solid ring

Silvery zigzags reverberate across pale blue cotton in a design of subtle glamour. Dark blue cording defines the edges and a combination of blue and ivory threads forms the back. From Seema, these handcrafted cushion covers feature silver foil printing, and the reverse side is solid blue.

Evoking the gentle calm of a snowy night, designer Navya Khanna presents this delightful pair of midnight blue denim cushion covers. A combination of hand block printing and embroidery is used to create the snow white starry dot motifs and the band of geometric patterns at the bottom of the rectangular covers. Solid midnight cotton features on the backsides, with zippers at the bottom for inserting cushions.

Precise geometric motifs alternate with birds in an exquisite design. From talented members of Women United for Artisan Development, the cushion cover is woven by hand on a backstrap loom. Cording defines the borders, and the back is solid grey. "We love birds," the artisans confide. "This design was woven by women who live in Quiché, a forested region in western Guatemala."

Should one of the threads snag, they suggest you pull it back into place from the back of the fabric with a fine crochet hook.

Seemingly grey in the night shadows, birds perch in a flowering tree. Lavishly machine-embroidered, these dramatic cushion covers are designed by Amit Moza. He works on black cotton, creating the images with the aari chainstitch practiced in Kashmir and Gujarat. A slit opening at the back permits insertion of a cushion, and the reverse side is solid black.

This stunning cushion cover is from Mexican artisan Lorenza Perez. On a background of blue cotton, a gorgeous peacock surrounded by flowers is embroidered entirely by hand. The solid blue back features a slit for inserting a cushion.