Smart tips to help you make a cushion cover and a book cover

A cover is a great way to protect your valuables from stains and other types of damage. Here are some smart tips for making cushion and book covers that will last.

This project shows you how to cover a square cushion. Making the cover slightly smaller than the cushion allows it to plump up when filled.

You will need:

• Cushion
• Fabric
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Pins
• Thread
• Needle
• Sewing machine
• Iron

1. Measure the cushion. Cut a piece of fabric the right height and twice the length plus 10 centimetres (four inches).
2. Mark two fold lines the same distance in from the sides — 25 centimetres (10 inches) for a 40 centimetre (16 inch) cushion, 27.5 centimetres (11 inches) for a 45 centimetre (18 inch) cushion or 35centimetres (14 inches)for a 60centimetre (24 inch)cushion.
3. Turn under 5 millimetres (1/8 inch) then 5 millimetres (1/8 inch)again at eachend to form hems. Pin,tack and sew. Remove tacking and press.
4. Fold fabric, right sides in, at fold lines. Allow eight centimetres (3 1/2 inches) overlap at the join. Pin and tack the two raw edges then sew a 1.25 centimetre (1/2 inch) seam along each.
5. Trim the hem diagonally at the corners to make them neater once the fabric is right side out. Remove tacking. Turn right side out and press. Insert the cushion in the slit at the back of the cover.

A simple protective cover for a book can be made from sturdy paper such as wallpaper or a plain grocery bag.

You will need:

• Paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Clear adhesive tape

1. Measure and cut a piece of paper or plastic five centimetres (two inches) larger all around than the open book. Centre the book on the paper, with each cover face down. Cut diagonally across the paper at each of the four corners. Leave one millimetre beyond each corner to provide an overlap.
2. Make a diagonal cut in the paper at the top of the book tapering into the top left-hand corner of the spine. Then do the same towards the top right-hand corner. Repeat at the bottom to leave two flaps of paper which you can cut off or tuck inside the spine.
3. Fold the side flaps in, followed by the top and bottom flaps to create a seamless border. Secure each edge with sticky tape.

A cover is a smart way to protect your cushions and books from irreversible damage. Give these quick tips a try and create a safety cover today— you'll be glad you did!