Changing your outdoor space can be easy if you learn to sew patio furniture cushion covers. If your cushions are faded or you want a new look, this DIY project is cost-effective and rewarding. You just need some basic tools and a little patience to make your patio furniture look new again.
A homeowner saved money and added a personal touch to their patio by making new cushion covers for their Target outdoor set. They also used spray paint to refresh the furniture. Regular upkeep, like painting, helps make your outdoor furniture last longer. Choosing durable materials, like Sunbrella® fabric and UV-resistant thread, will make your covers stay nice longer.
When you sew your covers, you can make them fit perfectly, which looks great. Remember, the fabric should be 2.5 times the length of the cushion, and add a half-inch on each side for seams. For sharp corners, fold and pin the edges before sewing.
Selecting the Best Fabric for Sewing Cushion Covers
Choosing the right fabric for outdoor cushion covers is crucial. It should be durable and stylish. Look for fabrics that resist water, mold, and UV rays. A good choice is waterproof material with a PVC backing. This type makes sure the covers last and keep looking great.
When looking for outdoor fabric, check out JoAnn Fabrics. They have many options like stripes and geometric patterns. These patterns help with precise cuts and boost your patio’s look. Boxed cushion covers fit well and offer extra protection. Striped covers add a cool design touch.
To cover eight cushions, you’ll need about 8 yards of 54-inch wide fabric. You’ll have to cut pieces for the front, back, and sides of each cushion. Don’t forget to add an extra inch to each piece for seams. This helps make the finished product look professional.
Try outdoor fabric options like Sunbrella, Olefin, polyester, and polypropylene. JoAnn Fabrics’ materials are durable and easy to care for. Measure your cushions carefully. Include a little extra for seam allowances.
It’s important to pick fabric that’s easy to maintain. Clean it by brushing off dirt and washing with mild soap. For hard stains or mildew, use a bleach solution. Consider a waterproofing spray for added protection. Always test the spray on a small area first.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric Width | 54 inches |
| Fabric per Cushion | Approx. 1 yard |
| Total Fabric Needed | 8 yards for 8 cushions |
| Durability | Waterproof, UV-resistant, mold-resistant |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean with mild soap; bleach solution for mold |
| Recommended Fabrics | Sunbrella, Olefin, polyester, polypropylene |
In conclusion, the best fabric choice combines function with style. Pick outdoor fabric from JoAnn Fabrics for great results. Make sure to measure correctly and think about durability and upkeep. This way, you’ll have great-looking and long-lasting cushion covers for your outdoor space.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sewing Patio Cushion Covers
Creating beautiful and professional-looking patio cushion covers is a rewarding project. Follow this DIY cushion sewing guide for the perfect results!
Begin by measuring your cushions. Add 2 inches to each side for seam allowance. Calculate the perimeter for welting. Each bias strip should be 2 inches wide, totaling 18 yards.
Start by cutting fabric three inches longer and wider than your cushion dimensions. Spread out and pin your design. Use about a dozen pins to secure the fabric well.
Sewing techniques are key for a professional finish. Stitch side seams with a 1/2 inch seam allowance using your sewing machine. Make sure to craft neat, boxed corners at the front. For a neat look, add welting to the edges.
The total time to recover one cushion is about 20 minutes. You can finish a pair in roughly an hour. The lifespan of your covers varies. They generally need replacement every 2-5 years, due to weather exposure.
How to Sew a Cushion Cover with a Zipper or Slipcover Closure
Making cushion covers with zippers or slipcovers seems hard, but it’s doable with help. This guide shows you how to make nice zipper cushion covers for outdoor chairs.
You’ll need four fabric pieces for each cushion: two for the top and bottom, one for the sides, and one for the zipper. Make sure they’re a bit bigger than your cushion, to fit right. For example, if your cushion is 20.5 inches by 15.5 inches by 3 inches, cut the top and bottom pieces to 21.5 inches by 16.5 inches. The piece for the zipper should be 29.5 inches by 6 inches, and the side piece 44.5 inches by 4 inches, with a little extra for seams.
To start, make the back panel longer by 12 inches for an overlap. Cut this panel into two pieces, for the overlap and the main back. This overlap is key for adding a velcro or for the slipcover technique found here.
Then, put the back pieces together so they overlap the right way. This lets you put in velcro instead of a zipper if you want. Putting velcro on is easier for beginners and still gives a tight fit without sewing a zipper.
For zippers, put the zipper part and the back pieces together right. Sew them to the side piece, leaving space for seams. Cut the corners of the side piece before sewing to make nice, sharp corners. Make a loop with the side and zipper parts. Remember to open the zipper a bit before sewing the last part, so you can turn the cover out easier.
Last, sew all parts together. Connect the top and bottom to the loop of side and zipper parts. Make sure everything lines up for a clean look. Turn the cover out to see your nice, working cushion cover.
Keep practicing. Even if you’re used to DIY projects, the first tries might be tough. But with patience and effort, you’ll get great results. Using zippers or velcro saves money on custom covers and makes your outdoor area look good without spending a lot.
Tips for Achieving Professional-Looking Seams on Cushion Covers
Professional-looking seams make your DIY cushion covers look and last better. Here are professional sewing tips for sewing crisp seams easily:
First, striped fabric helps you sew straight by acting as a guide. It’s like having a built-in ruler for even seams. It’s essential to pin your fabric well. Put pins perpendicular to the fabric’s edge, about 1 inch apart. This keeps the fabric in place and avoids shifting while sewing.
To avoid puckered seams, adjust your sewing machine’s tension. Do tension tests on scrap fabric to save time and avoid mistakes. A walking foot attachment might help too. It feeds fabric layers evenly, preventing stretching or puckering.
The right needle and thread matter too. Use heavy-duty polyester thread for outdoor cushions. A 90/14 needle can sew thick fabrics without breaking. These tips will make your cushion DIYs look more professional.
Here’s a table with some materials and practices for great results:
| Material | Recommended Practices |
|---|---|
| High-density polyurethane foam | Resilient and water-resistant, ideal for outdoor cushions. |
| Polyester | Durable and fade-resistant, suitable for various outdoor fabrics. |
| Sunbrella fabric | Unmatched durability, colorfast, water, and UV-ray resistant. |
| Cushion Rite Fabric | 600 Denier polyester with PU coating, budget-friendly and UV-resistant. |
| Cushion Plus Fabric | Eco-friendly 100% Olefin with TPU coating, excellent for UV, water, and mildew resistance. |
By following these tips, measuring carefully, and choosing quality materials, your DIY cushion covers will look professional. They’ll also be durable, adding comfort and style to your outdoor space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sewing Cushion Covers
Sewing cushion covers is fun, but you need to dodge some errors for the best outcome. A common sewing pitfall is not having enough fabric. Make sure you have 50 inches of fabric for each chair cushion. This helps in fixing any mistakes while cutting.
A big mistake is making cuts that aren’t even. This messes up the seams. Use a rotary cutter and measure your fabric panels carefully to avoid this. Also, don’t forget about the fabric’s grain direction. Ignoring it can lead to patterns that don’t line up and fabric that’s not strong.
Choosing the wrong fabric is another mistake to steer clear of. For outdoor cushions, you want fabrics that resist UV rays, mold, and rot. This keeps your projects looking good for longer. Keep these tips in mind to avoid common DIY upholstery mistakes.
Not getting the seam allowances right can make covers fit poorly. Aim for half-inch adjustments to get a snug fit. Also, pick the right thread and needle. Tex 70 thread and needles sized 90/14 or 100/16 are best for high-quality outdoor cushions.
Lack of prep is a big problem too. Getting your measurements right and making templates is key. It usually takes more time than sewing itself. If you need help with boxed and welted cushions, check out this guide for step-by-step instructions.
| Error | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Underestimating Fabric Allowance | Not enough fabric for cuts | Ensure 50 inches of fabric per cushion |
| Uneven Cuts | Misalignment of seams | Use rotary cutters and measure accurately |
| Ignoring Fabric Grain | Weak patterns and durability issues | Follow fabric grain direction |
| Wrong Fabric Type | Reduced longevity and durability | Choose UV-resistant and mold-resistant fabrics |
| Improper Seam Allowances | Ill-fitting covers | Make half-inch adjustments for fit |
| Insufficient Preparation | Delays and errors in sewing | Properly plan and measure before sewing |
How to Maintain and Clean DIY Patio Furniture Cushion Covers
Taking good care of your DIY patio furniture cushion covers keeps them looking great. It also makes them last longer. Start by removing loose dirt. Then, use household cleaning solutions for a deep clean. It’s important to clean according to the type of fabric and stains.
If you can remove the cushion covers, follow the washing instructions to avoid damage. For those that can’t be removed, mix dish detergent and Borax. Use a soft brush to scrub them, then rinse with a hose. For tough stains, use vinegar for mildew, detergent for grass, and baking soda for oil. For more tips, visit our guide on cleaning outdoor cushions.
After cleaning, let the cushions dry in the sun to stop mold and mildew. They should be almost dry by nightfall and fully dry in 2-5 days before storing for winter. To keep stains away, spray them with fabric protector. Spot clean often and dry well to keep the fabric looking new.
To protect your cushions from bad weather, store them in zippered plastic bags. Regular care in spring and fall keeps your furniture welcoming all year. Follow these tips for effective and budget-friendly care of your outdoor spaces.
