How To Make a Quick and Easy Box Cushion

You can quickly and easily make box cushions following this DIY tutorial. There is no faster way to make a cushion cover and still get gorgeous results. Follow this 7 step process and you too will be making cushions in less than 60 minutes each.
Use this calculator to help with your Quick & Easy Cushion: fabric-calculator.com/FoldOver...
How To Make a Quick and Easy Box Cushion Chapters:
Intro - 0:00
Measuring & Cutting Foam - 1:00
Cutting Bottom Plate - 2:39
Sewing Zipper to Bottom Plate - 5:14
Cutting Top Plate with Facing - 9:04
Sewing Assembly Together - 14:05
Inserting Foam - 17:21
Materials List - 19:11
Materials List:
• High Density Polyurethane Foam from Sailrite we used (Firm) 3" x 24" x 82" - Item # 120195
www.sailrite.com/shop/foam-pi...
• Cushion Underlining Beige 54" - Item # 103934
www.sailrite.com/search.php?q...
• YKK Zipper #5 Coil Continuous White - Item # 104387
www.sailrite.com/YKK-Zipper-5...
• Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas - Item # 104167
www.sailrite.com/Seamstick-1-4...
• YKK Zipper Slider #5 Coil White Metal Single Lock Pull - Item # 104356
www.sailrite.com/Notions/Zippe...
• Thread V-69 Nylon (indoor application) or V-69 Polyester (outdoor application) from Sailrite
www.sailrite.com/shop/notions...
• Décor & Upholstery Fabric from Sailrite we used Geobella Darcy Peacock 54" Fabric - Item # 3032503
www.sailrite.com/shop/fabric/...
Tools List:
Acu-Cutter 350 Foam Cutter with 8" Blades - Item # 100157 or Electric Kitchen Knife
Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" - Item # 102400
Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat 24" x 36" - Item # 120257
Comfort Grip Rotary Cutter 60mm - Item # 9655
Sailrite Ultrafeed LS-1 PLUS Walking Foot Sewing Machine - Item # 300502
Gingher Scissors Right Handed - Item # 19104
Fabric Marking Pencil White - Item # 101026
Sailrite Deluxe 5 1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide - Item # 103597
Tape Measure, Straight Edge, Marker, Pencil
Order supplies and tools from: www.sailrite.com
7 Steps to A Quick & Easy Box Cushion:
Step 1 - Cut Foam to Size
Cut your foam to the desired size of your finished cushion plus 1/4” on all sides.
Step 2 - Cut Bottom Plate to Size
Lay out the fabric for your cushion bottom. Set the foam on top of it and trace around the perimeter. Then draw a line 1/4” in from your traced line. Cut out your plate along the inner line.
Step 3 - Sew Zipper to Bottom Plate
Cut your zipper to the length of cushion plus a few inches. Install the zipper slider. Then, baste the zipper in place across the center of the underside of the bottom plate with the zipper facing down. Sew the zipper in place.
Step 4 -Cut Top Plate to Size
On the wrong side of your top, decorative fabric, trace around the perimeter of your foam. Strike a line using the thickness of the foam minus 1/4” as the distance out from the traced line. This outer line will be your cut line.
Step 5 - Creating Facing from Top Plate
Extend the inner line on your fabric out past the cut line. This will form a square at each corner. Cut out your fabric along the cut line and then cut out the traced square at each corner. Flip the fabric over right-side up and baste the corners together. Sew the corners together using a 3/8” seam allowance.
Step 6 - Sew the Plates Together
Use basting tape to baste together the bottom and the top plates with the right sides facing in. Be sure to use match up marks to line up the center of each side on both plates. Sew the plates together using a 3/8” seam allowance.
Step 7 - Insert Foam in Cushion Cover
Open the zipper and turn the cover right side out. Insert the foam. Be sure to work the foam into the corners and edges so everything looks nice.
Order supplies and tools from: www.sailrite.com

[@petegalloway2466]

Thank you for this tutorial. Successfully made a window seat cover and my daughter loves sitting there. Result! 😊

[@christines1924]

What a great tutorial!! I'm an experienced sewer and still loved this...you have it all laid out for me!! I can just follow and do ..instead of working out all the steps/dimensions. THANK YOU for filming this.

[@lorijarman3469]

I followed along to make 6” deep cushions for outdoor chairs...thank you for making it so easy! I do not sew often at all I my cushions turned out great!

[@SailriteDIY]

That is awesome!!!! I am glad that this video helped with your cushion project.

[@liszadarling]

Fantastic video! I'm a professional handy woman and love this version of "how-to' for box cushions. Well-done and easy to understand!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@farhananyc1963]

Best video so far, it took a while to find the perfect one without plywood on the bottom.

[@desleighrehbein1941]

Thanks for the excellent instructions I have ventured to upholster boat seats by following the previous covers and a few other projects just by guessing what to do - but started a new project and used your instructions without a hiccup great stuff

[@sharonfaelten5906]

I used this tutorial to make a new chair seat pad and footstool cushion for a used platform rocker we found at a second-hand store. Very easy to follow. Excellent results! He is right when he says that inserting the foam pad into the finished cushion is like "wrestling an alligator." So for each pad, I first made a cushion liner out of lightweight synthetic fabric and covered the foam pads before inserting them into the exterior upholstery fabric cushion covers. The permanent underlining will also make it easier to remove the chair pad and footstool cushion for cleaning, if necessary.

[@dianakidd5688]

Great tutorial! I sew clothing, but needed to make cushion covers for an antique Bishop’s Bench, and this was exactly what I needed! Thanks!

[@studioimart]

Your narrator was awesome. Thank you! This is super easy! I'm so excited!

[@khvanzant]

Awesome video - this is truly step by step and I feel much more confident tackling my patio cushion project

[@pcc-veterinarytechnologypr620]

I just used this tutorial to make cushions for my cat window perches. It was so easy and they look great! I have sewing experience so I was able to follow easily along and start to finish took 5 hours for 3 covers 😍

[@jontech9978]

Thank you. Your instructions help out alot and was able to get my cushions done before the 4th of July.

[@AMATEURDECORATINGLIKEAPRO]

I absolutely love this tutorial. 😍😍😍

[@lakegal66]

Thank you for this video. I have made box cushions for our outdoor chairs which are a non-standard size. They turned out great.

[@suecaronia3076]

This was a very easy to understand tutorial. I'm about to make my window seat cushions and I think it will look much more professional thanks to your video. Thanks!

[@LaughingLaughs88]

I love how straight to the point and instructional this video is. I will definitely be watching this video again.

[@kitchenangel5020]

I'm jumping for joy! With relatively little sewing skill, I just finished covering the first cushion for our RV per your excellent step-by-step video. The result is very professional looking. I am so pleased with the products I ordered from your website. Your cushion underlining material and the basting tape, used in the video, are awesome products. The price is fair and delivery rapid. Thank you, Sailrite!

[@SailriteDIY]

I am so glad you liked the video and your project come out great!

[@Bensmama1]

Best tutorial on foam cushions I've seen. Thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks! Let us know if you have questions.

[@SB-bh4of]

Excellent video, props to Brian - good at what he does and also at explaining/being on camera.

[@michelewallace8735]

I would love to be able to place a photo here of my completed glider cushion covers I made with your instructions. Turned out beautifully and brings a beautiful spot to my front porch.

[@anushka1929]

Great video! Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Thank you

[@SailriteDIY]

I am very glad that you liked the video. Let us know if you have questions.

[@davidhutchinson5572]

Thank you. Clear instructions. I’ve made a terrific cover for my dog’s bed with a limited amount of fabric remnant.

[@erikswitzer9101]

Follow this video step for step and it is SO easy and great. We reupholstered our couch cushions in 3 hours and have never tried anything like this. Super satisfying. Thank you for the video! (note: If you dont like the zipper thought, just do a envelope opening. Its fast, easy and works perfectly)

[@SailriteDIY]

Wow, good job! 3 hours for couch cushions is very fast, glad this video helped and thanks for the suggestion about the envelope opening.

[@oli-thejackrussell]

Used your video to reupholstered my cushions for my 1981 eriba caravan and they look great!!!! Instructions were sooo clear and easy to follow. For my first time making seat covers they look amazing!!! Thank youuuuuu 😃

[@SailriteDIY]

You are welcome! Good job Sue.

[@petergarza8412]

P , Pp

[@kitkat2728]

Sue Lyon v

[@cckillingsworth]

I looked through many videos for making cushions and this one stood out above all the rest. I've never done any kind of upholstering before and barely know how to use the sewing machine I borrowed (thanks to many additional Singer KZbin videos), but by carefully following these step-by-step instructions I was able to create a set of custom-sized cushions for a camper van conversion. I found it very helpful to sketch out all the dimensions for the tops and bottoms in advance to make sure my measurements were lining up as I went. I ended up using these measurements to cut out the foam and the fabric instead of using the cut foam to measure out the fabric. I also used the same fabric for the top and bottom and velcro for the back closure instead of expensive zippers. I'm so tickled with the results and love how many people are asking where I learned to do this. Thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

We are so glad that Sailrite's videos helped you with your cushion project and that they came out great! Please share this video with your friends.

[@kimberlycarter4303]

I've watched so many youtube videos about many of my hobbies. This video is one of the best most straight forward step-by-step videos I think I've ever seen. You aren't spending 20 minutes talking about what your dog did today or how you like this basting tape because (fill in the blank for another 20 minutes), etc. Thank you! Thank you.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks for the positive comments!

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

EXCELLENT video; loved the walking foot sewing machine & magnetic edge guide. I am a quilt maker & seamstress with over 50 years of sewing experience; great job to sewer & narrator, video graphics & technique! Recommend never using rotary cutter to cut towards yourself. Also, there's a resting place on top of rotary cutter handle for your index finger, for more balanced pressure while cutting; just a suggestion! Please include rotary cutter safety instructions that state why blade is always closed or covered after each cut, when putting cutter down. You DID show best reason why you place ruler on cushion fabric & not on waste fabric...excellent tip & demo. Thanks much!!!

[@susangray8017]

This video is phenomenal! First time ever making a box cushion and it turned out great! Highly recommend this method!!

[@carolerichardson8648]

Thank you so much for the tutorial, I have managed to upcycle my late uncle's telephone table and make a box cushion to finish it off :-)

[@cynthiastark7258]

This is a wonderful tutorial. Thank you.

[@cecesandiego7029]

Thank you for this great tutorial. I learned so much. I especially liked the commentator adding tips and the displayed notes. Easy breezy and I'm going to attempt to make our seat cushions! Getting on your site to order materials/tools. Thanks again. Great job.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks! These free videos are only made possible from loyal customers like you. Thanks for your purchase of tools and supplies!!!!

[@nancygibson2659]

Excellent tutorial video. Thank you so much!

[@susanporter4148]

This video is awesome. I bought the underlining and double sided tape (a miraculous invention!) and I finished my 2 cushions in record time. Had to laugh at myself as I was wrestling the alligator-great analogy. The cushions are perfect! Thanks for a great video.

[@SuezWSuezW]

Great idea for saving labor in making rectangular cushions, thanks guys!

[@SailriteDIY]

+Sue W I am glad you liked it. Let us know if you have questions about the project.

[@Simplydanielle89]

OMG This is spectacular, thank you so much for this tutorial

[@SailriteDIY]

You are welcome! Be sure to help support our company and buy your fabric and supplies from Sailrite which enable us to keep producing more free tutorial videos in the future. Thanks!!! www.sailrite.com

[@deebudgell8152]

Just made 3 bench covers using your video. I used the same fabric for both sides and put zipper in the bottom seam, they turned out fantastic. Thank you!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Fantastic!

[@WoWNightwhisper]

Thank you for this video! I just ordered what I need in order to complete this cushion. Looking forward to the results!!

[@Disco-un5vm]

This was brilliant. Thank you.

[@cyndiclifton134]

Great tutorial and exactly what I needed. I am making cushion covers for my neighbor and I wasn't sure how to do it with boxed corners. This is perfect and so simple to do. Thank you!!!

[@SailriteDIY]

I'm glad this tutorial was helpful! I'm glad you were able to make a cushion cover for your neighbor.

[@lucylobo1706]

FANTASTIC Video Thank you so much you explained everything so simply and I made a cushion in an hour the hardest part was deciding which fabric to use.

[@dianemilliquet8154]

That worked so well using an electric knife and the table to cut the foam. Thanks

[@akhunov1184]

Yea... I made my own cushion seat. And I love it. Thank you very much.

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad we could help! Great job!!!

[@debbieturkett7250]

I’ve watched this video for what seems like the 100th time! I’m recovering interior cabin boat cushions using the existing bottom plate with the zipper already in place. So, with my iPad next to the sewing machine, this video on pause at each step and a quick prayer....it turned out perfectly! One down, three more to go! Your videos are so helpful for a rookie seamstress and I send my heartfelt thanks!

[@SailriteDIY]

Wow, thanks for the great comment. Good job!!!

[@thegrumpybusinessman3400]

How long did it take to do one? I also have a boat and am thinking of doing the same.

[@ironguy1]

Outstanding tutorial. I’m anxious to tackle my first fabric sewing project. I’ve sewn leather for years so hopefully some of those skills will carry over.

[@albertouellette8054]

Just followed this video and made some very nice asymmetric, trapezoid shaped cushions for our kitchen window bench. Thank you sailrite!

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it and your cushions came out great! Good job!!!!!

[@stevo3644]

I've just bought an old Mitsubishi industrial sewing machine and can't wait to make these cushions and other Sailrite projects. Your videos are very good quality and easy to understand.

[@SailriteDIY]

Sounds great!

[@glenaharlan913]

Thank you for this incredible video! The directions were clearly explained and my cushion turned out beautifully.

[@Saucyakld]

Wonderful Brian, you did so well and so clear. I put the cushion cover wrong side out and over the top and peel the fabric over and under. Found it much easier than jamming it in

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!! Good idea about stuffing foam in cover.

[@carolinemurgatroyd2605]

Thank you so much for sharing this step by step process - I'm so happy with the outcome of my cushion project!

[@19frany69]

Very nice video, I could learn much more about holstering. Thank you very much.

[@karenskeete5373]

Instructions are clear from beginning to end. Thanks for the instruction on using double sided tape for boxing. great video.

[@SailriteDIY]

I am so glad you liked it. Let us know if you have any questions about or fabric, tools or video projects.

[@mahendramahakund6900]

hardshapcushoin

[@dleclerc9967]

C'est ma première expérience sur une machine à coudre. J'ai réussi à fabriquer mes 4 coussins pour mon véhicule récréatif. Je suis très fier du résultat. Merci pour cette vidéo.

[@karenlewis5761]

I love this tutorial. My daughter wants me to make her a box cushion-this helped me a lot. Thank you. I am sure I will be watching this many times to get the hang of it.

[@SailriteDIY]

Your welcome!

[@rosangelaalvim5165]

Excelente vídeo! Muito bem explicado!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!

[@janomalley]

This tutorial was perfect. Thank you so much.

[@davidhutchinson5572]

Ha ha! Me again! A cover this time for the dog’s cushion...it’s lovely. Thank you for guiding me through the making process once more.

[@SailriteDIY]

You are so welcome!

[@deborahanderson200]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I foolishly agreed to cover cushions for a relative's RV, and I realized right away that I was over my head! I was also concerned that I wouldn't have enough fabric (faux leather), and your method of using something different for the back is PERFECT. It will save me so much fabric! I'm still not 100% comfortable about this massive project, but I definitely feel much better! Thank you again!

[@SailriteDIY]

Your welcome! We love to help. You can do it!!!

[@AdrianaLustoza]

Great step by step tutorial, just finished my cushion and looks great!

[@SailriteDIY]

Great job!

[@nola4253]

Thank you so much.I did it.

[@SailriteDIY]

Excellent!

[@janeburns3088]

Great video thank you, I hope to recover my vintage caravan cushions.

[@joycramer2716]

This video has helped me so much making cushions for my new house for toy closet and window seat! I kept referring back to this while making them. Really helped me with the measuring of everything so it's a nice snug fit. I actually made the top first then bottom so I know I had enough canvas fabric. The bottom I did in an envelope opening instead of zipper and out of same cloth as top. The bottom seams to stay in place and could use adhesive rug slid tape if it does slide. Thank you so much for helping me!

[@SailriteDIY]

We are glad that this video helped you make your cushions and that they came out so well. Good job!!!

[@hammockmonk]

I was skeptical about the quarter-inch here and quarter-inch there but I just finished my cushion and it's perfect! Thanks for the great instructions!

[@MrDarcy-yk8yj]

You said it clearly but I just wanna double triple check. Did you really trim off 1/4 inch like they said in the video and the cover fits just right??? My first time making it and I don’t wanna screw up. The fabric is pricey. TIA.

[@hammockmonk]

@@MrDarcy-yk8yj That’s correct. I just returned to these instructions and made another box cushion. It turned out perfectly. This is a great video!

[@Knittyneeds]

I love watching your video tutorials. Easy to follow step by step instructions. I must give this a try on my big dogs mattress 90cm x 200cm 13cm height. The ones I made were absolutely NOT professional looking but then they were for my furry pals 🐶 comfort who simply enjoyed their new beds. Thanks for sharing and caring.

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you like our videos. I hope your dogs like the new cushion you made - Good job!

[@Knittyneeds]

Sailrite Yes I enjoy watching and learning the professional finish. Super great tips. Soft voices and much encouragement. Wish you didn't live so far. 🗼Your fan from France.

[@patriciakelly2714]

Clever, you make it look easy.

[@theresaflint5855]

Loved the tutorial...learned about some tools did not know were out there

[@pilotarix]

Great video, good and clear instructions. I just scaled this up a little bit and made a queen size boat mattress where one long side is a couple of inches shorter than the other. It becomes a little tricky if you have to sew two pieces of fabric together to make for the 60-inch width. But if you stick to the instructions it becomes clear how to manage that.

[@RenukaDeviDevanesan]

sooo easy to understand! Thank you for the great tutorial!

[@SailriteDIY]

You're very welcome!

[@tenchaayala1660]

me encantó, gracias por compartir sus conocimientos, :)

[@SailriteDIY]

+Tencha Ayala ¡De nada! Dejanos saber si tienes preguntas.

[@susiehartz]

I can't believe how easy it was to follow this video and make a box cushion cover for my daughter's Murphy bed. So clear and straightforward. Thank you! Oh - and where has basting tape been my whole life?!

[@SailriteDIY]

We are so glad that we were able to help. Good job!!!

[@stevenkoya5236]

Thank you. So simple and helpful

[@cindyl7469]

Great video! First time making cushion covers, they turned out beautifully!

[@SailriteDIY]

Excellent! Good job!!!

[@boobear1693]

thank you!!! this reminds me of making fitted sheets, so easy!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Yes, it is the easiest way to make cushions with outside turns. If your cushion has inside turns, this procedure will not work.

[@ruslanruban1481]

Thank you for this. The video and instructions are very good.

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it! Let us know if you have any questions.

[@eknight5676]

excellent instructions. thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

Your welcome!

[@rootiepooh]

Thanks! Very easy to follow! I’m going to use your instructions to make a window seat cushion cover.

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it. Hope your window seat cushion project goes very well.

[@jeangagne5730]

Exactly the video i was looking for! the 30 min cushion is NOT so 30 min for an amateur. The way this was put together makes ME even think i can do it! Thank you!

[@meeny0077]

Thank you so much for these tutorials!! Love them!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Your welcome!

[@suecox2308]

Excellent tutorial--thank you!

[@plinkthecat8543]

Wow, this is amazing. Boy would I like to try it.

[@pavlamoewes5657]

What a great video. Thank you. Now I will make one for my seat.

[@flowerlily1]

Thank you so much for this great and easy to follow tutorial!

[@SailriteDIY]

Your welcome!

[@jennistevenson796]

Great clear tutorial.

[@jacquieb1529]

Wow! Such a clear tutorial.

[@extraincomesuz]

Great video! Easy to follow instructions! I have an old patio set of furniture with sofa and 4 chairs (bottom and back square cushions). I wanted to cover them but the process in other vids looked too complicated. This looks easy! I will try it!

[@SailriteDIY]

Wonderful! Yes, this is a much easier approach to making cushion covers. Let us know if you have any questions.

[@dmmdmm5435]

Brilliant, can't wait to do this ! Juki ddl 5550, consew 227. Pismo beach California

[@ellenarmstrong4703]

Very nicely done video and easy to follow it thank you

[@jafallica]

That looks great! I hope I can do it! Need to make a cushion cover for a client exactly like this.

[@SailriteDIY]

Butters You can do it! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@wesleymathews294]

Fabulous tutorial. Well done!! Can't wait to get sewing!

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@dianechafer3939]

Excellent, thanks

[@stephanieo2948]

Best best best cushion tutorial out here, SO glad I found it, thank you for it!!!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Wow, thank you!

[@lynnb1108]

Wonderfully explained and simple design and pattern thank you.

[@angelavanwesten3758]

Your tutorials are the best! It's like college for upholstery!!!! Jut did camper cushions and the method worked beautifully!

[@SailriteDIY]

Wow, thanks!!! Good job on the cushions.

[@tanyamorrison975]

Awesome video! So helpful. Thanks!

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it. Let us know if you have any questions.

[@pattitraviglia9603]

Great video. I think it will definitely help me...very concise.

[@bradleyzichterman397]

Thank you so much for making these helpful videos

[@SailriteDIY]

Your welcome!

[@ShampooWow]

*_Awesome video! I like it_*

[@HauntedInPA]

I was looking for a video like this! Every window in my home has a wide bench seat ...yes every window!! So I'll be busy. Thanks for the video, I saved it for later to watch. 😊

[@tarapreston8986]

I can't thank you enough for this tutorial. I would love to send you photos of our finished product - a renovated 1988 camper van!

[@SailriteDIY]

That is very good news! Good job. Share your latest DIY masterpiece on Facebook or Instagram using #Sailrite and you could be featured!

[@lindadudish522]

I would love to see a photo of the finished product. I'm renovating an RV too.

[@riverbirchranch]

I LOVE these tutorials!!!

[@Sara.Rose.]

Brilliant Brian!! Narrator was awesome too