Strawberry Thief Floral Polyester Cushion - Coral/Leaf Green

This is a 50x50cm outdoor cushion carrying the Strawberry Thief design, a pattern that dates back to 1883 and remains one of William Morris's most recognised. The front is printed with birds set among strawberries, foliage and flowers in coral, leaf green, teal and amber against a pale ground, and the reverse is a plain coral to match the piped edge. The fabric is 100% polyester, chosen here because it is water resistant, which is the property that lets a cushion live outdoors rather than being carried in and out.

It is sized as a standard square scatter cushion, so it works on a garden bench, a rattan sofa or a pair of patio chairs, and it sits equally well brought indoors onto a sofa or reading chair. The busy, warm-toned print reads best against natural wood and stone, and pairs comfortably with plain cushions in coral, green or cream if you want to build up a mix. Two of these together anchor a seat; one softens a hard chair. Because the pattern is symmetrical, it looks deliberate however you drop it.

Construction is a printed polyester face with a plain coral back, finished with a piped trim around all four edges that gives the seam a firm, defined line and helps the cushion hold its square shape. A zip closure runs along one edge so the cover can be taken off the pad. Polyester is quick to dry and does not absorb water the way a natural fibre would, which is what keeps it usable through a British summer of showers. Shake it out and plump it after rain and it recovers its shape. It belongs to the wider Strawberry Thief range, so you can carry the same design across other pieces if you choose.

Can this cushion be left outside?

It is made from water-resistant polyester intended for outdoor use, so it copes with showers, but we would still bring it in during heavy or prolonged wet weather to keep it at its best.

What is the Strawberry Thief design?

It is a William Morris pattern first produced in 1883, showing birds among strawberries and foliage. This cushion prints it in coral, leaf green, teal and amber on a pale ground.

Does the cover come off?

Yes, there is a discreet zip along one edge, so the cover can be removed from the pad when you need to.

What does the back look like?

The reverse is a plain coral that matches the piped trim, so the cushion looks finished whichever way it faces.

How big is it and where does it fit?

It measures 50x50cm, a standard square scatter size that suits garden seating, a bench or a rattan sofa, and works indoors on a sofa or chair too.

Why polyester rather than a natural fibre?

Polyester does not soak up water and dries quickly, which is why it is used for outdoor cushions where a cotton or linen face would stay damp.