How to Cover RV Cushions

Cushions with covers

The fabric on your RV cushions will eventually start to show wear. If stored for long periods of time, the fabric may develop a musty smell which is difficult to remove. Covering the RV cushions with new fabric will resolve these issues and allow you to add a designer touch to your RV. New RV cushion covers can match the existing interior, or they can be the basis for updating the entire RV interior.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Tailor's chalk or pencil
• Fabric
• Hook and loop tape
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Pinking shears (optional)
• Thread
• Sewing Machine
• Iron

Instructions

Cover the RV Cushions

1. 

   Tape measure

   Measure the length, width and height of the cushion with a tape measure. Add one inch to each measurement for the seam allowances.

2. 

   Many fabric choices exist for RV cushion covers.

   Purchase fabric. Choose leather or faux leather for an upscale look, or choose denim or duck cloth for high durability.

3. 

   Scissors

   Cut the fabric to the correct size with scissors. There will be one top, one bottom, two long sides and two short sides. Cut one long side in half lengthwise. This will be the rear section of the cushion that will not be seen.

4. 

   Hook and loop tape

   Cut the hook and loop tape two inches shorter than the long side measurement. Mark one half of the long side strip as top and the other as bottom. Pin the loop side of the tape to the wrong side of the top side strip. Pin the hook side of the tape to the right side of the bottom side strip. Sew in place with sewing machine, stitching along all four edges of the hook and loop tape. Sew a half-inch seam on each short side of the side strips.

5. 

   Straight pins

   Pin the top side strip to the top piece of fabric, right sides of the fabric facing each other. Sew in place using a 1/2-inch seam. Pin other long side strip to the top piece of fabric, right sides of the fabric facing each other. Sew a 1/2-inch seam.

6. 

   Stitch a 1/4-inch seam on one side of each of the short side pieces. Pin the short sides to the top fabric piece, right sides together, with seamed sides matching up with the seams on the long side piece with loop tape. Stitch the unseamed corners together using a 1/4-inch seam.

7. Pin the remaining long side with the hook tape to the bottom fabric piece, right sides together. Sew a 1/2-inch seam.

8. Match up the bottom piece with the top piece. Keep the hook and loop tape open and pin the top piece to the bottom piece, matching up the hook and loop tape, right sides of fabric together. Stitch along the three open sides using a 1/2-inch seam. Trim seams with scissors or pinking shears and press all seams flat with an iron. The cushion cover should be inside out. Turn it so that the right sides of the fabric are facing out. Slide RV cushion into the new cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Use pinking shears to trim seams and stitch along the pinked edge for a professional finish.

References

• "The RVer's Bible: Everything You Need to Know About Choosing, Using and Enjoying Your RV", Kim Baker and Sunny Baker, 1997.

Resources

• RV Trailer Repair: photo guide