Cushion-making for beginners
Theres no better way to make your cash go further than quick furnishing fixes. So join in the craft revolution and try a little credit-crunch creativity! By Janet Palmer

Easiest-ever cushion cover
Cover an existing cushion pad or buy a new one. John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com, 020 7629 7711) have a good selection. For a 45cm square cushion you will need 50cm of 137cm-wide furnishing fabric. Cut out one 47cm square for the front of the cushion and two rectangles 47 x 31cm for the cushion back.
How to make
Press under 1cm then 3cm across one long edge of both rectangles and stitch. With right sides together, lay the two backs on top of the front, overlapping the backs to fit. Pin and stitch all round the cushion, taking 1cm seam allowances. Neaten seam allowances. Turn right side out and press.
This is a simple plain cushion cover with the overlapped edges hidden at the back of the cushion. Alternatively, you could make a feature of the opening by adding buttons with press studs underneath and using this as the front of the cushion.
Illustrations: Terry Evans