Put your feet up!

Make this versatile floor cube for emergency seating.


Too many guests, too few seats? Just make this comfy floor cube and you'll never be caught short of seating again. The exotic top is made from an inexpensive cushion panel, while the body of the cube is made from a suedelook velvet.

You'll need
66cm-square cushion panel
1.6m of 150cm-wide velvet or fabric of your choice
4 tassels
Strong matching thread such as quilting or upholstery thread
Large sewing needle (a denim needle is ideal)
3m of strong cord
Block of low-density foam cut to size
Scissors or pinking shears

Here's how
Step 1
Cut top panel to desired size using a border design as a guide and adding a 25mm seam allowance all round. Using pinking shears if available, cut four side panels from the velvet so each measures the same width as the top by 50cm deep, plus the seam allowance top and bottom. For the base panels, cut four strips the same width as the side panels by 15cm deep, plus the seam allowance. Machine-zigzag around the top panel to prevent fraying.

Step 2
Stitch a tassel 25mm in from each corner of the top panel. Stitch the side panels together, taking 25mm seam allowance, but leaving the top 25mm open. Press seams open.

Step 3
Pin the tassels out of the way of the stitching line. With the right sides together, stitch the side panels to the top panel. Do this by stitching along one edge up to a corner, then along the adjacent edge up to the same corner. As the fabric is quite thick, it's easier to sew using this method rather than pivoting at the corner. Stitch all seams twice for extra strength. Press seams open.

Step 4
Stitch base pieces together at the side seams. Turn under and stitch 5mm then 15mm casing on bottom edge, leaving an opening of about 20mm on one side. With right sides together, sew base section to side panels, matching raw edges and side seams. Thread cord through casing. Place block of foam inside cover and pull up the cord to secure.

Shopping:
66cm square Nellie cushion panels $56.2, a pair; velvet $17.99/m
Llncralt, 1800 640107.
Low-density foam (66 x 66 x 50cm block) $88, The Foam Booth, (02) 9319 0594.


Source: Better Homes and Gardens TV August 2001