Making Outdoor Cushions
Now that you have the materials, it’s time to go over how to make patio cushions. Making your own outdoor furniture cushions is fairly easy. Follow a few simple steps and you’ll be sitting comfy in no time.
Step 1: Measure Furniture Seats to Determine Cushion Size
First, you’ll need to measure the seat where the new cushion will go. Measure the width and depth of the seat to get your base measurements.
Once you have the base measurements, you need to cut your fabric. To get the most accurate measurements for each cushion panel, add one inch to the width and depth measurements to get a half-inch seam allowance around the entire piece. This gives you the panel measurements for the top and bottom of the cushion.
For the length of the cushion side panels, take the original base measurements for all four sides of the top panel and add them together. Then add another one inch to that number for the seam allowance. To get the height of the side panel, measure the height of the foam cushion you picked, then add one inch for the seam allowance.
Remember the adage: Measure twice and cut once. Confirming the correct measurements now will save you from wasted material and discomfort later.
Step 2: Cut Fabric Pieces
With your measurements double-checked for accuracy, you’re now ready to cut your fabric pieces. You’ll need to cut a top and bottom panel for every cushion you are making as well as a side panel. You also need to do the following when cutting outdoor cushion covers:
Round the Edges
Once your top and bottom panels are cut out, line them up with the patterned sides facing each other. On the corners that will be facing out, cut a rounded edge on both sides.
Cut the Corners
Sewing straight lines on a rounded edge can be a little difficult. You can add a few small V-shaped notches into the rounded edges to make this process easier.
Step 3: Pin and Sew Fabric Pieces Together
Using your sewing pins, put your fabric pattern sides together and secure them with the pins. Place pins every few inches around the sides and front of the cushion fabric — these are the sides you will sew together. Make sure to account for the half-inch seam allowance and leave the back open for the zipper.
Step 4: Attach the Cushion Zipper
Place the zipper face down on the patterned side of the fabric at one of the ends of the bottom panel. Pin the zipper in place one half-inch from the edge and sew it to the panels on both sides.
Step 5: Measure and Cut Cushion Foam
You should already have the correct height of your cushion foam, so you’ll need to measure the length and width of the foam to ensure it matches your cushion measurements. Make sure you use a ruler and a marker to mark exactly where you need to cut and get straight lines.
You also have the option to order custom-cut foam pieces directly from FoamOrder.com to save you the time and effort of measuring and cutting the foam. Additionally, you can purchase foam by the sheet if you’re making lots of cushions and want to save the cost of buying individual pieces.
Step 6: Flip Cushion Cover Right-Side Out and Add the Filling
You’ve made the cushion cover and you’ve cut the padding to size. Now it’s time to put them together. Turn your cushion cover right-side out so the pattern is facing out, then carefully put the foam padding inside the cover. Repeat this process for all your DIY outdoor cushions and enjoy beautiful, comfortable outdoor seating.
Step 7: Make Cushions Waterproof
If you didn’t choose a fabric that is already waterproof or water-resistant, you can get a waterproof spray product. Follow the directions on these products to get a waterproof finish.
Step 8: Decorate Your Outdoor Furniture
You’re finally ready to decorate your outdoor furniture! Add all your DIY cushions to their right seats and you’re good to go.
