Instead of going to the expense of buying new outdoor furniture and patio cushions why not update your existing garden furniture by making some new cushions. If you make your own outdoor cushions you can get the exact size, design and level of firmness and comfort you are looking for - and save money too!
To make patio cushions, you do need a bit of skill with the sewing machine but otherwise they are pretty straightforward as patio cushions are simple shapes.
Furnitures
1. Measure Your Chairs
Measure the seat width to get the width of your cushion. If the chairs have arms then measure the part of the seat inside the arms for easier fitting of your cushions. Then measure the length of the chair from the top of the chair back (or wherever you want the cushion to start) to the edge of the seat.
2. Decide on the Thickness
If you are replacing existing cushions, use these as a guide - do you want your cushions just the same or a little thicker. If you don't have existing cushions you will need to decide how thick you want your cushions to be. About 1 - 1.5" is about right for most chairs to add a layer of comfort.
3. Buy Materials
Buy a piece of foam for each chair in the thickness and level of firmness you require. Remember that if you have a classic chair the cushion will need to bend where the seat meets the back of the chair so make sure the foam is pliable enough for that. Use the foam to estimate the amount of fabric you need. Remember to include measurements for each cushion, front and back as well as sides and seams. Choose your fabric and buy matching zippers for the cushions which are two to three inches shorter than the longest edge for easing fitting of your cushion pads. Remember to choose tough weather resistant fabric for outdoor cushions.
4. Create a Pattern and Cut the Fabric
Draw a pattern using your foam as a guide - create pieces for top, bottom and each side of the cushions and mark the additional allowance for seams. Cut out the pieces for each cushion
5. Sew and Stuff Your Cushions
Sew your fabric pieces together inside out to form the cushion covers sewing the zippers along the middle of the longest sides and using double rows of stitching to reinforce seams. Turn the cushion covers the right way round, open the zippers and put the foam inside the cushions then close the zippers. Test the cushions on your chairs. If you find they slide about too much add tie tabs to the cushions so that you can keep the cushions in place.
How to Make Patio Cushions For Outdoor Furniture
Janice Elizabeth White has a passion for home and garden design. If you are looking to make the most of your garden take a look at her Patio Cushions Site where you'll find more detailed information about measuring and choosing fabrics for patio cushions. Or, if you decide to buy patio cushions instead of making them, check out her free consumer checklists and guides there. See http://patiocushionsforyou.com for details