The words we use about how our cushions are made, and what they mean.
Cushion finishes
How our cushions are finished, and what each finish does for a room.
Knife edge - Front and back sewn straight together, so the edges come to a point. The plainest finish, and the one that lets a fabric speak for itself.
Piped - A cord covered in fabric and sewn into the seam, giving the edge a clean, tailored line. Self-piped uses the same fabric; contrast piping picks out a colour from the design or adds a stripe.
Frilled - A gathered strip of fabric around the edge, single or double. Softer and more relaxed, and at its best on a bed or a garden chair.
Fringed - A trim of loose threads or tassels set into the seam. It adds weight and movement, and suits plain linens and heavier weaves.
Oxford - A flat border of fabric around the edge, stitched so the pad sits inside the line. Neat and crisp, borrowed from the classic Oxford pillowcase.
Shapes and pads
Box cushion - A cushion with a side panel, called a gusset, which gives it depth and square edges. Usually used for seats.
Bolster - A long, round cushion, with flat or gathered ends. Good at the end of a sofa or a daybed.
Feather pad - A cushion pad filled with duck feather, sometimes mixed with down. It plumps up well and allows you to sink into it.
Pad size - We got for pads up to 5cm bigger than the cover, so the cushion looks full rather than flat.