How to Make a Papasan Cushion Cover

Papasan chair cushions are expensive and get a great deal of use. Yet, once they become soiled over the course of time, you end up having to buy another cushion or a cushion cover that is almost as expensive as the original cushion. You can make your own Papasan cushion cover with a few materials and a little time.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Material
• 2 flat sheets
• Paper
• Tape
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Zipper
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread

Preparation

1. Select the material that you want to use to make your Papasan chair cushion cover. You can also use 2 flat sheets for this project. The amount of material you need depends on the size of the cushion.

2. Make a pattern for your cushion cover. You will need a large sheet of paper, any kind, for the pattern. Tape the pieces of paper together to make a sheet big enough for your cushion. Set the paper on the floor and place the cushion on top of the paper. Using a pencil to trace around the cushion's perimeter.

3. Use a measuring tape to measure the thickness of your cushion. Use that measurement to draw a second line around the first line on your pattern, adding about one extra inch for a seam. It is this second line that you will use as you sew.

4. Lay the pattern on the material. Use scissors to cut out your traced pattern from the material. Cut out another piece of material using the pattern. Once you have cut 2 pieces of the material, lay them on top of each other and use straight pins to pin the edges together all the way around.

5. Determine where you want to place a zipper on your cushion cover. Use straight pins to secure the zipper to the fabric. The size of the zipper will depend on the size of your cushion; it should be large enough so that you can unzip the cover and remove it for washing. Make sure that you place the zipper front facing out so that the zipper pull is accessible when the material is turned right side out.

Put it Together

1. Use a sewing machine or hand stitch the cover with a needle and thread. Sew the seams no more than 1 inch from the edge. Sew the seam twice so that it can withstand the movement that the cover will be subjected to.

2. Sew the zipper into your cover, double stitching the seam once again. Remove all the pins.

3. Turn the cover right side out through the zipper hole.

4. Check to make sure that the zipper works correctly.

5. Place the cover on your cushion.

Tips & Warnings

• Save the cushion cover pattern to make additional covers.

• You can use Velcro or snaps instead of a zipper.

References

• Craft and Fabric Links: Lounge Cushion Cover

Resources

• All Free Crafts: Sewing Slipcovers