Big enough to throw on the floor, a denim cushion like this will be the best seat in the house! To make, trace the template onto jeans legs 12 times, then cut out and stitch together to make the cushion top. Finish with a denim-covered button to pull in the centre.
Gather your supplies
- Denim scraps in different colours, to fit 24 pattern wedges (see template, right)
- Sewing machine and general sewing supplies
- Matching sewing thread
- Two 12 x 100cm denim strips (jean legs)
- Air or water erasable pen or white dressmaker’s pencil
- Hobby fill
- Two 38mm self-cover buttons
- Note: Use a 1cm seam allowance throughout unless otherwise stated.
Before you get started, pick up a trusty sewing kit like this one from the BHG Shop which includes scissors, an awl, needle, thimble and case.
Antique Sewing Kit
Here’s how…
Cutting
Step 1
Using a photocopier, enlarge below template to 300%. Pin to denim scraps and cut 24 wedges. Arrange in a set of 12 for top and bottom. Order and number wedges.
Joining the wedges
Step 2
Starting with 1 set, pin wedge 1 and wedge 2, right sides facing. Stitch together down 1 long side, sewing from top of circular edge down to point. Press seams to 1 side.
Step 3
Repeat Step 2 to stitch remaining wedges in set into pairs (3 and 4, 5 and 6, etc). Sew 3 adjacent pairs together to make a semi-circle of 6 wedges. Repeat with remaining 3 pairs. Snip excess fabric where wedge points meet to reduce bulk.
Step 4
Pin 2 semi-circles right sides facing then stitch together to make a full circle.
Step 5
Repeat Steps 2–4 with second set of wedges to make second full circle.
Adding the side strip
Step 6
With right sides facing, sew short ends of denim strips to make 1 long strip. (Length of strip will be longer than you need.)
Step 7
To check length, pin centre seam of strip to outside edge of 1 circle on a wedge seam, right sides facing. Continue pinning strip around circle until at opposite wedge seam. Repeat to pin strip around other side of circle. Draw a line on each end of strip where it meets opposite wedge seam.
Step 8
Unpin strip then pin short ends, right sides facing, together at drawn lines. Stitch together until 2cm from each end to leave an opening for turning cushion through later. Cut off excess fabric from strip 1.5cm outside seam and press open. Re-pin strip to circle as done in Step 7 then sew together all the way around. Repeat to stitch other side of strip to remaining circle.
Finishing
Step 9
Turn cushion right side out through opening then stuff with hobby fill. Slip-stitch opening closed.
Step 10
Cover buttons with denim offcuts. Stitch 1 button to centre of each circle, pulling thread through cushion to create depression in centre of cushion. Finish off thread securely.
DIY Pouf Knitting Kit
Once you’ve tackled this task, why not try your hand at another poof? This knitted poof kit from the BHG Shop will make the perfect home addition and includes everything you could need.
After more upcycling projects? How about these:
How to upcycle an old dresser into a desk
How to upcycle a wardrobe door mirror
How to upcycle old outdoor furniture
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