The Hour

If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for your mum this Mother’s Day, making something from scratch might be just the ticket.

Homemade gifts are extra special because of the effort that’s put in, and can be a really personal, special present to receive.

Craft expert Rachel Henderson stopped by The Hour to show Michelle McManus and Stephen Jardine how to make their very own appliqué cushions, perfect for crafty mums.

“Appliqué is basically attaching one bit of fabric to another bit of fabric,” Rachel explained, before showing the pair how to make their own attractive designs.

First of all get all the materials needed to make the cushion. Some adhesive webbing, fabric, an iron, a pair of scissors, a template and embellishments such as mini pom-poms and buttons are all you need.

The first step is to take the adhesive webbing and trace a shape onto it such as a butterfly or a heart; using a stencil is a good way to make sure the shape comes out as intended.

Place the stencil below the adhesive and trace the design onto the webbing, before choosing a fabric you like. Then iron the webbing onto the back of the fabric. Cut out the shape then peel the paper from the back of it (off the webbing).

The next step is to iron the shape onto the cushion, which will stick the design onto it. Then all that’s left to do is stick some pom-poms and sew some buttons or other embellishments onto the cushion, to finish it off. Voila!

CREATIVE CRAFTS:

• Find out more about Rachel Henderson and get lots of craft ideas
• Video: find out how to make some crafty things for Easter