Don’t let the thought of making new cushion covers puzzle you.
Creating custom cushions requires careful measurements and the right materials to ensure a professional-looking finish. Whether you’re replacing old cushions or making new ones for a vintage camper, following a step-by-step approach will help achieve the perfect fit. This guide outlines how to measure, cut, and assemble your cushion panels, including considerations for seams, boxing, zippers, and optional piping or welting. With the right tools and materials, you’ll be able to craft durable and comfortable cushions tailored to your specific needs.
Instructions:
1.) Measure the top panel from seam to seam. If there is piping or welting, measure to the outside of it.
2.) In our diagram we have the top panel measuring 24”. Be sure to allow for 5/8” for both sides of the seams (5/8 x 2 = 1 ¼” total). By having 27” across you would repeat the procedure of adding 5/8 seems on both sides.
Your new measurements should be: 25 ¼ x 28 ¼
You will need to double this measurement to allow enough fabric for the bottom of the cushion.
3.) Than you will need to measure for the Front Panel (also referred to as the boxing). In this case it measures 5” so you would once again allow 5/8 for a seam on both sides (1 ¼). You will need to measure the area around the cushion and typically only use 3 sides. You will need to leave the 4th side of the cushion for your zipper in order to put the foam inside.
4.) Now you will need to measure the last side for your zipper closer. You should allow an extra 6” if you want to go around the sides to make the opening larger for the foam. However this is a personal preference.
5.) If you wish to have piping or welting you will need to measure the complete distance around the cushion for the length. For the piping itself you will need a 1 ¼” wide. This will wrap around the piping for you to sew and allow enough fabric to sew it together and attach to the top and boxing (front panel). If you wish to have piping on both the top and bottom of the cushion you will need to double the size when making your purchase. Most fabric stores have pre-made piping, however sometimes customers can’t find a color match and prefer to make their own.
Remember All the Measurements:
Make a list of the items below and put the measurement next to each one and then total to assure you have allowed for all the parts.
A.) Top Panel
B.) Bottom Panel
C.) Boxing/Front Panel
D.) Zipper Panel
E.) Piping or Welting
F.) Allow for the 5/8” on each side for a total of 1 ¼”
Materials Needed To Make Cushions:
1.) Foam – We found that there are a lot of options and different styles to choose from. Heffron’s does not sell foaming at this time, but has listed them below for information purposes.
Poly Foam
A medium firmness foam suggested for occasional use. Poly foam can be used for cushions, mattresses, as well as packaging and crafts. Foam has a typical life of 1-2 years.
Super Soft Foam
A soft foam suggested for regular use. Super soft foam is suggested for the back of sofa cushions, mattress toppers and mattresses for individuals with bed sores. Foam has a typical life of 5 years.
HD36 Foam – Regular
Medium foam for regular use. HD36 Foam – R is suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches, and mattresses. Foam has a typical life of 7 years.
HD36 Foam – High Quality
Medium foam for regular or heavy use. HD36 Foam – HQ is a high quality foam suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches, and mattresses. Foam has a typical life of 16 years.
Lux Foam – Regular
Firm foam for regular use. Lux Foam – R is suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches, and mattresses. Foam has a typical life of 7 years.
Lux Foam – High Quality
Firm foam for regular or heavy use. Lux Foam – HQ is a high quality foam suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches, and mattresses. Foam has a typical life of 16 years.
2.) Upholstery
3.) Thread
4.) Zipper
5.) Welting/Piping – Either premade with the fabric already on it or just the piping to fasten your fabric selection to it.
Tools Needed To Complete Your Cushion Project:
1.) Sewing Machine w/ Cording Foot.
2.) Scissors, Pen, Marker, Yard Stick.
3.) Electric Knife to cut the foam.
4.) Cloth tape measure.
Happy Sewing!
