How to make a rainbow cushion

How to make a rainbow cushion

Who says you can’t have a rainbow without rain? Create your own in three coordinating colours for happy vibes with our DIY guide to making your own rainbow shaped cushion.

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Anna Alicia

Published: April 6, 2020 at 10:12 am

Boost your mood with our beginner-friendly home sewing idea! Swap out the fabric colours for your favourite shades or go full-on rainbow and adapt this pattern to include all the colours of the rainbow.

Which fabrics do you need?

To make this cushion here are the full fabric notes:

  • Fabric A: 45x55cm (18x22in) (yellow)
  • Fabric B: 35x35cm (14x14in) (blue)
  • Fabric C: 25x20cm (10x8in) (pink)
  • Medium-weight canvas: 90x110cm (36x44in), for the lining and backing

If you want to recreate the colours we've used then we've used fabrics from the Kona Solids collection by Robert Kaufman.

  • Grellow. Ref: K001-476
  • Slate. Ref: K001-1336
  • Shell. Ref: K001-1271.

Download our free rainbow cushion pattern

Free rainbow cushion pattern (PDF)

Note: this pattern was first published in Simply Sewing magazine issue 58, so the pattern above is part of a larger set of templates but this PDF includes the full template that you need to make this project.

You will need:

  • Fabric (See fabric notes)
  • Canvas (Medium-weight the lining and backing) (90x110cm (36x44in))
  • Toy stuffing (500g bag)
  • Thread
  • Basic sewing kit

Cutting out

Step 1

From Fabric A cut:

  • Outer arc: one using template A.
  • Backing: three using template A.

Step 2

From Fabric B cut:

  • Centre arc: one using template B.

Step 3

From Fabric C cut:

  • Lower arc: one using template C.

Preparing your pieces

Step 1

How to make a rainbow shaped cushion step 1Lay out one of the backing pieces and lay the outer arc piece on top, right side (RS) together. Set aside for now.

Step 2

Take the centre and lower arc pieces and snip approx 7-8mm in at roughly 2-3cm (¾-1¼in) intervals around the curved part of their edges only.

Lay the centre arc piece RS down on your work surface. Along the outer edge (but not the straight bottom edge), fold the fabric in by 1cm (3/8in) and press as you go around

Step 3

Lay the centre arc piece RS down on your work surface. Along the outer edge (but not the straight bottom edge), fold the fabric in by 1cm (3⁄8in) and press as you go around. Do the same with the lower arc piece.

Assembling the front panel

Step 1

Turn the centre arc piece over so it is RS up and the folded edge is underneath. Place it on top of the outer arc/backing piece so that the bottom edges align and the sides of the blue piece are 10cm (4in) in from the edges of the outer arc piece. Pin around the edge of the centre arc piece (you don’t need to pin along the straight bottom edge). Repeat with the lower arc piece, making sure the sides are 9cm (35⁄8in) in from the sides of the centre arc.

How to make a rainbow shaped cushion step 3

Step 2

Sew around the outer edges (but not along the straight bottom edges) of the centre and lower arc pieces, 1-2mm in.

How to make a rainbow shaped cushion step 4

Assembling the cushion

Step 1

Lay out the remaining lining/backing pieces, RS up, one on top of the other. Place the front panel RS down on top.

Step 2

Pin around the edge, including the bottom straight edge

Pin around the edge, including the bottom straight edge.

 

Step 3

Sew all the way around the edge 1cm (3⁄8in), leaving a turning/stuffing gap of 6cm (23⁄8in) gap on the bottom edge. Snip approx 7-8mm in at roughly 2-3cm (¾-1¼in) intervals along the curved part of the edge.

Step 4

Turn RS out through the gap left in the bottom edge.

Step 5

Stuff with toy stuffing.

How to make a rainbow shaped cushion step 6

Step 6

Pin and then sew the turning gap closed by hand.

How to make a rainbow shaped cushion

Anna Alicia

Designer and Writer

Anna is a designer, maker and craft writer based in London. She is passionate about eco-ethical, handmade projects and creating unique makes that you will love forever. Find her latest designs over on Instagram @aalicialondon.
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