Embroidered cushions

Embroidery cushion kits: from stretched canvas to finished cushion cover

An embroidered cushion is not just a decorative project. It is an item that requires between 15 and 60 hours of work, depending on the size and technique, and which ultimately takes its place as a permanent feature in a living room or bedroom. This selection of 28 designs ranges in size from 30×30 cm to 45×45 cm, with counted patterns on 10/10 canvas (10 holes per centimetre), which are best suited to achieving a neat finish with tapestry wool.

Most kits include printed or grid-patterned canvas, three-colour wool pre-divided into sections, a tapestry needle and assembly instructions. Some also include the padding and fabric backing. Checking this detail before ordering will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes to assembly.

Choosing an embroidery cushion to suit your skill level

For a first cushion project, 30×30 cm designs with simple geometric patterns (chequered, herringbone, stripes) are the most accessible. The time required is around 15 to 20 hours, the number of colours is under ten, and the repeating patterns allow you to find your rhythm without getting lost in a complex grid.

Realistic floral designs or landscapes require greater mastery of shading and thread blending. For a 45×45 cm design with a detailed grid, allow 50 to 70 hours. This isn’t a project to start if you haven’t yet seen how the transition from one half-stitch to another affects the final texture of the finished piece.

If you have children who are just starting out with embroidery, the children’s kits come in smaller sizes with wider holes, better suited to little hands than standard adult cushion kits.

Techniques compatible with cushion kits

Almost all the embroidery cushions in this selection are worked using the half-stitch or the cross-stitch. The half-stitch (a single diagonal pass) is quicker, produces a more even texture and is well suited to large areas of solid colour. Cross-stitch (two X-shaped stitches) gives a more matt, fabric-like finish and holds up better in areas exposed to friction.

Some kits feature both techniques in the same project: half-stitch for the backgrounds, cross-stitch for the central motifs. This works well visually if the grid is well-constructed. As for additional equipment, an adjustable embroidery frame and good task lighting reduce eye strain — you’ll find these tools in our selection of embroidery accessories.

Wool or cotton thread: which thread for which cushion finish

Cushion kits almost always use tapestry wool (4-ply twisted yarn, often 100% acrylic or a wool/acrylic blend) rather than cotton floss. The reason is practical: tapestry wool fills the stitches of a 10/10 canvas more effectively, adds volume, and withstands the wear and tear associated with the daily use of a cushion better.

Stranded cotton remains suitable for fine-count cross-stitch kits, but on standard cushion canvas, you would need to double or triple the strands to achieve proper coverage. Most manufacturers have made this choice for you by including wool directly. If you need to top up or replace a colour, the canvas accessories include compatible wool references by brand.

Final assembly: the steps the instructions often overlook

Once the embroidery is complete, assembling the cushion requires a few precautions. The embroidered canvas should be starched in cold water before assembly to restore the tension and ensure it lies flat, especially if the grid has been worked diagonally and tends to twist. This step, which is often omitted from the instructions, determines how flat the cover will be in the end.

Assembly is carried out right sides together with the backing fabric, sewing 1.5 cm from the edge on three sides, turning the cushion right side out, inserting the filling (standard 400g polyester for 40×40 cm), then closing by hand using a slip stitch. Some people prefer to add a zip to the fourth side so that the cover can be washed separately.

To take your finishing touches and combined embroidery-sewing projects a step further, the Objects & Decorations category offers ready-to-use fabric bases and embroidery backing.

What this selection really offers

The 28 kits available cover a variety of themes: botanical motifs (roses, peonies, foliage), Scandinavian geometric patterns, animals (cats, birds, foxes), and landscapes (thatched cottages, harbours, mountains). Prices range from 18 to 65 euros depending on the size and complexity of the pattern. Mid-range kits costing around 30–40 euros generally include all the materials required, with no additional charges.

If you’re looking for projects that can’t be finished as cushions but use the same counted-stitch technique, Embroidery & Diagrams offer cross-stitch patterns to be framed or incorporated into other textile items.

What size embroidered cushion should you choose as a gift?

The 40×40 cm size is the most versatile: it fits standard cushion covers sold everywhere, the project can be completed in 25 to 35 hours, and the final result is prominent enough to show off the work. Avoid the 45×45 cm size as a first gift if you haven’t assessed the recipient’s skill level.

Can a cushion kit be used to make something other than a cushion?

Yes. The embroidered canvas can be framed, turned into a bag or mounted on a tray. The only limitation is the size of the canvas supplied in the kit, which is usually cut to fit the intended cushion exactly. If you want more freedom with the finish, start directly with a canvas sold by the metre and choose your own design and backing.

Is the wool supplied in the kits enough to complete the project?

Normally yes, with a 10–15 per cent margin built in by most manufacturers. You’ll usually run out if you have to redo mistakes or change techniques partway through the project. Make a note of the colour references right at the start of the kit in case you need to order more.