Do you remember when we spruced up the outdoor space at our studio with some comfy seating? Josh made these incredible bench seats, and we decided to top them off with some plush outdoor cushions. They really transformed the area, making it a cozy spot to hang out.
If you want to DIY your own outdoor cushions, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a simple guide to get you started!
Supplies
- Canvas twill or outdoor fabric
- Outdoor cushion filling
- Standard sewing machine
- Zipper (the width of your cushion)
- Fabric scissors and sewing pins
- Waterproofing spray
First, measure the width and depth of your seating area. This will determine the size of your cushions. My cushion filling was 4 inches tall, so that was the height for my cushions.
Add an extra inch to both the width and depth for seam allowances. These measurements are for the top and bottom panels of your cushion. For the side panels, add up the original measurements of all four sides plus an extra inch for seams. The height of the side panel is the cushion height plus another inch for seam allowance.
Cut your fabric to these dimensions.
Round off the corners of your fabric panels. Sew the ends of the side panel strip together to make a continuous loop. Pin the loop to the top panel (right sides together) and sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Make some “V”-shaped notches at the corners to help the fabric lie flat.
Attach the bottom panel to the side panel just like you did with the top panel. Before you sew it completely shut, add a zipper. Pin the zipper face down on the right side of the fabric at one end of the bottom panel and sew it in place with a zipper foot. Repeat for the other side of the zipper.
Once the zipper is installed, sew the rest of the bottom panel, leaving the zipper slightly open so you can turn the cover right side out.
Use a marker and ruler to cut your cushion filling to size. If your filling isn’t one continuous piece, use several pieces to fill the length of the cushion. A handsaw works great for cutting the foam - it’s odd, but it works!
Fold the filling like a taco and insert it through the zipper opening. Apply waterproof spray to the fabric, and you’re done!
Finally, you can accessorize with some outdoor pillows, a rug, and even some planters. Now your outdoor space is all set!
Happy sewing! xo, Laura
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Supplies
- Canvas twill or outdoor fabric
- Outdoor cushion filling
- Zipper (the width of your cushion)
Equipment
- Standard sewing machine
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing pins
Instructions
-
Measure and Cut Fabric: Measure the seating area and cut the fabric with an extra 1 inch for seam allowances.
-
Sew Panels Together: Sew the top and bottom panels to the side panel strip, adding notches at the corners.
-
Install Zipper: Pin and sew the zipper in place, leaving it partly open for turning the cover right side out.
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Add Filling: Cut the cushion filling to size, insert it through the zipper opening, and use waterproof spray to seal the fabric.