Outdoor furniture cushions are a great way to add comfort and style to your patio, deck or yard. With the right materials and some basic sewing skills, you can easily make your own custom cushions tailored specifically for your furniture. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to make cushions for outdoor furniture.
Planning Your Outdoor Cushions
Before starting your project, take some time to plan and make important decisions about your cushions. This will ensure they are well-fitted, durable and enhance your outdoor space.
Choose the Right Fabric
Selecting the proper fabric is crucial for outdoor cushions. Look for fabrics labelled as outdoor, marine or performance fabrics. These are treated and tested to resist fading, mildew and water. Some good options include:
- Acrylic – repels water and resists mildew. Provides good breathability.
- Olefin – extremely durable and stain resistant. Offers UV protection.
- Polyester – inexpensive option that’s still water/mildew resistant.
- Canvas – very durable and breathable. Requires water repellent treatment.
Solid colors will hide dirt and wear better than patterns or prints. Darker colors absorb heat, while lighter shades stay cooler.
Decide on Size and Thickness
Measure your furniture carefully including the width, length and height of the back to determine the required cushion dimensions. Add an extra 1-2 inches to all sides of the cushion to allow for a snug fit when the fabric is wrapped around the filler.
Select the cushion thickness based on your comfort needs. Thicker foam will be plusher but thinner foam conforms better to the body. 2 to 5 inches is typical for most cushion styles.
Choose Filler Material
Polyester batting is a lightweight, affordable filler option. For a natural feel, wool or cotton batting is breathable and comfortable. Foam provides excellent support and conforms to your body. Popular options include:
- Polyester Fiberfill – hypoallergenic and affordable option.
- Feather/Down Blend – natural fill that’s soft but requires maintenance.
- Polyurethane Foam – firm, resilient foam available in various densities.
- Polyester Batting – retains shape but breathes less than natural fibers.
High density foam around 1.8 lbs will give a firmer feel. Low density foam near 1 lb will be softer when compressed.
Select Closure Method
Zipper closures make removing and cleaning covers easy. But zippers can fail or degrade quicker outside. Flaps closed with buttons, snaps or ties allow for fabric shrinkage and are very secure. Velcro is also simple to open and close but may collect debris.
Match Style to Furniture
Consider your outdoor furniture style when selecting fabrics. For modern decor, bold solid patterns or bright colors are nice. Wicker furniture pairs well with classic linen or canvas fabrics. Choose plush chenilles for a cozy, inviting look. Coordinate colors and patterns with your outdoor space.
Calculate Yardage Required
To determine how much fabric you’ll need, calculate the total square inches of your cushions:
Width x Length x Number of Cushions = Total Square Inches
Divide by 144 to convert to square yards and add 20% more for pattern matching and contingencies.
For example, for 2 cushions that are 25″ x 36″:
25 x 36 x 2 = 1800 sq inches
1800 / 144 = 12.5 sq yards
Add 20% = 15 sq yards
So you would need 15 square yards of fabric.
Tools and Materials Needed
Gather the following supplies before starting your cushion project:
- Fabric as calculated above
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pins, clips or elastic bands
- Needle and thread
- Sewing machine
- Foam cut to size or pre-cut batting
- Electric carving knife (for foam)
Optional items:
- Iron and ironing board
- Piping or cording
- Corner straps
- Cording foot for sewing machine
- Fabric marker or chalk
Step-by-Step Cushion Making
Follow these steps to sew your own custom outdoor seat cushions:
Step 1 – Cut Fabric Panels
Lay out your fabric right side up and use a ruler and fabric marker to measure and mark the cushion panel dimensions. Cut around the marked lines. Add 1/2 inch to the panel length and width for the seam allowance. Cut two panels for each cushion.
For the cushion back, cut a panel the same length as the front panel. For the width, add 20 inches to allow for overlaps and closure.
Step 2 – Hem Cushion Panels
To prevent raveling, hem the edges of each cut panel. Fold the fabric edge 1/4 inch and press. Then complete a second 1/4 inch fold and sew close to the inside folded edge. Hem all four sides of the front and back panels in this way.
Step 3 – Attach Closure Flaps
Pin then sew an 18 inch strip of fabric to the middle of one long edge of the back panel. Repeat for the opposite side to create the back cushion flaps. Reinforce stitching at the top and bottom of each flap.
Step 4 – Mark Corner Boxes
Measure and mark 4 inch squares at each corner of the front panel. This is where cording or corner ties can be installed when sewing on the back panel.
Step 5 – Attach Cording or Piping (Optional)
For a more tailored finish, cording or piping can be sewn into the cushion seams. Use a cording foot and follow the manual for your sewing machine to attach the trim as you sew the panels together.
Step 6 – Layer and Pin Front and Back Panels
Place the front and back panels right sides together matching the raw edges. Smooth out any wrinkles. Insert filler material inside and pin together around all edges.
Step 7 – Sew Outer Seam
With fabric edges matched up, sew the cushion covers together on both sides and across the bottom using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Leave the top open.
Step 8 – Box Corners
To shape the corners, match the corner marks together forming a triangle. Sew across the triangle point. Trim excess fabric leaving a small triangle. Repeat for the remaining corners.
Step 9 – Insert Filler and Close Seam
Turn the cover right side out. Stuff evenly with batting or cut foam and hand sew the top seam closed or install your closure hardware or buttons.
Finishing Touches
Add final touches to complete the cushion project:
- For removable covers, attach zippers or velcro strips.
- Add corner ties or elastic loops to keep fill from shifting.
- Topstitch around edges for a clean look.
- Steam or press fabric to remove wrinkles and even seams.
Once finished, place your new cushions on your outdoor furniture to enhance comfort and refresh your decor. Properly caring for them by bringing cushions indoors when not in use and washing periodically will add years of enjoyment. DIY cushions allow you to customize your material and dimensions at a fraction of the cost of store-bought cushions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fabric to use outdoors?
Look for marine vinyl or canvas fabrics that are specifically designed for outdoor use. Acrylic, polyester and olefin are also good water-resistant, fade-resistant options.
How do I get cushions to fit properly?
Take exact measurements and add 1-2 inches ease to all sides so the fabric can wrap around the fill. Boxing the corners helps the cushion conform better to the furniture shape.
How thick should outdoor cushions be?
Between 2 to 5 inches is typical. Thinner foam conforms better. Thicker foam is more plush but can be prone to sliding. Select based on your furniture dimensions and preference.
What filling can I use for outdoor cushions?
Polyester fiberfill, foam, feather/down blends or polyester batting are common options. Fiberfill is affordable but compresses over time. Foam is resilient and provides support. Natural down is very soft.
Is it hard to make your own cushions?
With some basic sewing skills and measurements, DIY cushions are very achievable. Using an electric carving knife makes cutting foam easy. Taking it slow and following steps will result in professional looking cushions.
How do I stop my cushions from slipping?
Using a non-slip fabric backing, adding ties or corner elastics, and selecting a high density foam will help keep your cushions from sliding around. Zippered closures also prevent fill from shifting.
Conclusion
Creating your own outdoor furniture cushions allows you to choose ideal materials for your climate while customizing the size, shape, fabric and style. With some planning and preparation, the sewing process can be easy and enjoyable. The end result will be beautiful, comfortable cushions that enhance your patio furniture and outdoor living space. Just be sure to properly measure, select durable fabric and fills, and take care of your cushions when not in use so they will last for many years outdoors.