Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
Please give me advice for how to cover Window Seat cushions :) >

Please give me advice for how to cover Window Seat cushions :)

Please give me advice for how to cover Window Seat cushions :)

Thread Tools
 
Old 01-21-2019, 04:14 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,636
Wink Please give me advice for how to cover Window Seat cushions :)

There are several areas in the new house that have a built in bench that is topped with a thick cushion below the window.

Hopefully the seller of the house will leave the cushions...yet to be determined, so I may possibly have the correct size form to cover.

Has anyone made cushion covers or used an easy tutorial you can share with me? I will be using a domestic sewing machine.

Thank you for any tips and tricks and tired and true methods you have used.
copycat is offline  
Old 01-21-2019, 04:53 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,570
Default

Are they free-standing cushions or attached to the base of the window seat, do you know?? I have not done window seat cushions but have done dining room chair seat cushions. Those were a little tricky because they had a unique corner treatment. I drew a cardboard template of the seat base and took that to my local upholsterer to have them cut me new foam pieces. Measured from bottom back edge to front bottom edge and same process for the sides to see how much fabric/seat I needed. Added in seam allowances (.5" seam allowance on home dec projects).

Used the same cardboard template (plus seam allowances) for my top pieces and then 2" strips for my edges. Made piping. Sewed it all together and stapled to the underside of the seat base.

If they are free-standing/removable cushions, you will need to put a zipper into the back of the edge/side pieces to insert the foam cushion.
NJ Quilter is offline  
Old 01-21-2019, 04:56 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,422
Default

What a fun project!

This is my favorite with tutorials to help you.

https://www.sailrite.com/

You will probably want home dec or upholstery fabric for the project. I used a fabric that is spill proof for dining room chairs. Easy to wipe off and continue with the day. LOL.

Do you know how to make piping? Put in a zipper? Match fabric patterns? The process is step-by step just like making a quilt. Not hard.

If the homeowner isn't leaving the cushions, ask to measure them before the closing/move. Draw out any unique shapes on heavy craft paper to use for the pattern.
Rhonda K is offline  
Old 01-21-2019, 06:54 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: VA
Posts: 464
Default

I have window seats in my house and the previous owners left the cushions. Why, oh why, would the current owners want them? Also, I would ask them to leave them.
betthequilter is offline  
Old 01-21-2019, 06:55 AM
  #5  
anonymous
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I am working on the same project right now for my daughter's house. Here is a tutorial that I referenced. https://weallsew.com/upholstered-cushion-cover/ I have made window seat cushions before and purchased the green foam from JF. That is easy to cut to size with an electric kitchen knife. I am using home dec fabric for this cushion, but I have used quilting fabric before that I quilted using a grid. I have made them with piping and without, mostly a personal preference for the look you want.
 
Old 01-21-2019, 03:37 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: California
Posts: 441
Default

I reupholstered a chair I picked up at the thrift store. Making a cushion cover is not too difficult. It is basically the same as making a boxy pillow. The only "tricky" part would be if you are not comfortable inserting zippers, but even that is just a youtube video away from being easier.

I'm sure the previous posters have sent you to some great tutes. I just wanted to add that, in addition to using upholstery fabric, use upholstery thread. Thinner thread will either cut thru the fabric or pop with regular use. Also, I wrapped a layer of batting and a thin silky lining fabric over the foam cushion. The batting softens up the edges, and the lining makes the cover slide on easily. Since it is not seen, I just used a couple of safety pins to anchor it.

FYI, Home Depot sells the 3" foam in 24"x6' sheets for cushions at a quarter of the price of the fabric store. You do have to order it online tho. It's nice, comfy stuff that holds it shape well...I've been sleeping on it for 2 years, and it still feels like new.
JJBlaine is offline  
Old 01-22-2019, 02:56 AM
  #7  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,636
Default

Originally Posted by NJ Quilter View Post
Are they free-standing cushions or attached to the base of the window seat, do you know?? I have not done window seat cushions but have done dining room chair seat cushions. Those were a little tricky because they had a unique corner treatment. I drew a cardboard template of the seat base and took that to my local upholsterer to have them cut me new foam pieces. Measured from bottom back edge to front bottom edge and same process for the sides to see how much fabric/seat I needed. Added in seam allowances (.5" seam allowance on home dec projects).

Used the same cardboard template (plus seam allowances) for my top pieces and then 2" strips for my edges. Made piping. Sewed it all together and stapled to the underside of the seat base.

If they are free-standing/removable cushions, you will need to put a zipper into the back of the edge/side pieces to insert the foam cushion.
Yes, they are free standing cushions. Thank you for all the detailed advice...great to know.
copycat is offline  
Old 01-22-2019, 03:12 AM
  #8  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,636
Default

Thanks summitbay for the link and tips. I will check it out.
copycat is offline  
Old 01-22-2019, 04:30 AM
  #9  
Power Poster
 
Annaquilts's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 11,900
Default

Originally Posted by betthequilter View Post
I have window seats in my house and the previous owners left the cushions. Why, oh why, would the current owners want them? Also, I would ask them to leave them.
Yes, this! I would make that part of the deal. It is part of the house.
Annaquilts is offline  
Old 01-22-2019, 05:55 AM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,380
Default

I don't have window seats but I did want to make cushions for my porch swing, metal bench and 2 wicker chairs. My sister had given me this large piece of sponge she used to have on her bed so I kept it knowing some day I'd find a use for it. I ordered some outdoor fabric for my projects since they'd see the sun part of the day. I made a cushion cover out of muslin and used it for a pattern for the actual cushion. For the cushions/pillows with ties I just used some my mother had given me. My cushion for the swing is a box style cushion so I added a long zipper on one edge plus ties as we have high winds around here. I also made it reversible too. I quilted the fabrics before I assembled them, then cut to fit. Also made cushions for my little deck table chairs and recovered my folding chairs to match. With leftovers I made a table cover and added an embroider design in the middle. All in all I was quite happy with the outcome. All cushions for the chairs can also be removed from the cushion so they can be washed. Sorry couldn't find my deck pics,must not have taken any.
Attached Thumbnails swing-cushion-1.jpg   swing-cushion-2.jpg   porch-pillows.jpg  
Snooze2978 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
OneBusyGranny
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
14
08-10-2018 05:53 AM
Cgedeon
Main
8
10-05-2013 06:24 AM
PrettyKitty
Pictures
24
07-26-2012 08:34 AM
MawMaw B
Pictures
32
08-18-2011 03:42 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter