Shabby Chic Union Jack Cushion Tutorial

A while ago I was asked to make a shabby chic style Union Jack cushion cover for a friend's sister who lives in America. What a good excuse to get my sewing machine out! I decided that I wanted to keep the traditional red, white and blue, but in muted tones, and of course with a touch of prettiness in the form of ditsy flower patterns.

What you need: 

1/2 metre of blue floral fabric (FABRIC A) 

1/2 metre of white/pink patterned fabirc (FABRIC B) 

1/4 metre of red and white polka dot fabric (FABRIC C) 

4 metres of cream ric rac 2 metres of red gingham grosgrain ribbon 

Co-ordinating cottons

Step one: 

Cut out... 

1 x Fabric A - 43 x 43cm (17" x 17") 

2 x Fabric B - 43 x 26cm (17" x 10") 

2 x Fabric C - 43 x 6cm (17" x 2.5") 

4 x 26cm (10") of Gingham ribbon 

8 x 26cm (10") of Cream Ric Rac

Step two: 

Fold and iron each length of the the Fabric C strips.

Step three: 

Layer the two strips of Fabric C in a cross on top of Fabric A. Trim these strips with ric rac. Pin and tack.

Step four: 

Arrange the four strips of ribbon at diagonals around your cross to complete the Union Jack design. Edge the ribbon with ric rac. Pin and tack.

Step five: 

Once all the fabric has been pinned and tacked in place, use the sewing machine to top stitch along the edges to secure.

Step six: 

Take your two pieces of Fabric B, and hem along the long edge on both pieces.

Step seven: 

Lay your embroidered piece of Fabric A face up, then layer both pieces of Fabric B face down so the hemmed edges overlap - this will make the opening flap for your cushion cover. Pin and sew around the four outside edges.

Step eight: 

Clip the corners, turn right way out and iron flat. All you need to do now is find a comfy cushion and you'll have a stylish addition to any sofa.

I hope you enjoy making this cushion cover. Let me know how you get on, we always love to see your pictures on our Facebook page! And do let me know if you have any queries.

If you would like us to create a bespoke item for you, read all about our Commissions for more details.

Until next time... x