DIY Linen Seat Cushion

Does your chair need a cushion to make it more comfy? An easy-to-sew seat cushion is just the answer!

I made my seat cushion with natural linen so it will match any chair. I plan on making a set for all the chairs at my table. I love how the natural linen will go great with vintage wrought-iron chairs and wood chairs.

The sturdy weave of the linen helps these seat cushions withstand the test of time. You won’t need to replace these after a year! They will last you for years and years to come. The ties help keep these cushions in place and the bows add a lovely detail!

I went with natural linen, but you can select the color you like. I suggest using a heavy weight 100% linen such as 4C22 for this project because it’s more fit for heavy use. You can view our colors of 4C22 by clicking on the button below:

|Materials:

1/2 yard of 100% linen 4C22 (prewashed)
craft paper
20" sqaure piece of 1/2" thick foam padding
pencil
scissors
measuring tape
pins
sewing machine
cotton cord

I chose to make my seat cushion with 4C22 Natural softened linen. Middle-weight IL019 and heavy-weight 4C22 are the best linens to select for this project. You can make your seat cushion in any color you like!

You can find foam padding at a craft or sewing store. Try to find some that is 1/2 inch thick so your cushion will be comfy.

I took a photo of the finished seat cushion to give you an idea of the shape you should trace for the pattern.

On the craft paper, trace the shape of the chair’s seat. march on your paper where the back of the chair attaches to the seat. Then, cut out the paper shape.

Trace the shape onto another piece of paper. The first paper pattern will be your foam shape. The second paper pattern will be your cover shape.

Using a measuring tape or ruler, mark 1/2" all the way around the outside of your cover shape. Cut out the paper on this line. Cut two of these cover pieces out of the linen fabric. Transfer the marks where the back attaches to the seat onto the "wrong" side of the fabric.

This is the cotton cord that will be inserting into the seam that goes around the edge of the seat cushion. This is just for a nice detail and is completely optional. If you prefer, you can seam the top and bottom pieces of linen together with a simple straight stitch.

The seam along the top shows your where I placed the cord and then sewed it into place. Just do this to the bottom piece of the linen for the cushion. The other piece of linen will soon be attached to the bottom by making a stitch over the one we just made. Not just yet though….first we need to make the ties.

I’m sure if you’ve been following our blog, you are pro at making straps with linen. If you need a refresher, don’t worry! Just cut four piece of linen 2 inches wide and 12" long. Fold your linen strip down halfway down along the center and the fold the edges in to meet the centerfold. Then just make a seam along the edge to complete your strap.

I like to knot the ends of the ties to keep them from fraying. Pin the ribbons to the location where you will seam them into place when you sewing the two pieces of linen together. There is a image of what this looks like once complete if you scroll down the page a bit.

With the "right" sides facing each other, sew the cover pieces together, with the exception of an 8" opening to insert the padding into. Make sure to keep the ties in place, so they a included in the seam at their marked spots.

Now that the edges are sewn, it is time to place the foam padding inside the linen cover.

Fold or roll up the padding so that it fits through the opening.

When it is all inside, straighten it out so all the edges line up.

You just need to grab a sewing needle and thread to stitch up this opening once the padding is inside.

Make the stitch as neat as you can so it blends in with the rest of the seam.

This is how the ties should be attached to the seat cushion so you get a better idea. Just simply include them in the seam as you sew, so that the raw edge is concealed.

Tie your seat cushion to your chair and see how comfy it is! Get started on more cushions and have a complete set that is ready for any table. This is a great idea for patio chairs too!

I hope you all enjoyed this latest linen tutorial. I love the look of natural linen for this project, but colorful seat cushions might be next up for me.

Let me know what you think about the this DIY Linen Seat Cushion by posting your comments here or on our Facebook page.

Thanks, everyone! Have a great weekend!

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4 Comments

Jane

October 1, 2017 - 2:46 pm

Where can I find 1/2 inch cushion foam? I looked at Joanne’s and online. The thinnest is 1 in. unless I buy a long sheet.

Thanks.

Jane
Reply to comment
janice dorsey

August 14, 2013 - 5:26 am

I sew for Interior designers so I have made a number of cushions. Just an observation. The cushion would look fuller if you cover the foam with batting so as to give it a fuller look. I cut the batting the shape of the foam, cover it and sew the batting around edges of the foam. Also, I quite often line the main fabric with a lining material so it has a smoother look to it and adds body to the cover. If I intend to wash the cover at some point, I will wash the fabric and lining before construction.
Reply to comment
Lorie Roe

May 19, 2012 - 7:56 am

did you mean wrong sides together?

thanks! I love all of your postings!
Reply to comment
Cornelia

March 24, 2012 - 6:24 am

Thank You! Your cushion looks wonderful, and …. I’ve been sewing for ages, and never ever thought of just attaching the cording to the seam allowance! And I’d been avoiding sewing cushion covers because I HATE attaching the cording separately – so thank you again!!!
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