Sewing a chair cushion cover is a practical and rewarding project that can instantly refresh the look of a room. Whether you’re aiming to replace a worn-out cover or simply want to add a new splash of color and pattern to your furniture, creating a custom cover allows you to tailor it to your specific tastes and needs.
This guide on how to sew a chair cushion cover will take you through the step-by-step process, from selecting the right fabric to the final stitches, ensuring a perfect fit and a professional finish. Whether you’re a sewing novice or an experienced crafter, you’ll find helpful tips and techniques to make your project a success.
Why Sew a Chair Cushion Cover?
There are many reasons why you might want to sew a chair cushion cover. Some of the most common include:
To Update the Look of Your Furniture:
A new cushion cover can instantly transform the appearance of a chair, making it look like new and adding some personality and style to your space. You can choose from an endless array of fabric options, from bold and colorful patterns to subtle and elegant solids, to suit your decor.
To Protect Your Furniture:
A cover acts as a protective layer between the chair cushion and spills, stains, or general wear and tear. It’s much easier to remove and wash a cushion cover than it is to clean the entire chair.
To Save Money:
Sewing your own cushion cover can be more cost-effective than buying a new one. You can also use leftover fabric scraps or repurpose old fabrics for a budget-friendly option.
7 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Sew a Chair Cushion Cover
Step 1: Gather Materials
To get started, you’ll need:
Fabric of Your Choice:
Measure the length, width, and depth of your chair cushion and add an additional 1-2 inches to each measurement for seam allowance. Choose a durable fabric that can withstand everyday use or opt for a washable material if you have kids or pets.
Matching Thread:
Choose a thread color that matches your fabric.
Scissors:
A good pair of scissors is essential for any sewing project.
Measuring Tape:
To ensure accurate measurements, use a measuring tape instead of relying on estimations.
Pins:
Pins will help keep your fabric in place while sewing.
Step 2: Cut Fabric
Once you have gathered all your materials, it’s time to cut the fabric pieces for your cushion cover. Lay your fabric out on a flat surface and use your measuring tape to measure the dimensions of the chair cushion, including the extra 1-2 inches for seam allowance. Using a ruler or yardstick, draw straight lines on the fabric to mark where you need to cut. Make sure to measure and mark carefully to ensure that all pieces are the correct size and shape.
You’ll need to cut two pieces for the top and bottom of the cushion cover, and depending on your cushion’s thickness, you might also need long strips for the sides. For a boxed cushion cover, cut four additional strips for the sides—each strip should match the cushion’s depth and length or width accordingly. Once all your lines are drawn, use your scissors to cut along these lines. Precision is key here; clean, straight cuts will result in a professional-looking finish.
Step 3: Sew the Sides Together
With your fabric pieces cut, it’s time to start sewing. Begin by taking the side strips that you cut for the cushion’s thickness. Place two strips on the right sides together and pin them along one of the short edges. Sew along this edge using a straight stitch, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the seam. Repeat this process until all four strips are sewn together end-to-end, forming a continuous loop that matches the perimeter of your cushion.
Next, attach this loop to the top piece of the cushion cover. Place the right side of the top piece facing the right side of the side strip loop, and pin along the edges, aligning the corners as accurately as possible. Sew around the perimeter using a straight stitch, again backstitching at the corners for extra strength.
Step 4: Sew the Zipper (Optional)
If you want to make your cover removable for washing purposes, you can add a zipper. For this step, you’ll need a zipper that is slightly shorter than the cushion’s length and some hand-sewing needles. If sewing isn’t your strong suit, you can also use fabric glue instead of a zipper.
To attach the zipper, lay the bottom piece of your cushion cover face up on a flat surface. Place the zipper face down along one of the short edges and pin it in place. Using a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine (if available), sew the zipper to the fabric along the pinned edge. Repeat this process with the other short edge of the zipper and the top piece of your cushion cover. Once both sides are attached, unzip the zipper halfway.
Step 5: Sew All Pieces Together
Now that you have your side strips attached to the top piece and the zipper in place, it’s time to sew all the pieces together to complete your cushion cover. Start by pinning the bottom piece to the other edge of the side strip loop, with the right sides facing each other. Align the edges and corners carefully to ensure that everything matches up evenly.
Sew around the perimeter of the cushion cover using a straight stitch, beginning at one corner and working your way around. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure it in place. When you reach the section with the zipper, sew as close to the zipper as possible without hitting it. If your zipper is already partially unzipped, it will make turning the cover right-side-out easier once you’re finished. Once you have sewn all the way around, trim any excess threads and turn your cushion cover right-side-out through the unzipped zipper.
Step 6: Attach Velcro (Optional)
For an alternative to zippers, or to add extra security for your cushion cover, you can attach Velcro strips. Velcro provides a simple and effective way to open and close the cover without the need for advanced sewing skills.
First, cut two Velcro strips, each matching the width of your cushion cover’s opening. Place the cover with the bottom side facing up on a flat surface. Position one Velcro strip along the inside edge of one-half of the opening, ensuring it aligns well with the fabric. Pin the Velcro strip in place to hold it steady. Using a straight stitch, sew around the edges of the Velcro, making sure to reinforce the start and end of the seam with a backstitch for added strength. Repeat this process with the other half of the opening and the second Velcro strip.
Step 7: Turn Right-Side-Out
With all your seams sewn and any optional closures in place, the final step is to turn your cushion cover right-side-out. Carefully pull the fabric through the zipper or Velcro opening, ensuring that you push out the corners for a crisp and clean edge. Once turned, give the cushion cover a good shake and smooth out any wrinkles. For a more polished finish, you can press the edges with an iron on a low heat setting, mindful of the fabric type you’ve chosen.
Finally, insert your cushion into the cover and zip or Velcro it closed. Congratulations, your custom cushion cover is now complete and ready to use! You can easily adapt this tutorial to make covers for any cushion size, from small throw pillows to large outdoor cushions. Have fun experimenting with different fabrics, colors, and patterns to create unique and personalized cushion covers for your home or outdoor space. Happy sewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I Need to Add Seam Allowance When Cutting My Fabric for the Cushion Cover?
A: Yes, it is recommended to add a 1/2-inch seam allowance on all sides when cutting your fabric. This will allow for room to sew and create a snug fit for your cushion. If you are using a thicker fabric, you may want to add a larger seam allowance for easier sewing.
Q: Can I Make My Cushion Cover Without Sewing?
A: Yes, if sewing is not your preference or skill, you can use fabric glue instead of a zipper in Step 4. However, keep in mind that this may not provide as strong of a closure and the cover may not be removable for washing purposes.
Q: Can I Use Different Fabrics for the Top and Bottom Pieces of My Cushion Cover?
A: Absolutely! Using different fabrics can add visual interest and texture to your cushion cover. Just make sure to choose fabrics that are similar in weight and thickness for a more cohesive look.
With these additional tips and options on how to sew a chair cushion cover, you can now confidently create your own custom cushion covers to add a personal touch to any space in your home. Happy crafting!
Conclusion
Making your own cushion covers can be a rewarding and enjoyable project, even for those new to sewing. By following these step-by-step instructions on how to sew a chair cushion cover, you can create unique, custom covers that perfectly match your décor. Whether you choose to add a zipper, Velcro, or keep things simple with a fixed cover, the process allows for personalization and creativity.
Remember to take your time with each step, ensuring careful measurements and precise sewing for the best results. With practice, you’ll not only enhance your sewing skills but also add a personal touch to your home furnishings. Happy sewing!