DIY Network

Accessories: Pillows, Re-Covering Cushions, Barstool Covers The Girls rejuvenate wicker furniture with fabric. From "Material Girls" episode DMTG-108

And now for the finishing touches: April, Kelly and Cat add several to complete the porch. The cushions on the wicker furniture receive new covers, as do the chairs at the dining table. Other touches include a tablecloth and runner for the dining table, new covers for the bar stools, a bamboo ceiling fan and plants dressed with fabric bows.

Before

After

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Pillows

Pillows

Materials:

fabric
scissors
sewing machine/needle and thread
pins
pillow insert

1. Cut two pieces of fabric to desired size of pillow, making sure to add extra for the seam allowance

2. Place the two pieces of cut fabric with wrong sides together, and stitch around three of the four sides. On the fourth side sew around corners and leave an opening to insert your pillow form.

3. Turn the fabric right side out and insert the pillow form.

4. Pin the opening closed and hand-stitch shut.

Re-Covered Cushion

Re-Covering Cushions

Materials:

measuring tape
fabric
scissors
sewing machine
boxing strip
zipper

1. First measure the original cushion and add 1/2" to every side for the seam allowance. If the fabric is a print, start from the center and measure out.

2. Start cutting along the pattern line until you reach the halfway point, then fold over the fabric and use that pattern to get the same curves on both sides.

3. Place the first cut pieces wrong sides together and use this as a pattern to cut the other side.

4. The boxing strip will help give the cushion a boxy shape. Measure the width and add 1" for the seam allowance. Mark the measurement on the fabric and cut accordingly.

5. Add the zipper strip. Make sure to leave at least 8" to help with removing the cushion. Measure and mark the width and length. Add 2" for the flaps on each side of the zipper. Then divide the amount in half to create the two sides to the zipper flap. Cut the two strips, and then cut a piece of zipper the same length as the strips. Fold over the fabric 1/2" and sew with a straight stitch.

6. Next put the zipper pull in place. Sew small strips of cloth at the end to prevent the zipper from separating.

7. Return to the first pieces that you cut out. Fold the fabric in half to find the center, mark with a V on the wrong side of the fabric. The V marks the center of the top and bottom. Then with the fronts together, match up the Vs and pin in place.

8. Next pin the zipper strip to the top and fold a 2" flap over the end of the zipper. Repeat this step for the bottom and then sew.

Bar Stools

Covering Bar Stools

Materials:

fabric
batting
fiberfill
string
sewing machine
scissors
pencil/chalk
cording
string
trim

1. Place the bar stool upside down on the wrong side of the fabric. Trace around the perimeter of the seat, then add 1-1/4" for the seam allowance. Cut two pieces (one for the top and one for the bottom) accordingly.

2. Lay one piece of fabric right side down and center two layers of batting on top of the fabric.

3. To create the boxing strip, cut a strip of fabric 3" wide and the length of the perimeter of the fabric pattern. Sew a piece of cording to each side of the boxing strip. Join the two ends of the boxing strip and sew across them with a 5/8" seam allowance. Trim the excess material.

4. Pin the boxing strip to the top fabric piece. Use a zipper foot, to attach the boxing strip to the fabric top.

5. To make the ruffle, cut a piece of fabric that is twice the circumference of the cushion and 12" wide. Fold this piece in half with wrong sides together.

6. Lay a piece of string along the top of the ruffle. Sew a long zigzag stitch over the string.

7. Pin half of the ruffle to the boxing strip, and pin the second half directly across from the first piece.

8. Pull the string to gather the pleats on the ruffle. Once the ruffle fits securely over the cushion, pin the pleats in place and wrap the string around the pin. Repeat on the other side.

9. After smoothing the ruffle, baste it to the cushion.

10. Stuff the ruffle inside the cushion and pin the back fabric piece to the boxing strip.

11. Sew along the boxing strip, but leave a few inches open.

12. Turn the fabric right side out and add the fiberfill. Hand -stitch the opening closed.

13. For an added decorative touch, you can sew a piece of trim around the edge of the cushion.

RESOURCES :

Waverly fabrics (pillows)
Product #649488 (Tobago Poolside)
Product #669202 (Beach Umbrella Key Lime)
Product #669230 (Marina Del Rey Surf)
Website: www.waverly.com

Silk and polyester mix pillow forms
Mountain Mist
Website: www.mountainmistlp.com

Waverly fabric (cushions)
Product #669230 (Marina Del Ray Surf)
Product #668860 (Cabana Village)
Website: www.waverly.com

Waverly fabric (bar stools)
Product #668860 (Cabana Village Sun and Shade Tropical)
Website: www.waverly.com