Today I’ll show you how to make DIY bench cushion covers for indoor or outdoor use, with optional custom piping for a professional finish.
Nothing freshens up a space faster than new fabric. A custom cushion cover can add color, pattern, and personality to a breakfast nook, window seat, entryway bench, or patio.
The best part? You don’t have to settle for limited store options or pay custom-upholstery prices. With some fabric and a little sewing, you can create a cushion cover that’s exactly the size and style you want.
Creative people don’t have a mess. They have ideas lying around everywhere.
– Unknown
Why You’ll Love this Project
This DIY bench cushion cover project is much easier than it looks. At its core, you’re simply sewing together fabric panels to create a custom cover that fits your cushion.
While it does require some measuring and planning, the construction itself is straightforward. Instead of a zipper, this tutorial uses a simple Velcro closure, making it more beginner-friendly and easier to sew. You can even skip the decorative cording if you’d like a simpler design.
The finished cover is removable for cleaning and can be customized for indoor or outdoor use with the fabric of your choice.
Click to see more cushion projects on my site, and patriotic decorating ideas, too!
Is This Project Right for Beginners?
If you’re comfortable sewing straight seams and using a sewing machine, you can make this cushion cover. The Velcro closure is much more forgiving than installing a zipper, making this a great project for building confidence with home décor sewing.
If you’re looking for an even simpler option, check out my DIY window seat cushion tutorial. That project uses an elastic-style cover that is quicker, beginner-friendly, and also flexible to cushions of almost any size. This no-sew cushion option is great as well!
Materials
Here are the sewing supplies you will need for the cushion. Affiliate links are underlined.
Fabric for Cushion
Piping Fabric optional
Cording optional
Matching Thread
Closing Mechanisms Velcro Tape, Snaps, or Buttons
Straight Pins
Sewing Scissors or
Rotary Cutter
Sewing Board or
Safe Cutting Surface
Sewing Machine
High Density Foam Cushion
Sharpie Marker
Electric Knife optional
Polyester Batting optional
For other satisfying projects, try sewing small personal accessories, like a drawstring bag, a crossbody bag, or a coin pouch.
Foam Cushion
Let’s start by determining the size of your cushion insert.
Measure your bench or chair seat and record the width, depth, and desired cushion height. Before purchasing foam, check what sizes are readily av
ailable online or at your local fabric store. You may find a standard size that works perfectly or can be trimmed to fit.
I originally planned to use a 1-inch cushion but upgraded to a 2-inch-thick soft support foam cushion for added comfort.
This foam insert is similar to the one I ultimately used. (affiliate link)
How to Cut Foam
Use a ruler and straight edge to mark your cutting lines with a Sharpie.
An electric knife is the easiest tool for cutting foam, although a craft knife or sharp scissors may work for thinner foam. Cut on a protected surface and hold the knife vertically as you follow your marked lines.
Don’t worry about making a perfect cut. The cushion cover will hide most minor imperfections. One of the best things about this project is that the foam can be reused and recovered whenever you want a new look.
How Much Fabric Do You Need?
Before purchasing fabric, sketch your cushion and label all dimensions.
You’ll need fabric for the:
Top panel
Bottom panel
Two side panels
Front panel
Back panel
Closure flap
Remember to add seam allowances to every piece. I used a 1/2-inch seam allowance throughout this project.
Take your sketch and measurements to the fabric store if you need help calculating yardage. Most stores are happy to help determine how much fabric you’ll need.
Before you Sew
Take your time and thoughtfully prepare with these steps for the best results.
Prewash Your Fabric
Wash and dry your fabric before cutting. This helps prevent future shrinkage and fit problems.
If needed, iron the fabric before measuring and cutting to improve accuracy.
Layout and Cut Your Fabric
Carefully measure and cut all fabric pieces. If your fabric has a pattern or stripes, consider how the design will flow across the cushion.
Remember to include seam allowances on every piece. I used a 1/2-inch seam allowance throughout the project.
How to Make DIY Bench Cushion Covers
Let’s get started!
Below are the instructions for each photo numbered 1-6 above.
Prepare the Piping (Optional)
Step 1 Piping adds a clean, professional finish along the seams of your cushion. You can buy premade piping or make your own using bias-cut fabric strips wrapped around cording.
Bias-cut strips work best because they curve smoothly around corners.
If you’re new to sewing, feel free to skip this step. Your cushion will still look beautiful without it.
Create the Back Opening
Step 2 The back opening allows you to insert and remove the foam cushion.
Fold under the raw edge of the upper back flap by 1/2 inch and press. Topstitch along the folded edge to secure it.
If desired, finish the raw edges with a serger, zigzag stitch, or pinking shears.
Overlap the upper and lower back pieces so they match the height of the side panels. Treat these overlapped pieces as a single back panel moving forward.
Secure the overlap at each end, leaving the center open for inserting the foam.
Sew on your Velcro, snaps, or button closures.
Sew the Side Panels
Step 3 With right sides together, sew all side panels together to form one continuous fabric loop.
If adding piping, pin and sew it along both the upper and lower edges of the side panel.
Join the ends of the piping neatly by exposing the cord, trimming the ends, folding one fabric edge under, overlapping the ends, and stitching securely in place.
Connecting the Top and Bottom to the Side Panels
Step 4 With right sides together, sew the top panel to one side of the fabric side panel piece.
Then sew the bottom panel to the opposite side.
Turn the cushion cover right side out and press well. Pressing helps create crisp corners and gives the finished cushion a professional appearance.
Add Batting (Optional)
For softer edges and a smoother appearance, wrap the foam with polyester batting before inserting it into the cover.
A light spray adhesive can help hold the batting in place while you work.
Inserting the Foam Cushion
Step 5 Carefully insert the foam cushion through the back opening.
Work the foam gently into the corners, smoothing and adjusting as needed until the cover fits evenly and looks full.
Fasten the Velcro, snaps, or buttons to close the opening.
Step 6 Add pillows and enjoy!
For other home decor sewing projects that are perfect for beginners and any room in your house, click the pillow photos below.
More Home Décor Sewing Projects
Once you’ve mastered this bench cushion cover, there are plenty of other home décor projects to try. Decorative pillows, cushion covers, and window seat cushions are great ways to practice sewing skills while creating custom pieces for your home.
Browse the projects below for more inspiration and step-by-step tutorials. Don’t miss all craft and clothing sewing projects here. Also, check out these painted pillows, Christmas pillow covers, and this monogram pillow.
Your DIY bench cushion cover is finished and ready to enjoy!
A custom cushion cover is an affordable way to update a breakfast nook, window seat, entryway bench, porch, or patio while creating the exact look you want.
If you make one, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Feel free to share your fabric choice, project tips, or any questions you may have.
Happy Sewing!
xo,
Cindy
Did you try this project?
I would love to hear all about it! Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.
Just finished this project complete with lip cording. Thanks for the instructions. Love how it turned out.
That’s awesome Rochelle! 😃 I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know.
These are so pretty and you made them look so easy! Love the green leaf fabric?
Thank you! Love that fabric too!