How To Make Cushions For Your Outdoor Benches

While most outdoor benches, seats and loungers come with their own cushions, many do not. If you just cannot find the perfect color combination or print in the store, it is relatively easy to make your own outdoor cushions.
Find The Perfect Fabric
When choosing the best fabric for your cushions, you will want to make sure you purchase material that will withstand outdoor conditions. There are many different fibers available that will resist fading in sunlight and many manufacturers apply treatments to materials such as polyester and nylon to provide them with further protection.
Measure Your Furniture
You will need to take accurate measurements of the area of the furniture that you plan to use the cushion on. Make sure to measure both the length and the width of the area. Once you have these measurements, you will need to take both the length and width measurement and double them so that the entire cushion is covered. Make sure to add additional yardage if you plan to make the cushions thicker than norma, or if you would like to add decorative edgings.
Trace A Pattern
Purchase a roll of crafting paper so you can make a pattern to cut out the material. Cover the area where you plan to use the cushion. Trace around the edges of the furniture, making sure to trace around any additional parts of the furniture, for instance if you would like to cover the arms, this will entail additional shaping and fabric.
Create A Pattern
Fold your tracing in half and cut along the lines that you have drawn. Using your pattern, cut out and pin it to the material. Make sure to leave an additional five-eighth of an inch or more to accommodate seaming and then cut your fabric according to the pattern.
Add Your Edgings And Sew
If you are planning to add decorative edgings or cords, sew them around the sides of the top piece of fabric. Carefully match the top and bottom edges of the fabric and sew them all the way around. Make sure to leave one end open so that you can insert foam for a cushion.
Finish
Fill the fabric piece with your choice of stuffing and sew the rest of the cushion together.