How To Sew Replacement Cushions For Patio Furniture

Patio furniture cushions can get worn out and faded over time, but replacing them can be expensive. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can save money by making your own replacement cushions. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Materials:

Outdoor fabric
Batting or foam
Zipper
Thread
Needle
Sewing machine

Instructions:

Measure the old cushions. Remove the old cushions from your patio furniture and measure the length, width, and height of each cushion.
Cut the fabric. Cut two pieces of outdoor fabric that are the same size as the old cushions. If you are using a pattern, be sure to add the seam allowances to the measurements.
Cut the batting or foam. Cut a piece of batting or foam that is the same size as the fabric pieces. If you are using batting, you will need to layer it to get the desired thickness.
Sew the zipper. Sew the zipper to one of the fabric pieces, along one of the long edges. Be sure to use a zipper that is long enough to fit the length of the cushion.
Place the batting or foam. Place the batting or foam on top of the fabric piece with the zipper. Center the batting or foam so that there is an even amount of fabric on all sides.
Place the other fabric piece. Place the other fabric piece on top of the batting or foam, with the right sides together. Pin the fabric pieces together around the edges.
Sew the cushion. Sew around the edges of the cushion, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave a 4-inch opening on one of the sides for turning.
Turn the cushion right side out. Turn the cushion right side out through the opening you left. Push out the corners and smooth out the fabric.
Close the opening. Fold the edges of the opening under and topstitch it closed.

Tips:

Use a heavy-duty needle when sewing outdoor fabric.
Use a zipper that is long enough to fit the length of the cushion, plus a few inches for overlap.
If you are using batting, layer it to get the desired thickness.
When sewing the cushion, use a 1/2-inch seam allowance and leave a 4-inch opening for turning.
After sewing the cushion, turn it right side out through the opening and smooth out the fabric.
Close the opening by folding the edges under and topstitching it closed.