How to Upholster a Seat Cushion

Upholstering a seat cushion in new fabric can be a quick, simple way to spruce up a favorite chair or add a splash of color to your dining room or patio. It is also fairly easy.
Only basic sewing skills are required, and the most important aspect of upholstering seat cushions is ensuring that your measurements are correct. In addition, be sure to choose a durable fabric that is appropriate for your project and for how much use your chair will receive.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric of your choice (1-2 yards) Tape measure Fabric marking pencil Scissors Straight pins Sewing machine Needle and thread Zipper (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Fold your fabric with the "right" sides together and lay out flat.

2. If possible, remove any existing covers on the cushion. If this is not possible, or you are intending to cover the existing cover, trim any excess threads, ties, ruffles, etc., to create the smoothest possible surface.

3. Place the seat cushion on the fabric and trace around it with the marking pencil. This will ensure you get the correct size and shape for your cushion.

4. Measure the thickness of your cushion.
   For cushions that are 1-inch thick or less, add 1/2 inch to all sides of the pattern you just traced.
   For cushions that are thicker, measure strips of fabric the thickness (plus 1/2 inch) and length (plus 1/2 inch) of your cushion.
   For example, a 12-inch square cushion that is 3 inches thick will require four strips of fabric measuring 12 1/2 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide.

5. Cut out the fabric pieces for your seat cushion.

Sewing Thinner Seat Cushion Covers

1. For seat cushions that are 1 inch thick or less, pin the right sides of both pattern pieces together.

2. Sew them together on three sides, leaving the fourth side open. If desired, at this stage sew a zipper onto the fourth side.

3. Trim any excess threads or fabric, and turn the cover right side out.

4. Insert the seat cushion into the cover.

5. Using a needle and thread, sew the opening closed by hand. (Or simply zip it up.)

Sewing Thicker Seat Cushion Covers

1. Place two of the four fabric strips that will form the sides of the cover with the "right" sides together. Sew together along one short edge.

2. Open this long strip up, and place another strip at the opposite end of one strip---again with "right" sides together. Sew along this edge. Repeat this process with all four strips until you have formed a square (or other shape, depending on your cushion).

3. Pin this square (all the "right" sides still facing inward) to the "right side" of one of the fabric pattern pieces. Sew these pieces together along all four sides.

4. Pin the square to the "right" side of the other pattern piece. This time, sew only along three sides, leaving the fourth side open.

5. Trim any excess threads or fabric, and turn the cover right side out.

6. Insert the seat cushion.

7. Using a needle and thread, sew the fourth side closed by hand.