Sew Union Jack seat covers: free sewing pattern
Dress up your garden furniture for the party!

First, measure the back of your seat and make a paper template, adding 2cm (1in) all round. Pin template to blue polka-dot cotton, and cut out two pieces.
On one fabric piece, stitch two types of red, white and blue ribbon in two crosses to make a Union Jack.
Place fabric pieces right sides together and stitch three sides, taking a 1cm (1⁄2in) seam allowance. Hem the bottom long edge and slip the cover over the back of your chair.
To make the cushion, measure the seat of your chair and make a paper template as before, this time adding 4cm (11⁄2in) all round and cutting out two pieces of red polka-dot cotton. Cut away two of the corners to accommodate the chair back.
With right sides together, stitch round three edges, taking a 1cm seam allowance. Stuff with a 2cm (1in)-thick piece of foam, cut to the size of the seat before you added the 4cm.
Attach red gingham ribbons at corners and slipstitch the opening closed.
All fabric and ribbon, from a selection at John Lewis
Feature: Catherine Woram Photos: Emma Mitchell