Scrappy Cushion Tutorial

Do you have a giant tub of scraps that you can't bear to part with - pieces which are almost too small to do anything with? I do too.

I've seen lots of scrappy little quilts etc online so decided to have a go at using up some of my scraps.

Here's my scrappy cushion. It's quick and easy to make and I do have to say that sewing lots of little bits is really, REALLY therapeutic - plus it's fun trying to remember where I originally used the fabric.


Firstly start with a white square of fabric, batting in the centre and the backing. The backing can be any old scrappy fabric as it will only be on the inside of the cushion. I've used some white calico on the inside. Pin your sandwich together.


Choose your first scrap and start at your top corner - leaving at least an inch from the edge for trimming and the seam when assembling your cushion.

I've used my walking foot and started sewing approximately a 1/4" from the edges - stopping between 1/4" and 1/2" from the end of the scrap. Pivot and sew down the next edge. Repeat and repeat until it's attached. Lock your stitch at the begininng and end.


Leaving a small space between your first and second scraps, attach it in the same way. You want to achieve a scrappy look, so place them randomly but trying not to leave too much space between scraps.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat...  it's a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.


Repeat the above steps until all of your scraps are attached.

 

You can either use a FQ for your cushion back, or piece it however you like.
 
I have quilt blocks that I sometimes make, but never actually use so I found a great way to use one. I think it adds to the scrappiness of the cushion.

I hate attaching zippers so I decided on an envelope enclosure.




And there you have a quick and easy scrappy quilted cushion. The kids love it and I'm pleased that I managed to get a photo before they 'love' it too much.

If you've liked my tutorial and decide to make one of your own, I'd love to see a picture.



*** Let me know if you think it needs any corrections or if any part of it doesn't make sense ***




23 comments

  1. I love it, Anorina. As always, your work is fun and inspirational. Thanks for the tutorial ... another one for the to do list. Hugs
    Terri :)

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  2. Such a great idea, I have so many scraps of fabric that I Love and this will really showcase them! I love your tutorials.

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  3. A really great pillow, no wonder, your kids love it. I would love it, too. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. That's a super cute pillow! My scrap pile just keeps growing and that's a great way to use them up!

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  5. Fine ide to use scraps .Pillows is always welcome.
    Ingrid
    Samsø
    Denmark

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  6. What a great idea, and I love the scrappiness of it! My kind of sewing - yay!! Thanks for sharing another great tutorial.

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  7. Wow....

    Thank you for teaching us this technology, with which small something can be done preciously ¡

    A kiss

    wow....

    Gracias por enseñarnos esta tecnica, con que poquito se puede hacer algo precioso¡¡¡

    un beso

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  8. I love it. I am going to make a whole quilt.

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  9. It's beautiful.... great idea ...
    Hugz

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  10. good idea but your scraps are pretty.

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  11. You are soooooo clever!!!! I love it. I can not through away a scrap. Will show you what i am doiing with mine. Have a yummy Valentines day!!! I am sooo jealous.

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  12. It looks great! Very creative way to use up scraps!

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  13. What a great way to use up all those little scrappy bits we always have left over. I agree, it would make a lovely quilt.

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  14. Good idea, I love it!
    And small little chunks of material recycling!
    thanks for the tutorial!
    Greetings

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  15. beautiful art! I just a question on scrappy pillow top--are the squares sewed on with the raw edges showing or do you fold them under so there's a clean edge on each scrap square?

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    Replies
    1. I was able to zoom in and the edges are "raw"

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  16. This is a fun project! Great idea.
    Alethea

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  17. Oh pretty!! I love it!! I'm going to make cushions for our new place, I might try this!!

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  18. Such a pretty lovely idea... my stash of little escraps is still in its infancy so I am bookmarking this for when I have enough scraps to make a cushion cover

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  19. I do really like your pillow. I do have one question however, do you actually hem each little scrap, serge or do you apply them "raggy" style? I do hope you say raggy style.
    Thank you,
    Voni

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  20. What a brilliant idea! But like joyce, who wrote on Jan 8, 2012, I'm wondering if you leave the edges raw on the little scraps, or do you finish them in some way? Wonder how it would look to zig-zag the edges into place, rather than use a 1/4" seam?? Thanks,
    Phyllis

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  21. I absolutely love it, and it seems easy to do.

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