Spring is such a great time to inject new life into our homes – and simple furniture restoration craft projects are such a great way to do it.

If you have an old chair with a cushion that's looking a bit tired, you don't need to spend hundreds of pounds replacing it – simple sew a new cushion cover in a more modern fabric!

This project requires a sewing machine, so is best suited to intermediate sewers who have mastered the basic sewing techniques. If your new cover needs a zip, check out our step-by-step tutorial to sewing a cushion cover with a zip.

Reupholstering furniture is just one of so many brilliant upcycling ideas that will give your home a real lift. If you get the bug, why not try other simple projects like reupholstering an old footstool or painting your kitchen chairs. The upcycling opportunities are endless!

TIP: When sewing a concealed zip be sure machine tack it in place first and keep your pins parallel with your fabric.

You will need

• Soft furnishing fabric (length will depend on the size of the cushion)

• Zip (if you cushion cover needs a zip)

• Pattern paper

• Pins

• Fabric cutting scissors

• Sewing machine

• Tape measure

How to make

1. Firstly take off your old cushion cover and trace around the outline on a piece of pattern (or you can use greaseproof paper). Cut the pattern out and then use this as a template on your fabric, pinning it in place so it doesn’t move when you start cutting.

2. I recommend finishing the cover with a concealed zip as it gives a really neat finish. Refer to the existing cover for length and place. Remember that with concealed zips it must be stitched in face down with the tape edge aligning with the fabric edge. If you don't want to use a zip velcro or poppers can work too.

3. Once you have sewn your zip (or fastening) into place, you can sew up the rest of he cushion. Start with the side panel – I created two pieces to save on fabric so I needed to join these together at the shorter ends. Always sew the fabric right sides together and press the seams open.

4. Next take one of the large front or back pieces and place this right sides together with one of the edges of the side panel. If your cushion is curved like mine then be sure to use lots of pins to help you ease the side panel into the curved edges.

5. Before sewing the remaining front/back piece on, be sure to open the zip as once this is completely sewn you will need to turn it through on the zip opening.

Styling tip – Choose a blanket or throw in a colour to accents one of the brighter colours in your cushion fabric.

Have you transformed an old chair with a new cushion! Share your makes with us by tagging @primamag on Instagram!

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