Size
Finished size: 40cm diameter

You Will Need

• 65cm fabric
• paper, to cut a pattern
• matching thread
• 35cm zip fastener
• foam inner cushion (38cm in diameter, 5cm thick)
• 50cm batting (about 2.5cm thick)
• two 19mm button sets, to cover
• extra-strong thread

To Make
NOTE All the seam allowances are 1.5cm wide.

1 Cut a circular paper pattern with a diameter of 43cm. Use the pattern to cut one fabric circle. On the paper pattern, draw a line 6cm to the side of the centre line of the circle, and cut the pattern along this line. Use these patterns to cut the two bottom panels, adding a 1.5cm-wide seam allowance to the two straight edges of the semicircles, before cutting the fabric.

2 Cut two strips, 10 x 97cm, for the gusset. Sew the seam on the bottom panel, leaving an opening of 35cm for the zip. Press the seam open and insert the zip.

3 Sew the short seams of the two gusset panels to form a loop. Divide the top, bottom and side gusset into quarters and mark with short nips in the seam allowance. Sew gathering stitches along the top and bottom edges of the gusset and gather to fit the top and bottom panels. Pin the corresponding quarter marks and distribute the gathers evenly. Now sew the gusset to the top and bottom panels.

4 Cover the foam inner cushion with batting and insert it into the cover.

5 Cover the buttons with fabric. Mark the centre on the top and bottom of the cushion. Thread a double length of extra-strong thread through one button’s shank and pull the ends through the centre of the cushion. Thread the ends through the second button’s shank and tie in place.

Text and images: Ideas magazine