How to Make Seat Cushions

Seat cushions are a comfortable application to add to a chair, that also bring a decorative touch to the table.

Making your own seat cushions is a way to save money and allow you to get the exact color scheme and size you need. Follow this simple pattern and instructions to make your own seat cushions right at home.

Things You'll Need

• Two 2'x 2' squares of cloth
• Two 2" x 3' long strips of cloth
• Newspaper
• Cord (can use close line or other)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. 

   Gather all the supplies listed in "things you'll need" on a flat surface. Prepare the fabric by removing any wrinkles. Cut two 2" by 3' long strips for ties.

2. 

   Place the newspaper on the chair, and cut out a pattern following the edges of the chair. Fold the paper pattern in half, to see if the pattern is symmetrical. Adjust as needed.

3. 

   Put the paper pattern on the two squares of fabric. Cut around the pattern leaving 1" for seam allowance.

4. 

   Take the two 2" by 3' pieces of cloth. Fold each side to the center, then fold the left side almost in half on top of the right side. Pin or iron the strip of cloth flat.

5. 

   Sew the length of the cloth, to make the seat cushion's ties. On each end, fold the cloth over 1/2 " and sew across. Set the chair ties to the side after finishing.

6. 

   Prepare to sew the seat cushion. Measure around the cut cloth for the cord and add 3" to the total. Cut the cord and a piece of cloth 1 3/4" wide the same length as the seat cover is around.

   Place both fabrics with front sides facing each other. Place the cord and cloth in the center.

7. 

   Fold the strip of cloth over the cord, and place the top layer of cloth on top of it. Line up the edges of all three pieces evenly. The cord should be back tight against the strip of cloth. Pin around the seat to hold in place.

   Place the material under the sewing machine. Start to sew 2" before the corner on the back end. Put the foot right up on the cord. Sew so the stitching is right below the cord.

8. 

   Sew 2" until reaching the back corner. Take one of the ties that have already been sewed, fold it in half and put the folded side in the seam and the ties inside the cushion. Sew up and continue around the cushion, stopping when you reach the other back corner. Add the tie in, and sew another 2". Stop and leave the back open for filling.

9. 

   Turn the seat cushion right side out, flatten and check around to make sure it has gone together properly.

10. 

    Fill up with filling. Here we are recycling an old pillow for filling. Fill so the seat cushion will be comfortable, but don't over stuff.

11. 

    Stitching up the back can be done by hand using a whip stitch, or with the machine. Fold seam allowance over on both sides of the cushion, and tuck it in against the cord. Sew up until reaching the end of the cord.

12. 

    Tuck both ends of the cord into the cushion. Make it as seamless as possible and sew over both ends.

13. 

    Finished cushion can have tassels or buttons to decorate the center of the cushion.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick heavy duty cloth for long lasting seat cushions

Resources

• More kitchen makeover tips, before and after pictures