull is in the gap. Pin the end.
Now, sew around the edge of the zip, backstitching at the ends. Align the 1/2 inch raw edge of the fabric to the edge of the zip. A helpful tip here is to lift your presser foot when you meet the zip pull.
Finishing Touches
Finally, place the back and the patchwork heart top right sides together and sew 1/4 or 1/2 inch around the edge. Ensure the zip is open so you can turn it out and add your insert.
And there you have it! Your very own handmade heart cushion. This is a fun and rewarding project, perfect for gifting or adding a personal touch to your home decor. Remember, crafting is all about patience and precision, but most importantly, it's about having fun and letting your creativity shine through., thankfully my friend loved her cushion and it is now pride of place on her reading seat.
