How to Make Cushions for Wooden Rocking Chairs

Everyone loves rocking chairs, from little babies to elderly men and women. They are embedded in our earliest memories as comforts, and a sturdy wooden rocking chair can be a treasure.
However, sometimes those sturdy wooden seats can be hard on our bodies, particularly older bodies and bodies that have just given birth. Luckily, making cushions for these chairs is fairly easy. Only minimal sewing skills are required to produce a comfy, stylish addition to your favorite rocking chair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric of your choice (1 yard) Square of foam rubber that will fit in rocking chair seat (2 inches thick or less) Measuring tape Straight pins Fabric marking pencil Scissors Sewing machine Needle and thread Ribbon (optional)

1. Measure the seat area of your rocking chair. Ensure that your foam rubber piece will fit, and trim if necessary.

2. Fold the fabric so that the "right" sides are together, and lay out flat.

3. Place the piece of foam rubber on the fabric, and trace around it with the fabric marking pencil, adding about 1/2-inch all around.

4. Cut out the fabric pieces and pin them together.

5. Sew the pieces together on three sides, leaving the fourth open.

6. Trim any excess threads or fabric, and turn the cushion cover right-side out.

7. Insert the foam rubber piece.

8. Sew the fourth side closed by hand. If desired, fold two lengths of ribbon in half, and sew the folded edge into the seam about 2 inches from the corners. These will allow you to tie the cushion to the chair back for rocking chairs with vertical slats.