DIY Bench Seat Cushion Cover Tutorial - Bloom

Check out this DIY window bench seat cushion cover tutorial and see how simple it can be to make a custom cushion for your bench.

For years, the 9-foot bench seat in my office sat bare. I had dreams of sewing a beautiful corded cushion cover with a zipper, but the size and complexity of the project felt overwhelming. So, I kept putting it off.

Finally, I found a shortcut—and it changed everything!

Table of Contents

• What Makes This Project So Great
• Materials
• Variations
• How Much Fabric Do You Need?
• Choosing the Perfect Fabric
• Instructions
  • Cut the Fabric
  • Start to Sew
  • Make the Corner Pockets
  • Sew in the Elastic
  • Foam Insert
  • Cover the Foam Cushion with Batting
  • Finishing Up
• FAQ
• Tips
• More Ways to Customize Your Cushions
• Customize your Home

What Makes This Project So Great

This is the quickest and easiest way to cover a cushion insert! Instead of sewing a complex zippered cover, this simple elastic fabric cover fits like a fitted sheet—making it a fantastic alternative.

It may not sound as fancy, but the finished look is clean, polished, and surprisingly close to a deluxe version.

If you’re new to sewing, this project is a great confidence booster. Plus, the elastic design makes it easy to remove for washing, perfect for homes with kids, pets, or everyday messes.

It’s a stylish, practical, and stress-free way to refresh your space!

Check out all the other cushion projects on my site.

This method isn’t just for window seats—it works beautifully for almost any bench in your home.

Whether it’s a piano bench, dining bench, entryway bench, garden bench, outdoor seating, boat or RV cushions, or even a church pew, this technique makes it easy to create a custom, fitted cover. You get the idea!

Use a firm, thick foam cushion—at least 3 inches high for the best results. A flimsy cushion won’t hold its shape as well.

This shortcut also works great for box-shaped chair cushions or even a DIY cushion cover for a dog bed.

Discover more beginner sewing projects, diy projects, and no sew projects here.

Materials

Below are the sewing supplies you will need for the project. Affiliate links included.

Decorator FabricFoam Cushion 4 to 5 inches highFlat Elastic 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch wideMatching ThreadSewing ScissorsA Sewing MachineSewing PinsOmnigrid Straight Edge or RulerSeam RipperFabric MarkerSpray Adhesive, optional

Variations

Adding creative variations to your cushion can make it unique and personalized. Here are six creative ideas to consider.

Color BlockingDivide the cushion cover into sections with contrasting fabric colors or patterns. For example, choose a bold color for the front piece, back pieces, or the borders of the cushion cover, framing a complementary color in the center.

Contrasting PipingIntroduce contrasting piping along the straight seams. This adds a pop of color and a decorative edge to your cushion cover.

Patchwork, Embroidery or AppliquéCreate a design using different fabric scraps, embroider a pattern, or add appliqué to the cover. This personalized touch can turn a simple cover into a work of art.

Button TuftingIncorporate button tufting by adding fabric-covered buttons at regular intervals. This not only looks stylish but also adds a bit of cushioning.

Tassel or Fringe DetailAttach tassels or fringe to the front corners or edges of the cover for a playful and bohemian look. Choose colors that complement your decor.

Painted or Stenciled DesignPaint or stencil a design onto the fabric. This allows you to customize the cover with your favorite patterns or motifs.

How Much Fabric Do You Need?

See the cushion cover pattern drawing below to help determine the total fabric pieces you need for a bench cushion and ensure you buy enough fabric.

First, measure the width (A) and length or long sides (B) of the top surface of the cushion. In addition, measure the depth of your cushion.

Take that number and multiply it by 2.5. (Depth in Inches x 2.5 = C) Add this number (C) to the measurements on all four sides around the rectangle.

Now, you are ready to add up the numbers that equal your fabric dimensions. Your rectangle of fabric width will be C+A+C. The fabric length will be C+B+C. This will be in inches.

Choosing the Perfect Fabric

Now comes the fun part—finding a new fabric you love! Beautiful fabric is a simple and easy way to enhance any space, and there are endless creative ways to use it.

Consider customizing not just your bench cushions, but also chairs, bar stools, ottomans, or even bed skirts. Here’s a no sew cushion cover, if you prefer the super easy route!

You can also sew a set of DIY throw pillow covers or envelope pillow covers to coordinate with your new cushion.

When shopping for your bench fabric, think about where your cushion will be placed, how often it will be used, and how much wear and tear it will see. You’ll find plenty of options in both colors and prints, as well as different fabric types.

If your cushion will be exposed to the elements, outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella are a great waterproof choice.

For indoor projects, mid-weight cotton upholstery fabric is a safe and budget-friendly option—I found mine at Hobby Lobby!

Decorator fabrics are available at a variety of stores, both online and in-person. I’ve listed some great options below to help you get started! These retailer’s carry both indoor & outdoor fabric.

SpoonflowerSR Harris in Minnesota Decorator’s FabricThe Fabric Outlet

Other craft supplies stores and resources.

Instructions

Let’s get started! Below are step-by-step detailed steps to make your cushion cover.

Cut the Fabric

Once you have the fabric home, you’ll want to pre-wash it. Depending on how you will typically care for it, air-dry or machine-dry.

It is important to have any shrinkage happen before you start sewing because if you don’t, the seat cushion cover may not fit properly after washing.

Now, on a protected flat surface, cut the piece of fabric based on your measurements.

1 Lay your cut fabric down on your work surface with the right side down. Center the cushion on top of the cut fabric. With a straight edge or just eyeballing it.

2 Cut the corner square out/off of your fabric.

3 Next, cut the remaining three corners too.

Start to Sew

Time to sew! Let’s do one corner at a time.

Make the Corner Pockets

4 After cutting the “squares” out of each corner, fold each corner into itself by bringing the right sides of the fabric (newly cut edges) together.

Now, pin and sew each of the four corners (corner side seams) closed with a straight stitch to create “pockets.” Trim each seam allowance down to 1/8″.

5 Time for a little bit of ironing. Make sure to set your iron to the correct heat for your fabric type.

On each of the four corners, press the seam allowance to one side, from the right and wrong side of the fabric, to ensure the seam is laying nice and flat.

6 When you are done sewing and pressing each corner, insert each into your sewing machine, one at a time.

From the outside/right side, sew closely to the gutter on top of the seam allowance to finish. Doesn’t that look nice? So professional.

7 Insert your foam cushion into the cushion cover and lay it on your work surface upside down.

We want to ensure that all the fabric tails on the bottom of the cushion are fairly equal.

Sometimes, they are already perfect, but if you are like me, they are always slightly off! Does this only happen to me?

8 Trim any sides that are uneven or unnecessarily long, but don’t overdo it.

We need some length to hold onto the cushion!

Note: A couple of readers found it helpful to add bands across the center on the bottom to help hold the cushion on more securely.

Sew in the Elastic

9 Press a 1/4 inch fold under, all the way around the raw edge (cut edge) of the fabric cover.

It’s time for elastic. You’ll need to use a zigzag stitch because it will stretch with your elastic, not break like a straight stitch.

Set your machine to zigzag and the stitch length to 2.5mm.

On the underside of the fabric, place the elastic over the raw edge of the fabric that you had folded and pressed earlier.

The elastic will cover up and protect the raw edge so it does not fray as much over time.

Pick a starting point. Stitch forward and back a short distance to reinforce the stitch.

Pull the incoming elastic straight as much as you can as you sew on top of the elastic.

Sew all the way around to your starting point. After that, sew back and forth over the spot you started to secure again.

10 Nice work! Your cushion cover is ready!

Foam Insert

Next up is the upholstery foam cushion. This is where most of your cost will come in. They are kinda pricey, but the good news is you can recover and reuse them for years!

There are many cushion options, but for this type of elastic cover, you will need something with a little more heft and weight to “hold” onto the cover without curling up and caving in.

I am using a 4-inch depth piece of foam for my bench seat cushion cover, but I think a 2- 3-inch depth would also work if the fabric is not too heavy.

Cover the Foam Cushion with Batting

Batting is optional, but it will soften the square edges of the cushion.

Most importantly, it gives the finished cushion soft and smooth finished edges and improves the overall look.

You’ll need to cut the batting to fit and wrap around the foam on the top, front, and back. You do not need to cover the bottom of the foam and can leave the batting off of the side of the insert, also.

I also used my sewing scissors for this, and it worked great.

After you have cut the batting to fit, smooth it and stretch it to fit over the cushion. It stretches and forms very easily.

Secure it with a spray adhesive like Scotch Super 77 (affiliate link). This adhesive holds the batting in place.

As a result, it’s much easier to put the cover on, and everything is more secure when the cushion is in use.

Finishing Up

For the last step of your DIY project, you may want to do a final pressing of the cushion cover before you put it on the newly wrapped foam. Pull it over your insert and wrap around the front and back of the cushion. It should be as easy as making a bed. Wa-La new cushions. Done!

FAQ

A standard recommendation is a foam thickness ranging from 2 to 4 inches for indoor benches and up to 5 inches for outdoor benches. However, the ideal thickness for a bench seat cushion depends on your personal preference, the bench’s design, and its intended length of use.

The amount of fabric needed to cover a bench cushion depends on the dimensions of the bench and the desired style of the cover. As a general guideline, measure the cushion’s length, width, and thickness, adding extra seam allowances. The formula for a basic rectangular cushion is often 2 times the length plus 2 times the width, plus the extra for seams. Additional fabric may be required if the fabric has a pattern or specific direction. Consult employees at a fabric store or use online calculators for a more accurate estimate.

Using batting in a bench cushion is optional and depends on personal preference and the desired appearance of the cushion. Batting can prevent slippage, add a nice layer of softness, and smooth out the overall look of the cushion by providing a uniform fill. It is placed between the fabric cover and the foam insert to create a more luxurious feel. However, some may prefer a firmer support without batting.

For a comfortable bench cushion, it’s recommended to use high-density foam such as polyurethane foam. It provides optimal support and durability, ensuring the cushion maintains its shape and comfort over time. Choose a foam with a density of at least 1.8 pounds per cubic foot for a balance of comfort and longevity.

Tips

Here are seven tips and tricks to help you create a professional-looking cushion cover.

Accurate MeasurementsTake precise measurements of your bench seat cushion. Ensure you accurately measure the length, width, and thickness for a snug and tighter fit.

Quality FabricChoose a durable and washable fabric for the cover. Cotton or linen blends work well.

Seam AllowancesAllow for proper seam allowances to avoid a too-tight or too-loose fit. A 1/2-inch to 1-inch seam allowance is generally appropriate.

Pre-wash FabricRemember to pre-wash your fabric to account for any shrinkage before cutting and sewing. This helps prevent the cover from becoming too tight after the first wash.

Pattern AlignmentPay attention to the fabric’s print or pattern alignment, especially if your fabric has a distinct design. Ensure it aligns correctly on all sides for a polished look.

Double StitchingReinforce stress points and seams with double stitching to enhance the cover’s durability, especially around the elastic casing.

Test FitBefore finishing the entire cover, test the fit on the cushion. Adjust the elastic tension to achieve a snug fit without being too tight.

More Ways to Customize Your Cushions

Find more cushion and pillow cover tutorials via the links below.

Customize your Home

Tile Table TopDIY BedskirtFrench Door DrapesContainers FlowersDIY Throw Pillows with Border FlangeTutorial for Envelope PillowPainted PillowsChristmas Pillow CoversInitial Monogram Pillow TutorialConverted Barn

I hope you enjoyed learning this quick and easy way to make a new DIY bench cushion cover for a bench. Please let me know if you make one. ☺️ Then, enjoy it, by curling up with a good book in comfort.

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to subscribe, or follow me on my youtube channel or Instagram for more inspiration!xo,Cindy

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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.