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Simple Quilt Block Cushion Cover | Patchwork Week

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Simple Quilt Block Cushion Cover | Patchwork Week

Celebrate Patchwork Week by turning your favourite quilt block into a cushion cover.

Designer and talented Half Yard Sewing Club member, Lesley Tawton, has adapted our classic Patchwork Star cushion cover with the Dresden Plate block.

A simple border grows your block to cushion size, making it perfect for adding a splash of colour to your home or gifting to someone special. Whether you stick with the Dresden Plate or try your own design, this cushion cover is an easy way to showcase your patchwork without making a whole quilt.

Note: Use a ¼in (5mm) seam allowance. Finished size: 16in (40.5cm) square.

We've adapted our original Patchwork Star cushion cover so it's suitable for a slightly smaller 10½in (26.75cm) Dresden plate block. If you choose a block that has slightly different measurements, you can follow the simple formula below:

Cushion Border Formula:

  1. Decide your finished cushion size (e.g. 16in / 40.5cm)
  2. Measure your quilt block (unfinished, raw edge to raw edge)
  3. Calculate total border needed: Finished cushion size – Finished block size = total border (all sides combined)
  4. Divide by two to get the border width per side
  5. Add seam allowance (usually ¼in / 0.6cm each side) to get the cut width of your border strips

Example:

  • Block = 10½in (26.75cm) square unfinished
  • Cushion = 16in (40.5cm) finished
  • Total border = 16in – 10in = 6in (15cm)
  • Border per side = 6 ÷ 2 = 3in finished (7.5cm)
  • Add seam allowance (¼in or 0.6cm each side) → cut strips 3½in (9cm) wide

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You will need:

Equipment

  • Sewing machine and standard sewing foot
  • Fabric shears
  • Erasable fabric marker pen
  • Optional: basting spray

Materials

  • One completed block measuring 10½ x 10½in (26.75 x 26.75cm) unfinished  we used the Dresden plate 
  • Fabric for the cushion back: 33 x 24in (84 x 61cm)
  • Wadding: 17 x 17in (43 x 43cm) - trim to 16½ x 16½ in (42 x 42cm) 
  • Lining fabric: 17 x 17in (43 x 43cm) - trim to 16½ x 16½ in (42 x 42cm) 
  • Cushion pad: 16in (40.5cm)

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Project steps:

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Step 1

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MEMBERS ONLY: To gain full access to the Half Yard Club projects please login or sign up

Step 2

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