How to make a custom cushion for a bench seat

You can make a custom seat cushion for any shape or size of bench or chair. It just take a little math!

How to make a template for a custom seat cushion?

I like to make my template using brown kraft paper on a roll.

1. First take exact measurements of the area that you want the custom cushion to be in.

2. Cut it out and make sure that it fits perfectly. If you measurements are off a little just cut a little more off to make it smaller or tape some more paper on and redraw to make it bigger. (Especially if it's and odd shape!) Once your pattern is the perfect size the rest is much easier

3. This is your finished cushion size. You will also use this pattern to cut your foam later.

(30"x18" is the size of the area, for this example, that the cushion fits into. It is the finished cushion size and the size of the foam)

How do you cover foam with fabric for a custom seat cushion?

• Make a copy of your pattern on another sheet of kraft paper. Then add 1/2 inch all the way around the outside for your seam allowance. This gives you the top and bottom of the custom cushion cover.

• Next choose your foam thickness and determine the size of your boxing. You want your cushion to be "stuffed" full and have what we call a crown which makes it fuller in the middle and curve down on the edges as shown in the figure below. You acheive this by making your boxing height less than the thickness of your foam plus dacron layer. You always want to wrap your foam with dacron. This gives a softer feel to the cushion and makes your foam last longer!

Here are the measurements that I typically use for my boxing size:

How much fabric do you need to make a custom seat cushion?

1. You will need one top piece and one bottom piece both the same size. (19x31)

2. Your boxing will cover 3 sides plus a little extra to make a pocket to hide the zipper pull. (66 inch length) Feel free to cut extra length for this. You can always size it at the end!

3. You finished zipper boxing will cover the fourth side plus 3 inches down one side and 5 inches down the side with the zipper pull pocket. (40 inch length)

Boxed custom seat cushion fabric calculations:

In this example we need 2 yards of fabric. 2 yards = 72 inches.

1. Top & bottom = 2@19x31

2. Boxing = 1@4x66

3. Zipper boxing = 2@2 1/2x40

Here is how it's laid out:

custom

How can I cover a custom bench/box cushion without a zipper?

The most important thing when sewing your boxed cushion cover it to make sure the corners of the top and bottom piece match up on the boxing! You can leave out the zipper and replace it with velcro if absolutely necessary. I can't guarantee how well it will hold however. When you make your cushions with a crown it fits quite snug.

How can I make a custom box cushion without a sewing machine?

If you don't own a sewing machine go to our website and register for a DIY Upholstery Lesson you can make your own cushion with one on one guidance from me in my upholstery shop!