How to Sew Ruffle Cushions

Measure the cushion pad you'd like to use, then cut a piece of fabric that’s 1cm bigger on every side. The square cushion pictured is 40 x 40cm, so for this size, cut a 42 x 42cm piece of fabric.

If you are not using a cushion pad, then decide how big you would like your cushion to be and cut the fabric 1cm larger on each side. The rectangular cushion pictured has been measured like this and uses a 42 x 26cm piece of fabric.

Next, cut the back pieces. For a 40 x 40cm square cushion, cut two 42 x 28cm pieces. For a 42 x 26cm rectangle cushion, cut one 26 x 40cm panel and one 26 x 24cm panel. The cushion will have an envelope back so make sure there’s enough to overlap.

Now cut the fabric for the ruffle, we’ve used a width of 12cm. The total length should be your total outside edges x 1.5. So for the 40 x 40cm cushion pad, the ruffle length will be (42 x 4) x 1.5 = 252cm.

The easiest way to create a length of fabric this long is to cut fuor pieces of fabric 63 x 12cm and then sew them together along the short ends. This will make the full 252cm length needed.

Fold and press your ruffle in half, lengthways. Then open up the ‘open ends’ and sew them right sides together to create a loop.

Using a long basting stitch and a contrasting thread, stitch down the long open edges, making sure to leave the threads loose at the start and finish. Do this in two to four sections as it’ll be easier to gather.

Whilst holding one of the threads, start pulling it to gather up the fabric frill. You might want to do a little bit at a time and start gathering from both ends. Try to evenly gather the fabric; you want it to be roughly the same size as your outside cushion edge. 

Lay your ruffle on your cushion front. Align the gathered edge with the raw edge of your cushion front; the folded ruffle edge should be towards the centre of the cushion.

Pin in one place and then distribute the ruffle around the edge. You will need to adjust it by gathering it more or less. Once happy with the ruffle placement, pin along all straight edges.

Cut small snips in each corner to help the ruffle lie flatter. It also helps to have more ‘ruffles’ in the corners when it’s turned the right way around. Pin the corners.

Baste stitch the ruffle in place. You might want to remove the first line of baste stitches now.

Get your two envelope back pieces of fabric. On one long edge of each piece, create a 1cm rolled hem. Stitch in place with a normal straight stitch.

Lay your back pieces on top of your ruffle front, right sides together. Align all raw edges with the rolled hems overlapping in the centre and pin.

Sew all the way around with a 1cm seam allowance. Make sure you sew just inside of your baste stitches.

Turn your cushion the right way around and check the ruffle edges, make any adjustments you feel are necessary.

When you are happy with it, turn the cushion back the wrong way around and unpick your baste stitches. Then trim and zig zag the raw edges to finish. Turn the cushion the right way around and give everything a good press.

Insert your cushion pad or stuffing, and then your ruffle cushion is complete!