DIY Easy 1 Piece Boxed Cushion Cover Tutorial | Van Build Series Ep. 47

Today I'm going to show you how easy it is to make really beautiful boxed cushion covers for your van in 1-piece!
This video is a step-by-step tutorial for making a boxed cushion cover.
I will show you how to measure to make a perfectly fitting cushion cover with only one piece of fabric.
I'll also show you how to put in a zipper! Even if you’ve never sewn a zipper before you can do it! It’s really not that difficult.
The covers can also be easily removed for washing.
Follow every step, and you’ll soon have a beautiful covered cushion.
I made 6 for my Sprinter Van conversion, and I absolutely love them!
Here is the link to the entire video in which I show you how to also make cushions out of a 3" queen size mattress topper: • DIY Cushions and Cushi...
Be careful if you have a directional fabric. Always pre-wash your fabric.
Measure twice cut once.
Enjoy and make sure to subscribe to follow along with my van build!
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#seatcovers #sewing #diy

[@rebeccabarker8751]

Your video was so helpful! As I'm going to attempt to make my own covers in the coming weeks. Do you allow the same seam allowance on all projects or does it differ depending on size? (Sorry I'm a novice!) Thanks in advance x

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Yes you can! I really depends on the thickness of the fabric.

[@kathydricoll-cooley412]

Thank you. This is so helpful 😊

[@sherlanclarke6822]

​@@VanLifeDesigner '

[@pjd2709]

Rebecca Baker, you can choose what seam allowance you like! Most drapery sewing is half inch, on drapery curtains and the like, but on slipcovers you may want to use 1 inch seam allowance (just so you have a little extra.

[@ilsekoelewijn8470]

Am I the only one who can't work out how to do the last step? I genuinely can't work out how she gets the 1x1,5 inch cutout, I'm working in mm's and have watched the video at least 5 times now and still can't work it out, can somebody please explain the calculations for the other box corners? The first ones worked out fine but really stuck on the second ones

[@lindamilton3467]

i have been sewing many years but have never come across a cushion coves so easy thanks fpr a great tutorial amazing

[@pjd2709]

Before sewing anything, if you mark the center point on the long sides with a notch, the fold your zipper in half and mark both centers. Then sew your boxes, then when installing the zipper just the centers of fabric and zipper on your center notches and pin out each side, and you have an equal zip on each side.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Good one!

[@dinatembo5144]

Thanks for going an extra mile to explain,you have helped many others like myself.

[@cleanqueen75]

Yes I agree.

[@cleanqueen75]

I make a little piece that goes over the zipper pull that hides it on both ends.

[@deborahveitch5307]

Well I'm totally shocked, I've never sewn a box cushion ever, I followed your method and it worked! it actually worked, 😂, when I was making it I thought this will never fit, but it did, thankyou so much for sharing 🫶

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Great job!

[@Goonky100]

Clarifying questions: The side that the zipper goes on - that's the side that gets the L+T+S calculation correct? I'm trying to understand the underlying math and am a bit perplexed as to why one side get the thickness once, and the other side gets it twice, and I want to make sure I understand which side gets the zipper. Thank you - it's easy to follow otherwise! Very good instruction.

[@torbear100]

You explain things so clearly. Thank you. I’m definitely feeling brave enough to have a go myself. I’ll be rewatching your video as I sew!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You can do it!

[@jlp5510]

I needed to make a cushion for a wheelchair and am so grateful you took the time to post this video. My corners didn't turn out as well as yours, but the cushion still looks nice ... and, best of all, it can be removed to wash! The zipper wasn't hard at all. Thanks so very much.

[@colleenjohns5816]

This is a very helpful and clear video, the explanation is terrific, so easy to undrstand.

[@wendyfay16]

I'm THRILLED to have found your BRILLIANT box cushion demonstration! And I was really IMPRESSED when you said that you had previously laundered your fabric on warm settings! So many people don't mention that. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I also have a few friends who are caravaning, so I'm sure they will also be as Rapped as I am! 😊 One suggestion is using pinking sheers to stop fraying.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Good one on the pinking shears.

[@Sylvenwood]

Amazing! I'm gonna approach my cushion-making now with much less trepidation. Thanks so much!

[@deborahpasha9727]

Thank you. This is going to make creating new covers for my outside furniture so much easier. 👍

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Great!

[@kakman1958]

Great demonstration. Clear, concise and they look great.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad you like them!

[@bellacucina3209]

What a great job and a surprise ending with all bed covering completed. Bravo! Happy Traveling

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Thanks so much!

[@kdfleming2]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I can’t sew anything well. My mother was an amazing seamstress but I struggle to even get Austin I replace to stay on. You make the cushion cover look achievable to me and I’m so grateful. ❤

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You are so welcome!

[@lauramatney83]

Thank you for a clear and easy to understand video. I made my first cushion cover using it and it turned out great!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Great job!

[@cv5200]

Great instructions! I'll be sewing mine soon

[@bethbarnes1897]

Thank you so much for this! Your instructions are perfect!

[@coco_mee]

Great video! super detailed. I appreciate you taking the time. The final outcome was so beautiful!!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad you liked it!

[@caru547]

Looks great and so easy! Thanks for the tutorial.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You are so welcome!

[@adorabledeplorble8497]

I am just now prototyping this design for a cushion a neighbor needs recovered (before I cut their fabric, I’m mocking this up with an old bed sheet) and I may have just found a helpful hint just in case the desired (heavy duty or light weight) zipper does not compute to the same seam allowance vs. your finished dimensions for every instance. Since the desired seam allowance is a constant 1/2”, if you fold over a half inch for the entire length of the seam including and excluding the zipper area and iron that 1/2” crease (before installing the zipper) then you can see where the seams should meet including and excluding the actual zipper install and you can then pin and sew in your zipper under those folds with essentially what would be a top stitch to create a concealed zipper …I would only do this if you are comfortable enough to know where the zipper teeth are under that folded fabric 💞

[@daisy6273]

Thank you so much. I have been really worrying about trying to get boxed cushions 'right'. This is such a great tutorial.

[@thewaltest]

You have blown my mind! Incredible. Thank you! And I love your rainbow pin tomato soooo much!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You are so welcome!

[@coletteemerson5380]

Thank you soo much for taking your time to record this video. I have just made 8 cushions for my patio furniture. I am so pleased as following your video saved me time and money. I am thrilled with my results. Thanx agian❤.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@isabellahodge4162]

Thanks for that, I've done various types of cushions before but this has been a game changer when it came to making the covers for a friend's camper van. I thought I was going to have to make panelled side boxed cushions with a welt zip but no, this is so simple, and so much faster. Highly recommended. As an aside to others looking at this, measuring and cutting out accurately is key, after that it's easy.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kalelapiperga]

I made this!!!! Followed your exact instructions!! I made them for my RV trailer and couldn’t believe how beautiful they looked! I even surprisedmy mom who is a seasoned seamstress. I did get her help with the zipper, but it came out great!!!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Great job!

[@soniaadams3559]

Than you for sharing this with us. Blessings to you Everyone ❤❤❤

[@VanLifeDesigner]

My pleasure!

[@saskiaryan-munden7402]

You are so sweet and patient with your explanations! Really appreciate that as a new sewer! Thanks! Sewing mine tomorrow!

[@josephinevanlinden3235]

What a wonderful way to cover cushions! I’ve done it lots of ways but this is a winner. Thanks so much.

[@annecapiro5431]

Thank you. Very easy to follow. Now I’m going to make my cushions.😊

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Wonderful!

[@kidsnkittens]

I love this! I’ve been dreading making the cushions for my outdoor swing, but this is so doable! Thank you!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Have fun!

[@telmagariboti471]

Maravilhoso! Uma técnica bem mais fácil para as fazer almofadas ❤

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Great!

[@helencoppard8059]

Well done , looks beautiful 🤩

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Thanks very much!

[@1958linedancer]

thanks for this video, I have been trying to work out how to do one for my van and your video was the most easiest to follow, cheers

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad it helped!

[@1yeek]

Thank you very much for such a helpful tutorial! I am using this video to make new covers for my patio furniture. The first one turned out great.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@laurabarber6697]

Very smart and very easy! Thanks!💝

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad you like it!

[@Revadiva11]

Thanks for soothing music and it doesn’t overdo you voice

[@Flash4695]

Looks easy, going to try. Thank you especially for showing how to take apart a zipper and put it back together, always wondered how.

[@megandunell399]

I wish I had seen this when I made my outdoor covers a years ago! The only recommendation I would make is to make a additional calico cover that stays on when outer covers are being washed, use velcro or press studs on those instead. Thank you for all your tips.

[@elayjayudny9741]

Great minds think alike 😊 I’m making a cushion for a lap tray filled with polystyrene beads and I thought I’d better make an inner cover so I can take the outer off and wash it. Thanks for the tutorial- very simple and easy to follow. Best wishes from a granny in Scotland ❤

[@deborahlabarbera4822]

This was a fantastic video. You made it so clear to understand the measurements. My 96" long bench cushion came out perfect. Thank you.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Wonderful!

[@patriciasmith6072]

Excellent instructions thank you 😊

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You’re welcome 😊

[@evaburgess3648]

Best tutorial I’ve seen for a box cushion. I knew there was a better way

[@VanLifeDesigner]

My pleasure!

[@S.Haberman]

I’ve made cushions 100x, this by far easiest way to do them! 🎉😊

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Wonderful!

[@mandygreen6357]

Thank you so much ..easy to follow and I've always been scared of attempting box cushions .I wanted to attach photos of my outside furniture with new covers but don't think I can..absolutely great..❤

[@a.mstree]

Very nice tutorial! Thank you ✌️😊

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You're welcome 😊

[@lilysmobilemassage8249]

REally enjoyed watching this video! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything in detail. I am going to be making my own outdoor cushion covers and will be using your video for help.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Wonderful!

[@suzettewoolley5397]

Thank you so much. Your video was amazing. I have yet to do it but your simple and quiet manner of how to sew it was lovely.😊

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You’re welcome 😊

[@0410sunshine]

Wow! I'm goong to try this.thanks

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Please do!

[@celestemosca]

Thank you for this video! It worked perfectly. I actually made a very large cover for a long bench (101" X 24") in vinyl.

[@lorisnyder6645]

Thank you so much this was easy to follow!!!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You are so welcome!

[@marybrown4444]

fabulous thank you

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Most welcome 😊

[@elayjayudny9741]

Many thanks for this clear and simple tutorial. I had to make a new cushion for under my lap tray, so made an outer with a zip and an inner to fill with polystyrene beads. I’ll attach it to wooden tray with Velcro. Best wishes from a Granny in Scotland ❤

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Awww.. Thanks Granny in Scotland!

[@Revadiva11]

You bad gurl in a good way of course 🎉🎉🎉

[@PrincesseKittyKat]

I have no words to express how beautiful it felt watching you make this cushion cover, with such grace, and fitting the cushion at the end, I was absolutely mesmerized, I am truly in envy of you for this creative gift. (In the best way possible!). This is truly a priceless gift to have. Oh my 💞💞💞💞

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Thank you so much!

[@watercop5115]

very good! Great detailed, Picked up some tips, Thanks for making the video Thank you so very much.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethadonis8505]

Your video was very helpful very good teacher

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nenengalma]

its great sharing skill nice good work its amazing frnd

[@VanLifeDesigner]

My pleasure.

[@adorabledeplorble8497]

thank you so much!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You're welcome!

[@user-xl4lr3jp5y]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ girl you did a beautiful job looks super nice thank you for sharing it with us you made it look easy❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You are so welcome

[@stevehawkes9803]

Thank you. Using your tutorial I was able to make a cover for my Piano stool. It looks great but would have been a mess without your clear instructions and guidance :-)

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Nice work!

[@lisadesmond2624]

I am following along with you by doing every step with you. my cushion is 18 length, 16 width, 2 thickness. I came up with 21 x 41 piece of material. I just don't understand which way to fold it to cut the corners. help!?

[@LYoung-op5ub]

Thanks. Great video. Next can your instruct how to put tabs on ends of zippers for the cushions.

[@lilbeth-mz5lu]

Excellent video first time I’ve made box cushions, I’ve always avoided them !! I would like to put my zipper on the short side instead of the long side, how do I measure my fabric for that way please ?

[@zanesthename]

nice!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@annmccarthy7776]

I’m having trouble making a neat finish on the side seams on the zipper end. Would it work if I sewed the side seams first and flattened them apart before inserting the zipper?

[@2010NiceGirl]

This is awesome! Such an easy way to calculate measurements! Btw, a more "mathy" way to say this would be: Side One = L + T + 2(S) = Total Length of Fabric Side Two = 2(W) + 2(T) + 2(S) = Total Width of Fabric I know you must know what I mean because not many people would have had the patience to figure it out and create an easy formula for people to follow. :) Thank you so much for this! I just tried a cushion cover on my own a couple of days ago. The nicest way to describe it is that it didn't fit. :) Now I'm going to use your formula and can't wait to see the results!

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Awesome, thank you!

[@caraortega4474]

Very beautiful and super easy! Thank you!💞

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Thank you! 😊

[@madonnaregala9672]

super excited to find and try this project. exactly what I needed. how long is the zipper? or how much extra down each side should I allow for?

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You'll see in the video that I purchased zipper lengths in a roll. You then cut the zipper to the length of the side plus spot 3" per overhang. Hope this helps. 👆🤍

[@shelleyconner9586]

Is there a video to add the "Dacron" cover to the foam? Or a specific way to do it?

[@Colleen78]

Sorry if it's been asked, but what changes would I need to make to use a velcro closure? Thanks for the video, it's very clear and easy to understand.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

This video only covers how to do zippers. It would be different measurements.

[@Julievansickle]

Goodness, you make it look so easy with just one piece of fabric. Wondering if same principle would work for dining chair cushions that are a graduated shape from 15-18 inches.?

[@VanLifeDesigner]

No. Not for a one piece cushion.

[@Silhouette_one]

This is brilliant! How did you eventually attach your table? Can your table just lift/drop to form the bed base or does the table support need to be broken down?

[@VanLifeDesigner]

I used a Laguna mount. The table comes up when eating or working, down for bedtime.

[@user-si3vm3sb9x]

I missed the side seams, somehow. When I went ahead and sewed the side seams, they don't easily end at the zipper. Not sure what I missed.

[@carolynp63]

I wish someone would respond to this question. I also don't see when the sides seams are sewn.

[@lindafernandez-mathews9196]

Thank you , I’m trying with cheap fabric from Walmart first , lol

[@debbiehuffman9643]

Love this video!!! I am wondering if you left out sewing the side seams after adding the zipper? Thank you ❤

[@VanLifeDesigner]

No need

[@dayna6498]

@@VanLifeDesignerbut how do you do it with the zipper there though??

[@hilarykemsley5627]

I sewed the side seam - awkwardly - after adding the zipper. When I turn the cover right side out, there’s a hole between the end of the zipper and where the side seam starts. Can you tell what I’ve done wrong? Appreciate you, your video and your help.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Sorry for the late response.... Hand sew any gaps then.

[@RolfHurbin]

Hello and thank you very much for the tutorial very helpful I need to sew a box cushion cover for my daughter and it is 68 inches long and 17 inches wide and 2 inches thick instead of a zipper could I use use Velcro instead ? If yes is the calculation the same as with the zipper or do I need to allow more for the seam Thank you kindly Francoise

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Wonderful!

[@robinwild1]

I need to sew covers for 24” x 57” x 2” inch foam that needs to be rolled up during the day for our camper. Can I omit the extra batting to make rolling up easier? Can I use Velcro instead of zippers? If so, what adjustment would be needed? I can’t get the long zippers where I live. Thanks

[@normbutler22]

i’m stumped at 13:53and 15:09, i need to see details to compare what your ends look like with mine. I never sewed a zipper so the details matter. i really wanted to make this, i tried with a mini version but when i ran into trouble i couldn’t figure it out.

[@pennyg6581]

Why do you add thickness twice for the short side, but not for the long side? There’s a three inch (in your project) thickness all around. Am I missing something? L + T+ S But W+ W + T + T + S? I understand why we only have one L… but it seems like it needs to be L + T + T + S…

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Just follow the instructions. It works. That's not the reason why.

[@pennyg6581]

When I did it, I added the three inches and it came out looking great. “That’s not the reason why” doesn’t answer my query. But thanks anyway.

[@user-xt3ef2rc5w]

How long did you cut your zipper? I might have missed it in your video, didn't hear!

[@loriproia8637]

What do you do when you want to add more foam to lengthen the cushion? Will there be a bump or seam between the foam?

[@VanLifeDesigner]

You really need to cut it right the first time...sorry to say.

[@hilarykemsley5627]

I seem to have missed when and how to sew up the side seams where the zipper ends and starts. Can you help? Thanks.

[@dayna6498]

I’m wondering the same thing! @vanlifedesigner

[@mariamidura3089]

Can this method be used for cushions that aren’t square or oblong, like a curved back?

[@VanLifeDesigner]

No. With a curved shape you'll need to cut 2x the curved shape + Seam allowance, then each edge plus the seam allowance. So that isn't a one-piece project.

[@laurariha6118]

My questing is when you were cutting the 2nd set of corner boxes, why did you not do 2" like other corners? Why the 1.5" x 1"? Did you mark from the corner or off of 1/2" seam? Very nice job.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

It's so explained in detail in the video and the calculations section. Watch it again.

[@laurariha6118]

I know how to sew but you do not explain why different sizes on boxes. Also you did not answer my question about the stashing at corner or seam to make boxes?? Sorry your not very understandable at that point in video. Have watched few times!

[@PlaidCatStudio]

@@laurariha6118 I think the answer is that because it's on a fold you only need to add one seam allowance.

[@normbutler22]

after 3 tries, i realized my fabric was turned lengthwise (incorrectly) which accounted for the issues. finally it turned out well.😊

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Good to hear.

[@kayemills7296]

Can you use the same formula for a square cushion? Since there is no length

[@ApplecorekellyMom]

Any idea of this process can handle and inverted or inside corner? I have my pattern perfect except for that darn inside corner.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Mine are perfect. But this video might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKeVhYl4fLRskNU

[@tomryan5777]

Did I miss where you sewed the side seams?

[@VanLifeDesigner]

It's all there, every step in the video.

[@laurariha6118]

I missed that too, but after watching again, after she sewed the zipper on the 2nd side, she then sewed the side seams

[@beckythames-simmons5128]

It's on fast speed and it's not explained. There's a problem with finishing where the zipper ends and the seam is supposed to start. It leaves unfinished fabric at each end of the zipper.@@laurariha6118

[@ulrike1796]

Well explained, but it would be nice if the cutouts for the corners were drawn in the drawing. Otherwise it's a bit confusing.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Got it

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Ok

[@normbutler22]

i tried 3 times on an old piece of smaller foam and it keeps coming out 3” wider left-right and 3” shorter top-bottom. It looks pretty simple, must be operator error. I wish I could figure this out before I cut into my good fabric. 😢

[@safiavirgil2612]

My length is 49.5 inches. My width is 24 inches. Once cut I end up with a width that s longer than the length. The thickness of my foam piece is 5 inches. I get a cut piece that s 55.5 inches length by 58 inches width. My question is before I box it is my fold length wise or width wise?

[@beckythames-simmons5128]

Thank you for this. My only trouble was the side seam after the zipper is installed. It's not in the film, and I don't understand how to make the side seam finish properly at the zipper, I've got open, raw-edged gaps. Help?

[@beckythames-simmons5128]

Same issue

[@dayna6498]

Me too

[@maleakaread4803]

You forgot to add the step that you sewed the side seam before boxing the last two corners. It was really hard to make sense of this so I kept looking at 16:45 through 17:00. I had thought I'd done something wrong.

[@shelleyconner9586]

The side where the zipper is to be must be the "W" in the LxWxT, right?

[@lrchannel3032]

No the other way round zip goes lengthwise

[@hannahryan6101]

Don’t know what I’ve done wrong but my finished cover has extra T on the back zip side and I’ve double checked the measurements

[@retroredo9850]

This is ok tuturial but Ive never seen boxing the corners first. Ive done many jean totes and cusion covers. You can actually cut 2 pieces adding the extra seam allowance. I would sew zipper in first into the 2 flat pieces or if still going with this one piece idea sew in first but your sewing into a tube? Then sew sides. THEN box the corners. Having zipper also go around the edge is a stress point and the zipper could pop open at those edges?

[@lenakuznyuk6691]

Would it work still with buttons instead of zipper?

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Sure, but zippers are way smoother on the finished cover and then you don't need to sew perfectly aligned button holes.

[@kimszalay2626]

Ok... i have a thick cushion so its hard to measure. I measured tge total length and width of the slip cover and added 1/2 inch all the way around.. correct ?

[@kimszalay2626]

Also 3 inches thick so actually 1 inch all the way around instead if 1/2 inch? Sorry i suck at math...

[@VanLifeDesigner]

Follow the way to measure in the video.

[@irenehinz6543]

I missed the side seam close up too

[@lisadesmond2624]

making wheelchair cushion..16x18...my fabric will be 23x41x4. I'm not sure which way to fold the fabric to cut 1/2 the depth.

[@VanLifeDesigner]

It's all there in the video....all of the calculations.