Making cushion covers for your patio furniture can make your outdoor space look better and feel more comfortable. Doing it yourself is cheaper and lets you create just what you want. Since outdoor cushions get worn out or damaged, making your own is a smart choice.
You can pick different materials and firmness for a perfect fit. At FoamOrder.com, you have many choices for DIY cushion projects. With waterproof, UV-resistant fabric like Sunbrella®, your homemade cushions will last a long time. Follow this guide to keep your patio furniture looking and feeling great every year.
Choosing the Right Fabric for DIY Patio Furniture Cushion Covers
Starting a DIY project for patio furniture cushion covers means choosing the right outdoor fabric is key. These fabrics can handle different weather conditions, which is perfect for outdoor use. They are often water and UV resistant, which helps them last longer. Polyester and nylon are top picks for making durable cushion covers.
Polyester is known for being tough and not fading easily. It comes in many colors and patterns. Some stores, like JoAnn Fabrics, sell polyester that’s easy to cut into shapes. Nylon dries quickly and resists water and mildew well. But, it’s not as good against the sun, so it’s best for shadier spots.
Waterproof materials are also great for cushion covers. Waterproof canvas with plastic PVC backing, like those from Fabric Wholesale Direct, offers extra toughness, mold and UV resistance, and it’s simple to clean. This makes it a solid choice for cushions that see a lot of use.
Custom-made cushion covers made to fit your furniture’s exact size and shape can look great and last long.
| Fabric Type | Key Features | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Durable, Fade-resistant, Many Colors/Patterns | Cushion Covers, Upholstery |
| Nylon | Quick-drying, Water/Mildew Resistant | Areas with Less Sun Exposure |
| Sunbrella Fabric | Water, UV, and Mildew Resistant | Harsh Weather Conditions |
| Cushion Rite Fabric | Water and UV Resistant, PU Coating | Moderate Weather Conditions |
| Cushion Plus Fabric | Lightweight, UV, Water, and Mildew Resistant | Moderate Climates |
| Cushion Pro Fabric | Maximum UV and Water Resistance, 300D Woven Polyester | Extreme Weather Conditions |
Make sure to measure your cushions correctly for a perfect cover fit. You’ll need to know the width, depth, and height. For instance, a 20″ x 20″ x 3″ cushion needs a 21″ x 21″ x 4″ pattern for seams. Choosing high-density foam as a filling adds support and helps with water resistance, important for outdoor cushions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Cushion Covers
Making custom DIY cushion covers for your patio starts with the right fabric. Choose patterned or striped stuff to make cutting easier. Make sure to fold the fabric over the cushion so it’s fully covered.
Pin the fabric sides from the fold out. This keeps the cover in place while you sew. Stripes help you sew straight. Follow these instructions for great outdoor cushion covers.
To ensure a perfect fit, measure your cushion accurately. Add an extra inch to all sides for seam allowances. Cut with a half-inch seam allowance for a tight fit. Match patterns carefully if your fabric has them.
When sewing patio cushions, it helps to notch the corners. Make a cover that loops around with side panels. Use your measurements for the panels.
Finish by folding the back neatly and stitching it by hand. This makes it look tidy and easy to open when necessary. Use UV-resistant thread for longer-lasting covers.
How to Measure and Cut Fabric for Perfect Cushion Covers
Getting the size right is key for cushion covers that fit well. It’s important to measure carefully, considering seam allowances and overlaps. Follow this guide to make sure your fabric is just the right size.
Most outdoor fabric is 52″ to 54″ inches wide, with some up to 60″. You’ll need about two and a half times your cushion’s length. Don’t forget to add 2 inches on each side for seams. When cutting fabric for cushions, always check your measurements are a bit extra. This ensures the fabric fully covers the cushion and includes overlap and hems for a great look and fit.
Choosing the right tools for cutting is a must. A rotary cutter, a ruler, and a mat will help you cut accurately. Let’s say you have a cushion that’s 20.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches deep, and 3 inches thick. Use the guide below to cut your fabric:
| Piece | Measurement | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Top & Bottom Pieces | 21.5 inches x 16.5 inches | 2 pieces |
| Zipper Casing | 29.5 inches x 6 inches | 1 piece |
| Boxing | 44.5 inches x 4 inches | 1 piece |
Add a small mark at the center back of the top and bottom pieces to line them up right. Split the zipper casing in half lengthwise, marking the middle first. Good measuring and cutting fabric for cushions will make your DIY covers look and work great. Paying attention to these fabric DIY tips will give your patio cushions a tight and professional appearance.
Essential Tools You’ll Need to Make Cushion Covers
Making your own cushion covers for patio furniture is fun and saves money. First up, you need sewing tools for cushions. A good sewing machine is key for putting together the covers quickly. Also, have sharp scissors on hand to cut the outdoor fabric well.
To make strong, weather-proof cushion covers, pick the right tools and materials. For example, Sunbrella fabrics are great for outdoor cushions because they resist fading and water. You might also consider using special types of foam. Dryfast foam is quick-drying and stops mold, perfect for outside. Or use traditional foam, but make sure it’s covered well.
Don’t forget other DIY upholstery equipment like pins and a seam ripper. Pins keep fabric pieces in place for accurate sewing. The seam ripper lets you fix errors by removing stitches, or take apart old covers to use again.
Adding tools like a zipper to your covers makes them easy to take off and clean. This, along with regular washing, can help your cushions last a long time. When the weather gets bad, store your cushions in a dry spot. Furniture covers can also make upkeep easier.
Here’s a simple list of the needed sewing supplies for your project:
- Sewing machine
- Sharp scissors
- Outdoor thread
- Seam ripper
- Pins
- Foam (Dryfast or closed-cell)
- Outdoor fabric (e.g., Sunbrella)
Check out this detailed DIY guide for more info on making outdoor cushion covers.
To better understand the necessary tools, here’s a table comparing their main uses:
| Tool | Purpose | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Sewing Machine | Stitching fabric together | Efficiency and precision |
| Sharp Scissors | Cutting fabric and foam | Clean, accurate cuts |
| Outdoor Thread | Durable stitching | Weather-resistant |
| Seam Ripper | Correcting mistakes | Undoing stitches easily |
| Pins | Securing fabric | Ensuring precision |
Choosing high-quality sewing tools for cushions and DIY upholstery equipment improves your end product. It also makes the DIY process fun and rewarding. Get these essential sewing supplies ready to create great, lasting cushion covers for outdoors.
Tips for Adding Zippers or Velcro to Cushion Covers
Choosing the right closure for cushion covers is important. You can pick from zippers for a neat look or Velcro for ease. Both options make cleaning easy and help your outdoor space stay neat. Here’s how to start.
Installing zippers is great for removable covers. Use a sewing machine with a zipper foot for strong seams. Make sure the zipper lines up with the seam. This gives a clean finish and makes the cover look professional.
Velcro is another great choice, especially for outdoor cushions. It’s quick to install which saves you time. Using VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back for Fabrics Tape makes it even simpler. Just sew or stick the Velcro to the edges for a tight fit.
The choice between zippers and Velcro depends on what you like and need. Both are secure and can withstand weather changes. They keep your cushions safe from the sun and rain.
For more tips, read this guide on zippered cushion covers. It has more advice on adding zippers or Velcro to your projects.
How to Sew Cushion Covers for Patio Furniture
Start your project by making sure your fabric is lined up right. When using a pattern for patio cushions, have fabric that’s 2.5 times longer than the cushion. This ensures enough coverage. For a tight fit, sew 1 inch from the edge. For a looser fit, stick to a standard seam allowance. Make the fabric 2 inches wider than the cushion on all sides. Have an overlap of 4 to 5 inches at the fabric ends to avoid puffing.
Choose heavy-duty, semi-waterproof outdoor fabric for long-lasting covers. These fabrics are tougher to sew than regular ones. To sew accurately, pin the fabric well, especially around corners. For cushions with square edges, fold and pin the corners like making a paper hat. This trick gets you sharp, neat edges.
Sew carefully along the marked lines. You need 4 pieces for each box cushion cover: front, back, and two sides. Think about using velcro instead of a zipper by folding the wider fabric side about 1/4 inch. Sewing multiple seams will attach the velcro, but watch out for corner puckers.
After sewing, turn the cover right-side out. This reveals the sharp corners and smooth seams for a top-notch finish. Making your own cushion covers is deeply satisfying. It transforms your outdoor furniture, as seen in this guide. This DIY approach results in waterproof and sun-resistant covers, boosting your patio’s look.
DIY sewing for new cushions is a great way to refresh your outdoor area. With some patience and precise work, you’ll create stunning covers. They’ll stand up to weather and look awesome. Enjoy your sewing!
Maintaining DIY Cushion Covers for Long-Lasting Use
For long-lasting DIY cushion covers, choose high-quality fabrics. Solution-dyed acrylic is great for outdoor cushions because it resists fading and repels water. Sunbrella fabrics also offer strong defense against UV rays and wear, making them a top choice.
Keep your cushions clean to make them last. Gently vacuum or shake off dirt regularly. You can wash most outdoor cushions with soap and water. Some even go in the washing machine. Polyester is good for damp areas because it fights mold and mildew well.
Storing your cushion covers right is key to keeping them in good shape. Keep them in a cool, dry spot when you’re not using them. This helps avoid mold and mildew. A waterproof spray adds more protection against moisture. Strong stitches and clever designs like OuterWeave™ fabric also help your cushions last longer.
