How to Sew a Box Cushion for a Couch

A box cushion is the type of cushion that is typically on a couch or upholstered chair. To cover this type of cushion, you must make a separate fabric circle for the edge of the cushion and sew this part to the top and bottom fabric pieces. Place a zipper along one side for easy removal for washing.

As long as you are comfortable sewing a zipper, this is not a difficult project. Choose a pretty upholstery fabric and recover your cushions to update your couch today!

Things You'll Need

• Foam of desired size and shape
• Fabric
• Zipper (two inches shorter than the length of the cushion)
• Sewing Machine
• Zipper Foot
• Sewing Notions (thread, scissors, pins, etc.)
• Iron
• Tape Measure

Instructions

1. 

   Measure the width, length, and depth of your box cushion to be covered.

2. Cut two pieces of fabric the length and depth measurements (add 1/2 inch to all measurements for seam allowance). Cut two pieces of fabric the width and depth measurements (again add 1/2 inch to all measurements for seam allowance).

3. 

   Pin the short ends of these four strips together with right sides facing each other to make a circle. If there is nap or direction in the fabric you are using, make sure that you sew each piece the same way to make them uniform. Stitch the edges together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press all seam allowances open.

4. Cut the top and bottom fabric pieces according to the length and width measurements (add 1/2 inch to all measurements for seam allowance). Pay attention to any patterns in the fabric and place patterns in the center of the pieces if possible.

5. 

   Position the bottom edge of the fabric circle around the edge of the bottom fabric piece. Place right sides together. Pay special attention to the corners. The 1/2 inch left open at each end of the fabric circle will fit around the corners of the bottom fabric piece. Pin to secure.

6. Place a zipper into one seam of the cushion. The zipper should be open and the teeth of the zipper should be at the edge of the fabric circle.

7. Sew the three sides of the circle (without the zipper) to the bottom fabric piece with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Use a zipper foot to sew the zipper into the fourth seam.

8. Pin the top fabric piece to the top edge of the fabric circle matching raw edges. Sew all four edges with a 1/2-inch seam allowance and turn right side out through the zipper.

9. Place the cushion into the fabric and zip the zipper to finish the box cushion.