Do you have a bench and no cushion for it? Wait, don’t spend your money just yet! Let me show you how to make an upholstered bench cushion without sewing!
Common Sizes for Bench Cushions
The length of a standard bench cushion will depend on the size of the bench. Most of them are 18 inches wide and three inches thick.
Best Fill Type for Bench Cushion
Consider any one of these great options for your bench cushion filling.
Foam
The most commonly used material for stuffing bench cushions is foam. Most foam used for furniture has a high density, which gives it the qualities of being comfortable and long-lasting.
However, not all foams are made equal. Depending on the circumstances, you may want to use a different cushioning material. If you have kids, you should probably choose foam that is more water-resistant.
Similarly, you should select a different kind of foam for your indoor and outdoor furniture if you want them to have the same level of comfort. Memory foam and high-density polyurethane are the two most popular types of foam, even though many different kinds of foam are available.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a material found in mattresses, but some manufacturers use it to fill bench cushions. This material is quite dense but elastic so that it can shape around the body of the person wearing it.
High-Density Polyurethane
The medium-density version of high-density polyurethane is constructed from the same basic components as the high-density version. On the other hand, it is used for something entirely different.
It is more robust than medium density, and because of this, it is typically utilized for seats indoors instead of outside. Choose the level of hardness that works best for you with high-density polyurethane, which is available in medium, firm, and extra-firm variations.
Polyester
The insides of couches and cushions frequently have a polyester filling, a synthetic mixture. You may find that furniture with polyester cushions is less expensive because the filling is more affordable than other options.
You can access various polyester blends if you prefer to stuff your cushions on your own. But, if you buy furniture with polyester cushions, you will probably find that the producers do not list the precise blend they use.
Hollow Fibers
The hollow threads used to manufacture hollow fiber are where the term “hollow fiber” originates. Cotton threads are common in hollow fiber filling, although polyester is the most commonly employed material. Because the threads are hollow, the air can pass through them, resulting in the material being warm and breathable simultaneously.
In contrast to foam’s dense nature, the hollow fiber’s texture is more open and bouncier. Because it possesses all of these qualities, hollow fiber serves in producing bedding items like duvets and sleeping bags. Nevertheless, it also results in the production of plush pillows.
However, because of its fluffiness, hollow fiber has a lower durability rating than other fiber types. Suppose you sit on cushions made of hollow fiber. In that case, the hollow threads will ultimately become compressed by your weight, and the cushions will lose shape.
Best Fabrics for a Bench Cushion
Not any fabric will work, but these will!
Acrylic
Acrylic fibers are incredibly resilient and withstand significant wear and tear. Due to the competitive pricing of these fibers, they are frequently employed in producing high-end outdoor cushions. This is because they can endure up to 2,000 hours of sunshine before the color begins to fade, significantly more than most other types of cloth.
Polyester
In many cases, polyester is a mixed fiber that lends itself well to printing. It can be treated to be water resistant during the production process. The benefit of this fabric is that it is long-lasting, resistant to wrinkling and stains, and fade-resistant due to exposure to the elements.
Cotton and Linen
Both cotton and linen are durable and easy to clean, making them excellent choices for use in the production of cushions. Because they are made from natural fibers, products made from them are suitable for use by those whose skin is sensitive.
They are also pleasant to the touch, making them an excellent option for usage throughout the warm summer months.
Because linen frequently and noticeably wrinkles, selecting it as the material for a couch or chair that gets a lot of use is probably not the best idea. Cotton and linen are great options for usage in the great outdoors as long as they are not subjected to the weather.
However, you should be aware that sun bleaching and color fading can occur if you use these materials frequently outside or in windows that get a lot of direct sunshine.
Leather
Leather is a material that is not a standard option for cushion covers. Yet, since it is highly hard wearing, leather is frequently an excellent choice for regions with a lot of wear. Additionally, leather is one of the materials that, as it ages and develops a patina and a more mature texture, typically becomes more user-friendly.
Since leather can be difficult to clean, there are some settings in which it is not the material that would be most appropriate. Vinyl is a synthetic material that is commonly used to simulate leather.
Although it is possible to have cushion covers manufactured from vinyl, this material does not have the same capacity to age gracefully. It lacks the same durability level and must be cleaned by a professional.
Canvas
A durable cotton fabric, canvas is the best option to consider when looking for fabric for outdoor furniture because of its versatility and strength. It can withstand the elements and has a high degree of abrasion resistance.
In addition to that, it is simple to waterproof and is available in a dazzling variety of color options. Because wet and windy conditions do not easily damage them, PVC fabrics are an ideal option for outdoor use.
Wool/Silk
Silk or wool are two excellent options for upholstery fabrics. Both work well in settings such as bedrooms or corridors, where the primary purpose of the cushions will likely be aesthetic rather than functional. Silk is one of the most sumptuous materials you can purchase. Although it can be rather pricey, with proper maintenance, silk can last a lifetime.
Wool is a yarn spun from an animal’s hair, typically a sheep or goat. The alpaca produces a very soft and durable yarn, which may be expensive.
They are tactile and versatile materials, but they require specialized cleaning methods. This makes them less than ideal for usage in settings where there is a possibility that children or dogs will be present.
How to Make a DIY Bench Cushion
Follow these simple steps to make your own bench cushion.
What You’ll Need
- Fabric of choice
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Electric knife
- Upholstery foam cushion
Step 1: Measure the Bench
Take measurements of the bench, and cut the foam to fit. Make a straight line on the foam by measuring three inches along it with a marker, and then use a ruler to form the line.
Step 2: Cut the Foam
After that, remove the surplus by cutting it with an electric knife. You want to use an electric knife because it’s quicker and easier than scissors.
Step 3: Wrap the Cushion
After laying out the fabric, place the cushion on top, then wrap it up like a present. To maintain everything in its proper position, use safety pins. Smooth down the fabric after each wrap to ensure no creases.
Step 4: Make Finishing Touches
Maintain a neat appearance in the corners, and trim away any excess fabric, so that the fold will be even. Keep in mind that it is very similar to wrapping a present! Because the cushion is so thick, the safety pins that hold everything in place aren’t evident while sitting down or seen.
Bottom Line
While there are more complex projects teaching you how to make an upholstered bench cushion, I find that most of our readers enjoy learning something easy. This no-sew project doesn’t require any sewing experience or a sewing machine. It’s perfect for any beginner. Now grab your materials from our awesome selection of fabrics and get started!
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