How to Make a No Sew Bench Cushion - DIY Upholstered Bench Seat

[@AbbottsAtHome]

You can get a close up look at how I fold the bench corners in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCWpX9oo7R1f9U See the written steps for this DIY here: www.abbottsathome.com/make-no-sew-bench-seat/

[@MzVee106]

Thanks for this video. I purchased a bench off FB Marketplace; it's black with old grey woven top and button tacks. I purchased some fabric from Walmart and made 2 canvasses. I will use the rest of the fabric to cover the bench. I removed all of the button tacks and million staples. I knew I'd nee new padding but didn't know what kind. I will definitely be getting the kind you used. So glad I found you 🤍🤍

[@AbbottsAtHome]

You're welcome. Good luck with your bench!

[@jmwilliams5663]

I’m thrilled the way my seat turned out in my entrance. Thanks again. 😊

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I’m so happy it helped. Thanks for the nice comment! 😊

[@mbranch9271]

Thanks for the video! Took about an hour to make and it came out perfect!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Glad it helped!

[@PowerfulSniff]

Using this to make a custom sized mattress for my toddler. Very informative, thank you for making this tutorial

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Good idea! Good luck. :)

[@juliekeenum5016]

I just bought a wood bench at a thrift store that has a back and storage under the seat. It came with a cushion but the material has seen better days. I don’t sew and had no idea how I was going to recover it. Your video just randomly showed up. Bless you for your tutorial. With the help of my husband I think I can do this.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Yay! So glad I could help, Julie. Thanks so much for taking the time to write this comment. :)

[@piafico4692]

Can’t see how the corners are done. Camera is too far away. Need a close up so I can see step by step

[@Sunshinelady]

I've been wanting to do this on my IKEA bench for over a year now and just found your video. You are awesome, thanks for the great video and explaining all the details. I needed it...Lol New Sub!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks, Pamela. Your comments are so nice. They're making my week!

[@Sunshinelady]

@@AbbottsAtHome ☺️☺️

[@JudiChristopher]

I am laughing so hard... I am sitting here...LOOKING at my bare Foam... for my bench... and then your video pops up!!! YEA

[@AbbottsAtHome]

That’s good luck!! 😊

[@victorialawrence4782]

thank you! this makes so much sense to me. I want to do this in a sailboat. I had the idea to make entire bench cushions and berth mattresses like a chair cushion! so easy to change out the fabric once every couple of years and so much easier than all that sewing around corners and adding zippers! and unless the boat sinks there shouldn't be much reason the bottom should get wet.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

So happy this helped Victoria. If you’re not great at sewing, like me, this is a pretty easy way to get an upholstered look without any sewing. Good luck with your boat! You can always use 1/2” plywood instead of MDF for any areas that could get wet. Plywood holds up better to water. 👍

[@neverendingluau]

AWESOME thank you im making v berth cushions and don't want to mess with sewing right now, I have too many other projects to finish. Thank you!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thank you, Jeremiah!!

[@jenniferreiter4244]

Thank you, pretty good tutorial for beginners. I would like to have seen a bit of a zoom in to the corners though. the corners seem the most challenging.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks, Jennifer! I agree. This is one of the first videos I ever made. If I ever do this again. I'll try to move the camera closer when I think it will help people see what I'm doing better. 👍

[@teresabarnes2785]

Me too.

[@Hrd4]

Great video. Going to try this today! Beginner for sure. Any special size staple to use? Thanks for the time and great info! God bless.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I think I was using 3/8". :)

[@ToddModule]

Thanks for these tips!! My first time making cushions turned out great thanks to your video!!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Fantastic, John! So happy to help. Good job. :)

[@Betwisty]

Is the cushion fastened to the bench? If so how 🤔 I want to make a cushion top like to add to an emtrance bench that has a flip open top. How would you fasten the cushion to the bench lid? Thanks 😊

[@mr.e5000]

Great tutorial & cool shirt! 🤘🏽☠️

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks. The shirt says thanks too. 💀

[@deem.4530]

Thank you! This was very helpful.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thank you, Dee! So happy it helped. :)

[@allykuit5384]

It looks gorgeous. I tend to fiddle and tug my corners until I don't have any pleats or folds. It is possible.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks, Ally!

[@christiansgrandma6812]

For those of us who don't know how to upholster, I wished you had shown us in an earlier video previous steps. I had no clue to what you had done before. I think I have an idea.

[@kdk621621]

Thank you for taking the time to share! This is such a great idea.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks, Mattius!

[@debbiehalliwell7797]

Thank you Your fabric is lovely. Do you know the name or manufacturer?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi! I think that fabric is no longer available. But, I have a list of some of my favorite fabrics here: www.abbottsathome.com/top-upholstery-fabrics-amazon/

[@markgreen4946]

Can u do the same thing with caravan seats

[@AbbottsAtHome]

If they are flat, I wouldn’t see why not. Use that heavy duty Velcro to hold them in place. 👍

[@rebeccacaulk5743]

Is the foam cut to the the same size as the MDF?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Yes, here's a more recent video of this project where I give closer looks and answer tons of questions. Hopefully this helps a lot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCWpX9oo7R1f9U

[@jmwilliams5663]

Great job, just what I needed. Thanks a bunch!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

You're welcome!!

[@sofialee7754]

Thank you this was very helpful

[@AbbottsAtHome]

So happy it helped. Thanks, Sofia!

[@khale7180]

Thank you, much easier than I thought.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Happy to help. 😊

[@jennifer5858]

What kind of glue did you use to adhere the foam to the mdf board?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I like this spray adhesive - amzn.to/3kHIj8Q

[@joepaquet4332]

Did you glue the foam to the mdf and then the batting to the foam?

[@hailey_yourfavv]

Hi! I love this video and will be doing it for my banquette in my kitchen. Question, do you nail the bench cushion to your bench? I’m worried about it moving around when someone sits on it. Thank you!!!!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi! The easiest, least damaging way to keep it from sliding or moving is to use heavy duty velcro tape to connect the seat to the banquette. :)

[@np40house27]

Would this work on a 280 cm long window seat? And do you have any suggestions on the foam you used?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Yes, it works great for window seats. For that long of a window seat, you'll need 2 or 3 upholstered boards, depending on which you think will look best. Just cut the boards to size, then use 2 or 3 " foam on top, followed with loft batting.

[@DMlloyd01]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks! So glad it helped. :)

[@MKpixelfan]

what if I want that cushion to be soft and work on both sides? I have a bench that just needs a cushion on top, don't need the hard plywood.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I think seeing a cushion cover is your best option then. 😊

[@jafallica]

You need to make a cushion cover for it. One with a zipper would be best so you can remove it to clean it.

[@tanyawolsegger2225]

Do you staple the batting to the plywood underneath? How does the batting stick to the foam? Also i need to glue foam to foam as I have an irregular shape - any suggestions for glue?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

You use spray adhesive to attach the batting to the foam. The batting shouldn’t go under the board. You can see how mine looks near the beginning of the video. Spray adhesive might be what you want for sticking pieces of foam together too. But I’d google that, since I’ve never used more than 1 piece of foam. 👍

[@rebeccacaulk5743]

Do you cut the MDF to the exact size of your bench or should you leave a couple of inches room all around?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I would cut it maybe an 1/8" to 1/4" smaller than the space. The fabric won't add much thickness.

[@panhandleflorida]

I have a question did you have the foam a little larger than the plywood base that you stapled the fabric to?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi Linda, I cut the foam to the same size of the base. The high loft batting should cover the sides of the hard base, to give it a soft look and feel. The batting is held in place with spray adhesive. Trim the batting so that it covers the top and sides, but doesn't go under the hard base. :)

[@SundayNightFunniesBrianBcomedy]

@@AbbottsAtHome Do you spray both the top of the foam to adhere the batting?

[@katrinafierros5684]

When she says she glued the memory foam to the plywood does anyone has any idea what type of adhesive is best for this ?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

You can find “spray adhesive” in craft stores or here on Amazon: Spray Adhesive: amzn.to/3pKpbtE

[@andres-tanyaocampo6531]

Do you need to put the batting? Or can you just wrap the foam with the fabric and staple to the plywood? I have an odd shape.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

The batting gives it a nice rounded and fluffy look. Without it, it looks like you’ve wrapped a box in fabric. Because the foam is so box-y on its own. 😁

[@Realtor365]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you!!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

You're welcome! So glad it helped. :)

[@lindadelmiche6588]

Your video and where to buy information is amazing! I think I can do this! I am doing this for a kitchen nook and the fabric I love has a lot of white in it. Have you ever used a fabric spray to protect from spills? Anything you can recommend?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thank you!! I know my mom always used to but I haven’t. I should give it a try next time and see how it works. 👍

[@bmoregirl2001]

Can I do this with vinyl material?

[@BPb123]

Can this be done for an outdoor swing?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hmmm, I’ve never made a cushion for outside use. Hopefully someone else reading this would know how that works. I’m not sure if the foam needs to be treated to prevent mold. Also, you wouldn’t want water to be trapped between the upholstered board and the swing seat. But, I’m sure there’s gotta be a way to do it. 🤔

[@gail7275]

Thanks for that info - I'm covering a lovely bench but not sure whether to simply wrap the foam with batting and then staple fabric in place and simply 'set' the seat on top or if I should nail the seat to the bench itself ??

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I can't say for sure without seeing it, but you can always try it for a week without nailing and see if it works for you. Thanks for commenting!

[@melaniehernand4525]

velcro bench to bottom ;)

[@doubled6256]

It would of been nice to see you turn it over, but thanks for the great idea!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

You’re right, but you can see the finished pictures here, if it helps: abbottsathome.com/diy-upholstered-bench-plan/ 👍

[@doubled6256]

Abbotts At Home DIY many thanks, what foam would you recommend for outdoor use?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I’m no help here. I’ve only done this with indoor furniture. 🤷‍♀️

[@arrowfastener]

Always nice to see our T50 staple gun hard at work on a project. Thanks for sharing! #MadeWithArrow

[@ledrudru]

Hi-thanks so much for this tutorial! My question is what kind of fabric is best for this kind of project? Do you want something with a bit of give or what is best? Many thanks!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi Dru! Just make sure the fabric is upholstery fabric. That means it’s thick enough to use on furniture. Other than that, pick a style you like. 😊

[@biancaryan9772]

How much can you estimate this would cost? I know different fabrics so different prices but the wood the foam. Also, do you need the batting? Im getting benches for a small wedding but I wanted a quick cheap way to make them a little more comfortable to sit on. Also, I think you did a great job on this tutorial I have never done anything like this before but I understand whats going on. 😁

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi! Thanks so much for the nice comment. I’m always so happy to hear when I’ve made something easy to understand. That’s my main goal. First question, the cost depends on how much foam you need, that stuff is probably the most expensive part of any upholstery project. I’d check on the price of foam for all of your benches to see if that makes the project too expensive. If you won’t need the benches after the wedding then you might want to just use pretty and low cost pillows instead. Second question, the batting actually is the thing that makes a DIY upholstery project look store bought. That batting sort of adds a fluffy roundness to the hard edges of the foam. If you skip the batting, the fabric sits really flat on that squared foam and looks kinda... wrong, half done. I hope that helps and good luck with getting that wedding ready. 😊

[@biancaryan9772]

@@AbbottsAtHome Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Your just like me lol I have a kids Roblox channel called Rylans Family Fun. If you have kids...this is my personal account. Yea I looked up the cost of the foam and its pretty expensive. Were trying to keep the cost down very low key simple wedding. So im probably not going to do the benches but its always a great skill to know I love doing diys around the house. Maybe I can get some inspiration from sone of your videos or blog. Thanks again 😁

[@mumstheword8851]

Wish you had started recording from the beginning to see how you shaped the foam with a knife.........

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Next time. But, it’s really easy and straightforward. It’s like cutting a cake or bread. Cut it straight down with a serrated blade. Nothing more than that. 😁

[@mumstheword8851]

Wow that easy?! 😯 Do you also round off the top edges with the knife? Or is pulling the fabric taut enough to round it off? If you get what I mean? That's also what i thought i maybe had missed...

[@AbbottsAtHome]

@@mumstheword8851 No rounding with the knife. That's all done by using the loft batting and pulling the fabric tight. :)

[@mumstheword8851]

Right!! Thank you for your swift response 😃 I'm from UK but live in Belgium, so I have to find out the Dutch for 'batting'! My mum is in a care home and I 'inherited' her blanket chest. Looking forward to making a large ottoman. (If we're ever able/allowed to get out for some non-food shopping!!) Stay safe 😊

[@AbbottsAtHome]

You’re welcome. Good luck with your project!!

[@jafallica]

It would have been great if we could see exactly what you’re doing upclose.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Next time.👍

[@skylark4074]

I couldnt watch in the end - it drove me mad !!!

[@ggluuna]

did you flip it by yourself? how did you do so the fabric don't move? why did you skipped such an important step?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Yes, I flipped it by myself. Usually I line up the fabric pattern then tightly wrap the fabric under the short ends and put 1 hand under each short end at those spots and hold the fabric in place while I flip the board over. 👍

[@alexat62]

After a year or so the fabric gets dull looking - you can only do so much with fabric cleaner. So ended up starting from scratch and sewing a box cushion cover with a zipper. The stapling method is not really a viable long term solution unfortunately 😕.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

If you can sew, then that's a great solution. I've had this bench at the end of my bed for 4 years now, with little boys always climbing on it. It still looks great. I just maintain it the same way I do my couches and chairs. Just spot cleaning when needed. But, I'm sure different fabrics will last longer. I have a velvet ottoman I made this way that is very easy to clean, everything just wipes off. 👍

[@tenders]

Makes more sense to use a less-labor-intensive construction method like this If the choice of fabric isn’t going to hold up.

[@allwrightrestorations2691]

Do u not attach it to the bench? It sit on top only?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi Ashley, I did screw this top to the bench I built for this. It's the last step in the tutorial here: abbottsathome.com/diy-upholstered-bench-plan/ I hope that helps. :)

[@topazioazulazul]

Where's the rest of the bench?? the legs etc.. and how do you put that together? r can you just buy them made at Lowe's or something?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hello, The DIY steps for the bench are on my site :) abbottsathome.com/build-upholstered-bench/

[@debishaw9355]

I always find the corners the toughest

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Me too. You do have to fiddle around with them a bit. :)

[@brookemaddox3175]

I love the idea ❤❤❤😍😍

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks, Brooke!

[@susanovington3930]

Such a great tutorial!

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks, Susan!

[@karinhowell8169]

Why didn't you cut your corners?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I’m not sure if you’re talking about the foam or the fabric. I never trim foam because I can get nice rounded edges by just using loft batting and pulling the fabric tight when stapling. And, if I don’t see the corners on the fabric, I can’t trim them. I just tuck them away. 👍

[@ReaperXC]

Good video except for the corner. No idea what you were doing there. A zoom in and more commentary on that portion please.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi! This is actually the first video I made for YT. Check out this newer video. It has close ups of the corners: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCWpX9oo7R1f9U

[@griselmonua4769]

Lástima no entiendo ls explicación.

[@patriciacoetzer7481]

Hi, the sound was not good to hear you. I had my volume full, but still bad. It must be coming from your side, as l don't have a problem listening to other vlogs. Sorry, just thought I'd mention it.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi, Sorry, this was one of the first videos I made. The sound is low on my laptop, but can get a lot louder on a TV or phone. 😊

[@HandmadeWithAshley]

This came out great! I love the fabric you choose too :)

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks so much, Ashley! That's fabric is awesome. I already have plans to use it again. :)

[@PSR271]

Good

[@ejsimms]

I can't see what you're doing on the corners. Why not just miter them?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Hi Emma, They are a tucked under miter on each side. You can see a picture of the corner just above the KZbin video player, by following the link to my site. You can do the corners however you prefer. I just tend to do the tuck under fold on each side of a corner. It tends to look less bulky for me and I like the look. Thanks for your question. :)

[@EMBTaylor]

When you got to the point of finishing the corners, you responded like you'd never done it before! I immediately quit watching. I'll do it on my own, thank you.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

As a matter of fact, I’d done it many times before. 🤦‍♀️ But, it was the first time I did it facing away from me for the benefit of a camera. 👍 Thanks for your comment, anyway.

[@johncornelius6907]

As a person who has NEVER done this before this was an amazing video. Why would you comment negatively. what a jerk. If you dont like the video just move on no need to comment.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Thanks John! Most people leave very nice comments. I just ignore the few rude comments. Worrying about them is not worth my time. 😊

[@meanpeoplesuck4355]

@@AbbottsAtHome Amazing how people are! They get a FREE demo and still complain. I thought this was a fantastic video! I just finished my entryway bench and it looks better than I could ever have imagined. Thank you!

[@meanpeoplesuck4355]

Oh, you must be an expert then. Please show us all how you do yours. Not!

[@filmasart]

Keep wincing that she’s going to scratch that nice table. Wood to wood is no bueno.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

No worries, it’s years later and the table is still fine. And, it was MDF anyway. MDF isn’t as sharp on the edges and corners. 👍

[@stevegibbons809]

Don’t think it’s a good idea to use your dining room table as a work bench, my wife would have been mad if I did that.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I only use it for jobs that won't damage it. :)

[@nancyjm79]

I can barely hear this. Couldn't watch it.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

If you’re watching on a computer the volume is pretty low. TV’s and phones will let you turn the volume up louder. 👍

[@carolschweitzer4832]

Your instruction is good but your uptalking is annoying and distracting. Good video though.

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Bless your heart. It’s always great when people take the time to mildly insult strangers that provided them with free info. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ Merry Christmas

[@pauljudd9825]

CANNOT HEAR YOU

[@AbbottsAtHome]

Here’s a louder, updated version of this DIY: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCWpX9oo7R1f9U

[@bmoregirl2001]

Can I do this with vinyl material?

[@AbbottsAtHome]

I haven’t tried this with vinyl, but I’m sure you can. Since vinyl is thicker than other material, you’ll need longer staples and you might not need to pull it as much as regular fabric to get a nice rounded edge. You’ll just need to play around with it a bit to get a look you like. Good luck with your project, Venessa!