How Are Cushions Made?

Cushions can be made to fit a wire chair.

Cushions are found on sofas, chairs, benches and other types of seating. Some cushions are made to be used loose on the floor. Usually cushions are box-shaped, but some plush pillows are more tapered. Some cushions are soft while others are more firm. Underneath all of these differences, cushions are made in very similar ways using standard materials. You can make a cushion in a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• 4-inch foam
• Electric carving knife
• White paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Decorator fabric
• Laundry
• Iron and ironing board
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Needle and thread

Instructions

1. Cut 4-inch thick foam to the size you want using an electric carving knife. Place the cushion over white craft paper and trace out the shape. Add 1/2-inch seam allowances to each side and cut out the pattern.

2. Wash, dry and iron the decorator fabric you selected for your cushion. For best results, select a long-wearing fabric that doesn't stain or fray easily. Fold the fabric in half and pin the pattern to the fabric. Cut out the top and bottom covers.

3. Measure the length of each side of the foam and add 1 inch for seam allowances. Cut the length by a height of 5 inches. Repeat for each side.

4. Place one long side with a short side, face sides together, and sew a corner seam. Place the other end of the long side together with the other short side, face sides together, and sew a corner seam. Place the remaining long side against a short side, face sides together, and seam. Repeat for the last long and short sides. You should have a loop of fabric with four seams.

5. Position the side fabric over the top cover, face sides together. Line up the corners of the top cover with the seams of the side cover. Pin a 1/2-inch seam around all sides. Sew with a sewing machine. Repeat for the bottom cover except only sew three sides. Clip the corners and turn the cover right side out.

6. Fold the cushion in half and insert it through the opening into the cover. Tuck the corners until the entire cushion is positioned correctly inside the cover. Bring the opening together. Tuck 1/2 inch of fabric inside and hand sew a seam across the opening with needle and thread.

Tips & Warnings

• Welting, trim, tufting and other embellishments can be added to dress up the cushion. A zipper can be added to one side to make removing the cover easier.

References

• Alternative Windows: Box Cushion Directions