How to Make a Square Foam Bench Seat

Make a bench seat cushion using foam inserts.

Square bench seating serves both a decorative function and a utilitarian one. If you have a cushioned bench that gets a lot of use as a seating space, it's likely that its cushion has flattened or otherwise become worn out. When it comes time to replace your cushion, consider making your own. Not only will this save you money, it will allow you to customize the firmness and thickness of the cushion and the pattern on the fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• 3-inch-thick foam sheet
• Shears
• Sewing needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Measure the top of the bench using a measuring tape.

2. Cut two squares from fabric of your choosing that measure the same dimensions as the top of the bench, adding 1/2 inch along each side. Consider using durable fabric.

3. Cut out a long rectangle from the same fabric to measure 3 inches wide, and the combined length of each side of the square measurement.

4. Pin one edge of the long strip around the edges of one of the squares using straight pins, placing the right sides together. Leave a 1/2-inch seam allowance along the edges.

5. Pin the other edge of the long strip around the edges of the other square, keeping the right sides together. Leave a 1/2-inch seam allowance along the edges.

6. Sew along each pinned edge using a sewing machine, leaving one edge on one of the squares unsewn. Remove all of the straight pins.Turn the form right side out.

7. Cut a square of 3-inch-thick foam to measure the same dimensions as the top of the bench, using shears.

8. Insert the foam square into the unsewn opening of the cushion form. Fold over the open edges by 1/2 inch, then sew the opening closed using a needle and thread.

9. Trim off the excess thread with scissors, then place the square foam bench seat onto the top of the bench.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep sharp scissors, straight pins, sewing needles and shears out of the reach of children.

References

• New Replacement Foam Sofa Couch Cushions: How to Repair Sofa, Couch and Chair Cushions