This set of three cushions were made to accompany two Bedroom Chairs, using the same fabric. Focus here is on the making of the bolster cushion cover as there are plenty of examples of making throw cushions to be found in Soft Furnishings.
The Bolster cushion was one cushion of a set of three – the other two being two rectangular throw cushions – all destined for the same room as the two bedroom chairs.


For the 7½” diameter bolster, an 8½” square was folded in eight, marked with the radius and cut out.

For the 21” long sides of the bolster, the 7½” diameter was multiplied by pi (3.142 or 22/7) to give 23½”. An inch was added to both for seams and a rectangle cut out.
Piping was made up to edge the cushions and bolster ends.

First step was to sew both ends of the short side together for about 2”. The ½” seam allowance was pressed flat along the entire length.

A length of zip was added, aligned to the open part of the seam.
Clearly the zip could not just be sewn on – the other side of the bolster was in the way. The solution was to place the cover zip side down, then pull the top side forwards to expose the end of the zip and sewing could start. More careful pulling and folding allowed more of the zip to be seen and sewn until complete.


The tube was turned right side out and piping sewn to both ends. Alignment marks were made on both tube and end piece. The tube was then turned inside out again.

The piping was snipped all the way around and an end piece clipped in place and then sewn on.
The zip was pulled apart and the cover inserted, waiting for a pad.
Once the covers for the throw cushions were made up, the pads were inserted in all three, ready for sending to the customer along with the two bedroom chairs.

Adding cushions and bolsters can add character to a room. If you are looking at Recovering or Restoring furniture, consider including Soft Furnishings too.
Contact JBerryUpholstery for more information. To look for more examples, see the Galleries including Transformations.
