How to Make Cushions for Patio Furniture

The right color, depth, and pattern of patio furniture cushions can add comfort and aesthetic appeal to your patio furniture. Purchasing cushions from stores can set you back a considerable amount of money, and you would get only a dozen or so choices to pick from. Thus, learning how to make cushions for patio furniture is not only a more economical method, it is also quite simple to customize it to the way you would like it to be. You can even jazz up your old furniture by adding cushions in exact colors and patterns to suit your outdoor space. There are a variety of materials and fabrics that you can choose from while making your cushions. Creating a patio cushion is quite similar to sewing a pillow or simple couch cushion. The difference between making patio cushions and indoor cushions lies in the material used. Patio cushions have to be ideally made of materials that resist damp and mildew, that is, fabrics that are water-resistant, shrink-resistant, and resist fading. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating cushions for your patio furniture that can accentuate your personal style and creativity.

Instructions For Making Patio Furniture

The first step in making patio furniture cushions is to measure the length and width of the surface area of the patio chairs. A great alternative approach to finding the perfect measurement is to use the old cushion, if there is one, by matching the thickness of the interior material, foam or batting, or using the same core in your new cushion cover. You can also find pattern paper at your local sewing shop, or just use a plain muslin fabric or even an old sheet to take the measurements for the cushions.

The next step involves buying the foam for the cushions. This is based on how thick and firm you want the cushions to be. You can either give the directions to a foam store or cut the foam yourself using an electric knife.

Once you have your pattern, you can decide on how much fabric to purchase. Select an outdoor fabric which is of a more durable material. The choice of the fabric also depends on the furniture. If you have wrought iron patio furniture, then you may want to use olefin, a fast-drying and durable material, or if you have chosen aluminum or redwood furniture, then acrylic patio furniture cushions are the perfect choice. While cutting the fabric, remember to include the thickness of the pads on all four sides and get zippers long enough to go across the long side of the cushion, with 1 to 2 inches of non-zipper space at each end. Now create a pattern for your fabric using a pattern paper and cut the fabric accordingly. Sew your pieces of fabric together inside out, placing the zipper into one of the long sides of the cushion fabric. Remember while sewing to add an inch to each measurement to give you a 1/2 inch seam allowance on each side. Once you are done, turn the fabric right side out through the hole created by opening the zipper, and stuff the foam into the cushion.

While making square or rectangular cushions, the bulk in the corners need to be removed by trimming the seam allowance, turning the fabric, and using a knitting needle to poke out the corners. The more ambitious can add some additional features like reversible cushions. Also, make sure that your patio furniture cushions have tie-downs to prevent them from looking disheveled in bad weather conditions. If you want them to last long, then clean patio furniture cushions on a regular basis with a mild detergent and water. While deciding how to make cushions for patio furniture that suit your style, remember to make choices that will enhance rather than take away from the natural beauty of your outdoor space.