Creating a custom window bench seat cushion is a great way to add both style and comfort to your home. When we bought our house, the bench seat cushion that came with it was well-worn, but it turned out to be the perfect starting point for crafting a new one. With the help of my mom—an incredible hobby seamstress—we turned the old cushion into a brand-new, fresh addition to our home. Here’s how you can make one too!
A Step-by-Step Guide How to Make Window Bench Seat Cushion
Transform your window bench into a cozy and stylish seating area with this step-by-step guide to making a custom window bench seat cushion. Whether you’re sprucing up your reading nook or adding charm to your dining space, a DIY bench cushion is the perfect way to combine comfort and personality. Don’t worry if you’re new to sewing or upholstery – we’ll guide you through every step of the process. Need inspiration for the rest of your space? Check out our post on How to Paint a Fridge with Appliance Refinishing Paint for more tips to elevate your home decor!
Prep Your Materials
Since the original cushion was made to fit the window perfectly, we removed the cover and used it as a pattern for the new one. If you don’t have an old cushion to guide you, carefully measure your bench to determine the size and shape needed.
Replace the Foam
If your old foam is worn or misshapen, replace it with new foam. Cut the foam to size using a serrated knife, electric knife, or rotary cutter. Take your time to ensure smooth, even edges for a snug fit.
Choose the Right Fabric
I made the mistake of buying upholstery fabric from Hobby Lobby, and it turned out to be a challenge. The material was cheap, frayed easily, and made sewing more difficult. For projects like this, invest in high-quality fabric—it’s worth the extra cost for durability and ease of use.
Use the Old Cover as a Pattern
To ensure accuracy, my mom unpicked all the stitching on the old cushion cover. This gave her separate pieces to use as templates. She laid these out on the new fabric, cutting them out with a rotary cutter on her cutting mat for precision.
Make the Cording
Cording adds a polished, professional look to your cushion. We reused the cording from the old cover and made a new casing for it using the zipper foot on the sewing machine. The zipper foot allows you to sew close to the cording for a snug fit.
Assemble the Cushion Cover
Sewing the pieces together was the most labor-intensive step. The corners were especially tricky because of the shape and the issues caused by the cheap fabric I chose. A sturdier, high-quality fabric would have made this much easier.
Once the pieces were stitched together, my mom sewed the cording onto the cushion’s main body. This step requires patience, but the results are worth it!
Add the Enclosure
Instead of a zipper, we opted for sew-on Velcro along the back of the cushion cover. It’s an easy and durable solution that makes removing and washing the cover simple.
The finished cushion looks beautiful and fits the bench perfectly. If you’re tackling a similar project, here are a few key takeaways:
- Use high-quality fabric to avoid frustration during sewing.
- Repurpose parts like cording from an old cushion to save time and money.
- If you’re new to sewing, enlist the help of a friend or family member with experience—it makes a huge difference!
This project gave our window bench a whole new life, and it was so rewarding to see the transformation. I hope this guide inspires you to tackle your own bench seat cushion makeover!
