How to Make Bay Window Seat Cushions

Making a window seat cushion can make the space more inviting.

Bay windows offer panoramic views and a lot of sunshine. Leaving the space bare is a neglected opportunity to decorate and add extra seating. Adding a cushion can dress up the space, but it can be difficult because bay windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Making a cushion yourself is the most cost-effective way to dress the space and it allows you to customize the look with with any fabric you choose.

Things You'll Need

• Butcher paper
• Foam
• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Carving knife

Instructions

1. Trace the shape of your window seat onto butcher paper. Place the paper in the window seat area, pushing it to the rear-most part of the seat and spreading it to the edges. Using a marker, trace the edges where the seat meets the window. Cut the paper along those markings to create a template. When complete, the paper should fit neatly into the bay and be the same size and shape of the seat.

2. Cut the foam to the shape of your template using a carving knife.

3. Wrap a tape measure around the foam at its greatest point. If it is a half hexagon shape measure the longest edge of the foam. Use that measure to purchase the correct amount of fabric. Round up a 1/4 yard to be sure you have enough fabric. Take a note of the width of your seat and be sure to purchase a fabric wide enough to cover the top without a seam.

4. Cut the fabric two inches larger than your template. Do this twice.

5. Line up the two pieces of fabric with the print on the inside. Pin the outside edges of your fabric together around the front and sides of the cushion, leaving the back open for hand stitching.

6. Sew the pieces of material together on the sides and front with a sewing machine using 1/4 inch margins. You are leaving the back open at this time.

7. Flip the fabric again so that the material is facing out and stuff it with the foam core.

8. Stitch the back of the fabric together by hand using a slip stitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Most major fabric stores will cut the foam to size at the time of purchase.

• You could sew in a zipper for step 8.

• For thicker foam cut a one and a half inch piece of strip extra for each extra strip of foam and sew the strip between your two large pieces of fabric using 1/4 inch margins.

References

• Penny Pinching Grandma: Re-Upholster it Made Easy
• Make it and Mend It: A Beginners Guide to Making Cushions