DIY Project #2 - Stencil Cushion Case

Ever browsed around in a home store and seen array of cushion covers that could liven up your bedroom or living room only to find a simplistic design with a hefty price hanging off the side. For this next project I will challenge myself to stay on budget as much as I could using basic necessities I have around me or if necessary buy the remaining materials on my list.

Checklist: ● scissors

                  ● clear acetate or stencils

                  ● scrap material (old clothing, fabrics or plain tote bags)

                  ● scalpel 

                  ● a message you want to have on the cushion

                  ● fabric paints

                  ● a reasonable sized cushion

                  ● needle and thread (alternatively a sewing machine if you have one) 

                  ● tape

Tip/warning/advice: 

Fabric paint can only be used on 100% cotton with tight weave. If the weave is too wide the paint can seep through and the design would be lost. Look at the instructions carefully on the packaging of the fabric paints.

1. acetate roll which would be cut to length depending on size of message; 2-3: think about the quality and type of material you want to use as this would effect the result; 4: use tape to position the message on the acetate then using a scalpel carefully discarding the letters without ripping the acetate

1. convenient to have a range of colours;  5. rather than brushing the paint across the cutouts dab instead as this would prevent slipping underneath the sheet. For letters like 'e' 'a' 'd' and 'b' remember to paint over the sections that were covered by acetate to prevent losing the counter section in the process of cutting.

Repeat the process for the other side of the cushion if need be. Make sure you lay out the fabric to allow reasonable drying time (approx 3 hours max and approx 3 days to completely dry)

1-3: pin down the sides of the case and make sure it just about fits the cushion just about right, not too loose not too tight. I've included an inside flap for my design to ensure the cushion stays in; 4: once you're happy with the fitting having the right side facing inwards then stitch up the sides with needle or machine ensuring the stitch is reasonable as the material isn't stretchy; 5: squeeze in the cushion to avoid straining the sides when doing the final fitting then adjust.

The finished piece - the shape of the cushion did lack its shape but that can be adjusted by tightening the sides. The message itself should not be taken seriously under any circumstances.

My receipt for this project:

_______________________

Tote bag------------- £0.99

Fabric paints x6 ---- £2.99

Cushion ------------- £0.89

Total                         £4.87

This proves that I have indeed spent under £5 creating this project with equipments I already own.

DIY Project #2 Completed ☑