Materials:

Fabric

Thread

Quilt batting

Instructions:

Cut two squares of fabric both 20 X 20 inches. Cut one band of fabric 6 X 82 inches.

Cut two squares of quilt batting each 20 X 20 inches and place one layer of batting against the back side of each square of fabric. Pin or hand baste to secure.

Turn under one of the short ends of the band 1 inch and press flat. Beginning with the pressed end, place the band right sides together with one of the fabric/batting squares, aligning the cut edges. It is best to start at the midpoint of one of the sides, rather than a corner.

Work the band in place around the entire perimeter of the square, clipping the band at each corner to achieve a smooth turn. As you work toward meeting the first end of the band you may have excess fabric. Allow the band to overlap several inches and cut away excess.

Working with the batting side down, machine stitch through all layers around the perimeter of the square.

Repeat with the second square but do not machine stitch around the entire perimeter; leave a 12 to 15 inch opening on one of the sides. Clip across all corners to reduce bulk and flip right sides out.

Working with the square that has been totally stitched, finger press along the stitched edge, pinning in 1 inch from the seam.

By hand, sew along this 1 inch edge, back stitching as you come through the fabric each time and carrying the thread through the inside of the seam so it is not visible between stitches.

Repeat with the other side of the cushion along the three sides and stopping at the open end.

Cut multiple layers of batting to form a 16 X 3 inch cushion form and insert inside the cushion cover.

Carefully hand sew the opening closed. Continue with the hand pressing and stitching finishing of this edge.

To finish the cushion, form a vertical channel of fabric at each corner of the band and repeat the back stitching technique. To stabilize the cushion form you may also tuft the cushion by sewing through all layers with strong thread and a log needle in a grid pattern.

Courtesy Mary Dobson, www.marydobsondesigns.com