How to Make a Leather Seat Top for a Bench

A leather-covered bench works well in an entryway or living room.

Adding a cushion to a piece of furniture gives new life to a found item or creates a new look for an existing item already in your home. Using leather to make a bench seat lends an air of sophistication and is easier to keep clean than other types of fabric because it can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Your typical sewing machine may not be able to handle sewing leather. You may need an industrial-style machine or at the least, a heavy-duty needle for your machine.

Things You'll Need

• Leather in your choice of color
• Batting
• Measuring tape
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the bench. Write down your measurements so that you can refer to them when you are cutting the leather.

2. Roll out the leather right-side down. Do this on a clean floor to prevent it from getting scratched or damaged.

3. Cut two pieces of leather. Be sure to add an additional inch to your recorded measurements, which leaves room for a seam. A pair of very sharp scissors will make a precise and even cut. If you are making a long cushion, you may want to have someone hold the tape measure on the leather so that you ensure a straight line.

4. Pin the two pieces together, right sides in. Put the pins all the way around the cushion, which will keep the two pieces lined up and prevent an uneven seam.

5. Make a 1/2-inch seam all the way around the cushion, leaving a 2-inch hole for stuffing. Use a thread color that matches the leather to disguise the seam.

6. Stuff the cushion with batting. Use a stuffing stick to push the batting inside the cushion, and pack it tightly for a firm cushion or loosely for a softer cushion.

7. Stitch the stuffing hole closed. Do this on the back of the cushion, which will hide it when it is placed on the bench.

Tips & Warnings

• Condition your leather cushion regularly to keep it from looking distressed or wearing out.

• Clean leather by wiping with a damp cloth. Your leather cushion should not be put in the washing machine. Hang it on the clothesline to refresh the scent and air it out.

• Leather cushions in smaller sizes are interesting accessories for couches and armchairs as well.