How to Make Cushions for Patio Furniture

Learning how to make cushions for patio furniture on your own not only saves big bucks, it also allows you to customize the patio furniture cushions to match your style and taste. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own patio cushions.

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.

Learning 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 for you to choose from while making your cushions. Creating a patio cushion is 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 damp- and mildew-resistant. Select 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.

» The first step in making patio furniture cushions is to measure the length and width of the surface area of patio chairs. An alternative approach to get the perfect measurement is to use the old cushion, by matching the thickness of the interior material, foam or batting, or using the same core in the new cover.

You can also find pattern paper at your local sewing shop. You can 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.

» Sew the fabric pieces together inside out, with the zipper into one of the long sides of the cushion fabric. While sewing, add an inch to each measurement for a ½'' 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 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 making cushions for patio furniture, remember to make choices that will enhance rather than take away from the natural beauty of your outdoor space.