Treatments and Trims: How to Add Decorative Detail to Your Cushions
Need some inspiration and know-how to liven up the couch? We zoom in on the trends this season and how to make them yours
Cushions and soft furnishings are my forte, and clients often ask me how they can take a simple cushion or pillow and transform it into something personal, but contemporary, with a bit of creative flair. So here you have it – a run-down of the latest trends and more popular forms of detailing you can incorporate into your own home. If you’re handy with a sewing machine and love to get creative, there’s a range of techniques you may like to experiment with. For those who prefer to shop around, I’ve suggested where to head for inspiration. Cushions are a great and easy way to inject colour, texture and style into your home, so have fun giving them some extra oomph.
For a subtle look, you can ‘self-pipe’ a cushion (the piping is the same fabric as the cushion itself) or, for a little drama, try a contrasting coloured piped edge. Remember, you can make piping out of any form of cording, so it’s a great way to use up cord or rope you’ve had stashed away for years and are not sure what to do with it.
If really delicate detail is more your style, why not look at flat piping? It follows the same principal as regular piping, but there is no cord inside. This allows you to create a very fine and delicate edging around your cushion.
If really delicate detail is more your style, why not look at flat piping? It follows the same principal as regular piping, but there is no cord inside. This allows you to create a very fine and delicate edging around your cushion.
Contrast backings
I love contrast backings for two reasons.
1. They create versatility. You can flip your cushion front to back to gain different looks at any time.
2. It’s a brilliant, cost-effective way to use high-end fabrics on a budget.
Brands, such as Bonnie and Neil, perfect the use of bright, stand-out backings. They pick colours from their prints to give their products a real vibrancy, and overall, create a striking look – they are fun and full of character. On the other hand, if neutral and understated is more your style, you can opt for what I tend to do for my clients and back designer prints in soft linens and ivory canvases. Neutrals will tone down the overall look of the fabric and give the piece flexibility for use in any space.
I love contrast backings for two reasons.
1. They create versatility. You can flip your cushion front to back to gain different looks at any time.
2. It’s a brilliant, cost-effective way to use high-end fabrics on a budget.
Brands, such as Bonnie and Neil, perfect the use of bright, stand-out backings. They pick colours from their prints to give their products a real vibrancy, and overall, create a striking look – they are fun and full of character. On the other hand, if neutral and understated is more your style, you can opt for what I tend to do for my clients and back designer prints in soft linens and ivory canvases. Neutrals will tone down the overall look of the fabric and give the piece flexibility for use in any space.
Button detailing
When I think buttons (especially on striped fabric), I think nautical charm or country chic. It’s a really easy and creative way to give your cushion covers character, and with the endless choice of buttons available, it’s a great way to customise your look. Use buttons to add dimension and texture to your cushions, or incorporate them into the closure of the actual cover. Just like on a quilt cover, you can finish off the opening edge of your cushion with working buttons and buttonholes.
When I think buttons (especially on striped fabric), I think nautical charm or country chic. It’s a really easy and creative way to give your cushion covers character, and with the endless choice of buttons available, it’s a great way to customise your look. Use buttons to add dimension and texture to your cushions, or incorporate them into the closure of the actual cover. Just like on a quilt cover, you can finish off the opening edge of your cushion with working buttons and buttonholes.
If you love the padded or studded upholstery look, why not look at creating something similar with your cushions, using buttons instead of studs. For a subtle look, opt for self-covered buttons in matching fabric or, to make a feature of the detail, consider using vintage buttons, jewelled buttons, or even buttons made from wood or shell.
If you’re in Sydney, make sure to visit All Buttons Great and Small for a diverse range of buttons and covered button options. Buttontopia and Buttons Vintage and New are great online sources as well.
If you’re in Sydney, make sure to visit All Buttons Great and Small for a diverse range of buttons and covered button options. Buttontopia and Buttons Vintage and New are great online sources as well.
Bordered detailing
If clean lines and structural detailing is more your style, then creating a border-like feature within the face of your cushion (like the blue and white cushion above) could be a great way to go. Using contrasting fabrics to highlight the ‘framed’ effect gives the look emphasis, and that extra special touch to your accent piece. This technique is perfect for those of us who love using showroom sample fabric swatches, or when you only have that really annoyingly ‘too small’ piece of fabric.
For great industry swatches, I always keep my eye out on Etsy.
If clean lines and structural detailing is more your style, then creating a border-like feature within the face of your cushion (like the blue and white cushion above) could be a great way to go. Using contrasting fabrics to highlight the ‘framed’ effect gives the look emphasis, and that extra special touch to your accent piece. This technique is perfect for those of us who love using showroom sample fabric swatches, or when you only have that really annoyingly ‘too small’ piece of fabric.
For great industry swatches, I always keep my eye out on Etsy.
Crochet and knitting reborn in cushion form
There is something about the warmth that comes from a hand-knitted or crocheted item. Fortunately it’s becoming a popular art form once again so, for those who are truly talented in that way (unfortunately, I can’t say that I am), consider incorporating your works of art into cosy and inviting cushions.
For those of us who love the knitted look, but have two left hands (so to speak), keep a look out for knitted clothing or blankets in op shops and antique stores. You can cut them down and create your own cushions in no time.
There is something about the warmth that comes from a hand-knitted or crocheted item. Fortunately it’s becoming a popular art form once again so, for those who are truly talented in that way (unfortunately, I can’t say that I am), consider incorporating your works of art into cosy and inviting cushions.
For those of us who love the knitted look, but have two left hands (so to speak), keep a look out for knitted clothing or blankets in op shops and antique stores. You can cut them down and create your own cushions in no time.
Hand-stitched character
This technique really suits a loft/industrial style of space. It’s raw, textural and indelicate – perfect for accent pieces to soften the overall look of a masculine space. Colour, fibre, dimension and proportions are really important to consider when deciding on what kind of hand-worked detail you’d like to incorporate into your cushions. For example, you could look at blanket stitching the edges of your cushions in heavy, contrasting embroidery cottons, or opt for a more bold and deliberate cross-stitch design similar to the cushion above. Have a look at old sewing books for inspiration – your grandma’s collection is sure to be full of gems.
This technique really suits a loft/industrial style of space. It’s raw, textural and indelicate – perfect for accent pieces to soften the overall look of a masculine space. Colour, fibre, dimension and proportions are really important to consider when deciding on what kind of hand-worked detail you’d like to incorporate into your cushions. For example, you could look at blanket stitching the edges of your cushions in heavy, contrasting embroidery cottons, or opt for a more bold and deliberate cross-stitch design similar to the cushion above. Have a look at old sewing books for inspiration – your grandma’s collection is sure to be full of gems.
Pompoms, fringing and tassels
Trims such as these are perfect for creating a bold statement. Just like piping, they are sewn within the seams and give quite a dramatic texture and dimension to your cushions. Pompoms are extremely popular at the moment and bring a fun and whimsical quality to a space. They come in all different colours and sizes, so you can have fun playing with proportions. An important thing to keep in mind when choosing a trim such as pompoms, fringing and tassels, is that they can make laundering a little tricky. I always recommend dry-cleaning.
Trims such as these are perfect for creating a bold statement. Just like piping, they are sewn within the seams and give quite a dramatic texture and dimension to your cushions. Pompoms are extremely popular at the moment and bring a fun and whimsical quality to a space. They come in all different colours and sizes, so you can have fun playing with proportions. An important thing to keep in mind when choosing a trim such as pompoms, fringing and tassels, is that they can make laundering a little tricky. I always recommend dry-cleaning.
When it comes to fringing, there is such a vast array out there to choose from. From traditional regency-style fringes, to exotic Moroccan-tufted fringes, there’s something to suit everyone. I’m loving the raffia-style fringing at the moment for summer. Ideal for your outdoor setting, these style of fringes give your cushions that tropical holiday feel.
To make your own, have a look at Etsy and eBay for a raffia trim to suit your project.
To make your own, have a look at Etsy and eBay for a raffia trim to suit your project.
Ruffles and frills
Frills and ruffles echo a beautiful, soft, country-inspired aesthetic. You can give volume and extra size to your cushions by sewing wide, gathered-up frills around the outside, or create dainty, narrow frills for smaller accent cushions. Pale, muted tones carry the Gone With the Wind style or, if you’re like me and you love a punchy colour within a neutral setting, why not look at modernising the humble frill and sew it across the face of your cushion? It keeps the volume contained, but allows movement and texture. Executed in a fresh neon or statement colour like here, it’s a lovely alternative detail.
For a beautiful country-style alternative, have a look at this adorable bedroom.
Frills and ruffles echo a beautiful, soft, country-inspired aesthetic. You can give volume and extra size to your cushions by sewing wide, gathered-up frills around the outside, or create dainty, narrow frills for smaller accent cushions. Pale, muted tones carry the Gone With the Wind style or, if you’re like me and you love a punchy colour within a neutral setting, why not look at modernising the humble frill and sew it across the face of your cushion? It keeps the volume contained, but allows movement and texture. Executed in a fresh neon or statement colour like here, it’s a lovely alternative detail.
For a beautiful country-style alternative, have a look at this adorable bedroom.
Patchwork and panelling
For that rustic, bohemian look, patchwork, quilting and panelling is a great technique. It’s a handy way to use up those small amounts of fabric you’ve been saving for a rainy day, and makes a space feel instantly homely and lived in. Alternatively, incorporating traditional patchwork and quilting in cushions is a wonderful way to showcase your skill for the craft. Use a complementary backing fabric or piped edging to finish of the piece and it’s a true work of art. The range of quilting cottons these days is staggering. Prices do vary quite a bit from store to store, but if you’re happy to buy online, there are some wonderful suppliers on Etsy.
For that rustic, bohemian look, patchwork, quilting and panelling is a great technique. It’s a handy way to use up those small amounts of fabric you’ve been saving for a rainy day, and makes a space feel instantly homely and lived in. Alternatively, incorporating traditional patchwork and quilting in cushions is a wonderful way to showcase your skill for the craft. Use a complementary backing fabric or piped edging to finish of the piece and it’s a true work of art. The range of quilting cottons these days is staggering. Prices do vary quite a bit from store to store, but if you’re happy to buy online, there are some wonderful suppliers on Etsy.
Embroidery and monograms
A nice way to add a personal touch to your own cushions is to have them machine embroidered with names, initials or even your favourite quotes and sayings. It makes a really beautiful wedding or baby shower gift as well. A lot of places now do customised monogram embroidery, so you have complete control over the type and size of what you’re wanting. If you’re clever on the sewing machine, why not experiment with your own embroidery at home?
YOU TELL US
How have you jazzed up your cushions? Share your tips and photos in the comments section.
MORE
DIY Cushion Covers: Revive Your Home the Easy Way
Fun With Fabric: 15 Simple DIY Projects Worthy of Display
Fabric Shopping: Where to Find the Best Materials for Your Needs
Living Room Love: 9 Cushion-Picking Strategies That Work
A nice way to add a personal touch to your own cushions is to have them machine embroidered with names, initials or even your favourite quotes and sayings. It makes a really beautiful wedding or baby shower gift as well. A lot of places now do customised monogram embroidery, so you have complete control over the type and size of what you’re wanting. If you’re clever on the sewing machine, why not experiment with your own embroidery at home?
YOU TELL US
How have you jazzed up your cushions? Share your tips and photos in the comments section.
MORE
DIY Cushion Covers: Revive Your Home the Easy Way
Fun With Fabric: 15 Simple DIY Projects Worthy of Display
Fabric Shopping: Where to Find the Best Materials for Your Needs
Living Room Love: 9 Cushion-Picking Strategies That Work
Sometimes the most simple of things are the most beautiful. If you’re into detail, but nothing over the top, I would highly recommend a piped edge. Piping consists of cording enveloped by fabric. It can be any thickness, and is stitched in between the side seams. As a rule of thumb, when I’m determining the thickness I need my piping to be, I consider these few things: how big is the cushion? How much impact do I want it to create on the couch? Is the cushion fabric a solid colour, is it a bold print, or is it a delicate print, and what would complement it better?