Tutorial: Outdoor Patio Seat Cushions

Outdoor Patio Seat Cushions

I'm always shocked how expensive outdoor furniture cushions can be.  So after fixing up a patio set with a bunch of gray spray paint, I decided I'd save some money and make the cushions myself.  One reader on the patio set post commented that the color choice made it look like they were primed but not finished, so I hope now with the coordinating cushions, the gray looks more intentional and it looks pulled together as a whole better.

These cushions have box-edges, and mesh bottoms to help promote quicker drying.

Supplies:

1" thick foam cut to chair dimensions

outdoor fabric (cushion top) 1/2 yard for two

mesh fabric (cushion bottom) 1/2 yard for two

1 package 1/2" wide twill tape cut into 15" strips (2 per cushion)

2" wide strips for cushion sides, length= perimeter of cushion + 2"

1. Cut Foam and Fabric

Measure dimensions of the chair you're sewing for and cut the foam to fit.  My chairs have curved back corners, so I used a plate to help cut the curves. 

You can use the foam dimensions when cutting your fabric, adding 1/2" to all sides for seam allowance.  

The mesh and top are identical.

2. Attach Ties

 With your twill tape cut in 15" strips, first hem, use fray check, or burn the ends to prevent fraying.

Fold in half and sew at the back corners of the bottom mesh.

3. Sew Side Strip to Bottom 

Using 1/2" seam allowance, sew the 2" wide strips around the bottom mesh piece.  Start at the back of the seat, leaving 2" of the strip unsewn to start.

Once you sew around the seat, you'll have the unsewn ends to connect.

 4.  Pin Open Side Ends

Laying the mesh flat, align the open ends together and pin where they will be flush against mesh bottom.

5. Sew Side Strip Ends Together

Sew along pin line, connecting the side strip together.

5. Finish Side Strip Seam

Press seam allowance open and finish sewing the side strip to the mesh bottom.

6.  Sew Top to Side Strip

Take the cushion top and match up to the side strip, making sure the corners will be opposite the mesh corners.  Sew top fabric to side strip, beginning at back of cushion.  Leave a 5" hole for turning.

 7.  Turn and Fill Cushion

Turn cushion right side out and insert the foam cushion.  Hand sew the hole closed.

**I'm not the best at hand sewing....think Frankenstein stitching.  So with the other 3 cushions, I switched it a little by sewing the side strips first to the printed fabric top, then added the mesh.  That way my poor hand sewing was in the bottom seam and less noticeable.  Same steps, just start with the print rather than the mesh.

You are finished!  Tie it to your chair and enjoy!  

{Fabric Premier Prints Barber Slub Yellow/Taupe}