How to Make Sofa Cushion Covers

Make cushion covers to renew a worn sofa.

Sofa cushions receive a large amount of wear and tear with everyday use, which sometimes causes the fabric to wear out before the sofa frame. When this happens, you can make cushion covers to replace the worn fabric and save you money by extending the life of the sofa. All you need is a sewing machine, sturdy decorator fabric and basic sewing supplies to bring this project to fruition.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Decorator fabric
• Sewing machine
• Zipper foot
• Standard foot
• Thread
• Pins
• Lapped zipper

Instructions

1. Measure the cushion width, length and depth with a measuring tape. Increase the measurements by 1 inch to accommodate the seam allowances. Sketch the cushion dimension on paper to help you visualize the pieces.

2. Cut four pieces of fabric for the depth of the cushion, making sure there is an extra 1 inch for the seam allowances. Cut two long pieces from the length and depth measurements and two short pieces from the width and depth measurements.

3. Sew the depth pieces together in a continuous loop with a 1/2-inch seam so the short and long pieces alternate in the loop. Press all the seams open to reduce bulk.

4. Cut the bottom and top fabric pieces for the cover using the length and width measurements.

5. Pin a lapped zipper, in the length of the cushion width, to the short end of the bottom piece of fabric with the right side of the zipper and fabric together. Pin a short length from the depth loop to the other side of the lapped zipper with the right sides together. Sew the zipper in place with a zipper foot on your sewing machine.

6. Pin the three remaining sides of the bottom fabric to the coordinating lengths on the depth loop, matching the corners and corner seams. Sew the two pieces together with a 1/2-inch seam.

7. Pin the top fabric piece to the opposite side of the depth loop, making sure the right sides are together and the corners match. Sew the two pieces together with a 1/2-inch seam.

8. Turn the cover so the right side faces out by pulling the fabric through the zipper opening. Poke out the corners with your fingers.

9. Slide the sofa cushion into the cover through the zipper opening. Zip the cover closed and place the cushion on the sofa.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a heavy-duty fabric that is washable to increase the wear-and-tear of the cover, yet make it low maintenance for cleaning.

References

• Alternative Windows; Box Cushion Instructions; 2004
• Upholster.com: How to Sew a Cushion: 2004