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Q&A
By Gena Bloemendaal
Box cushions are difficult for me to sew, and the results are never satisfactory. Do you have any tips on how to construct them?
Jane B.,
e-mail
Constructing any sewing project well takes patience and perhaps a seam ripper! It's frustrating to labor over a project only to have it end up less than desirable. When it comes to box cushions, here are some hints to guide you.
Use piping. It provides a neater finish and can hide minor discrepancies when matching a distinct pattern between the top and bottom panels and the welting (side panels). Piping made with bias-cut fabric has more give around tight corners and wears better than piping cut on the straight of grain.
Use a zipper foot to make piping and stitch it to the project. The zipper foot allows you to stitch as close to the piping as possible.
Baste the piping to the individual top and bottom panels prior to stitching the panels to the welting. If you attempt to stitch all layers at once, the fabric and/or piping could slip out of place and distort the finished product.
Clip the piping seam allowance when pinning around curves for easier application.
Start and stop stitching at equal distances from the corners, then clip the welting at the each corner for added give. Once you've stitched one side, reposition and repin the fabric as necessary before stitching the next side.
If the pattern calls for a zipper, insert the zipper into the welting prior to stitching the welting to the top and bottom panels. If concealing the zipper is a concern, try a lapped zipper application instead of a centered zipper. The lap will cover more of the zipper when pressure is applied to the cushion. The overlap should hang down toward what will be the pillow bottom.
If constructing a box cushion without a pattern, cut the fabric to the same dimensions as your cushion/foam insert, plus a 1/2" seam allowance.
Use an electric carving knife to slightly round off the cushion corners for a snug fit.
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