How to Make Seat Pads

Seat pads change the look of your chairs, window seats or benches and can add comfort. You can make custom seat pads quickly and inexpensively by slipping sections of 1-inch upholstery foam into fabric cases. Choose the fabric for the seat pads based not only on the color or print you like, but also on where the seat pads will be used and how much wear and tear you expect them to get. Seat pads that will not get heavy use could be made from a lightweight woven fabric. Upholstery fabric or a heavier fabric such as canvas or denim will hold up better for seat pads that will get more use. For outdoor furniture, use a waterproof or water-resistant fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper Upholstery foam Marker Scissors Ruler Fabric Straight pins Thread Sewing machine Hand sewing needle

Instructions

1. Lay newspaper on the seat surface that you want to cover. Draw the desired finished shape onto the newspaper. Cut along the line.

2. Place the newspaper pattern onto the upholstery foam. Use marker to trace the pattern on the foam. Cut the foam.

3. Fold fabric in half to double it. Pin the newspaper pattern onto the fabric. Measure out 1 inch along all sides of the pattern. Draw dashes at approximately 1-inch intervals, then connect the dashes to draw a solid line around the enlarged pattern. Cut along the solid line through both layers of fabric.

4. With the correct sides of the fabric together, use 1/2-inch seams to sew three sides of the fabric pieces together. Leave the back side open. (You have created a pillowcase-type shape.) Sew over the seams again for durability.

5. Turn the fabric case right side out. Insert the foam section into the case.

6. Fold under one raw edge of fabric on the back side of the fabric case 1/2 inch. Lap the folded edge over the raw edge to close up the opening. Pin to hold the fabric in place against the foam. Sew securely with thread and a hand sewing needle.