Directions for Making Chair Cushions for a Rocking Chair

Measure the width across the rocking chair from one side to the other and write down the number. Measure the length of the rocking chair seat from the front to the back and write down the number. Add 1 inch to both seat measurements to accommodate the seams.

Cut two pieces of fabric for the top and bottom of the cushion using the increased length and width measurements. These pieces are the same size.

Cut two piece of fabric for the cushion depth -- or thickness -- using the length measurement and the thickness of the foam cushion with 1 inch added for seams -- in other words, 2 inches for a 1-inch-thick cushion or 3 inches for a 2-inch-thick cushion. Cut two pieces using the width measurement and cushion depth. You will have four pieces for the cushion edges.

Sew the cushion edge pieces together using a 1/2-inch seam, alternating the length and width strips. Sew the last two ends together to make a loop. Press all seams open using a warm iron.

Pin one edge of a lapped zipper to one of the width lengths of the loop. Sew the zipper to the fabric to hold it in place. Pin the loop to the seat bottom piece of fabric with right sides together, matching the width and lengths on both pieces. Place the zipper so it is along the rear width side of the cushion.

Sew the loop to the seat bottom with a 1/2-inch seam, adjusting seam depth along the edge with the zipper so you do not sew over the zipper teeth. Open the zipper so you have a hole to the turn the cover right side when sewing is complete.

Pin the other edge of the loop to the seat top piece of fabric with the right sides together, matching the width and length edges. Sew the pieces together with a 1/2-inch seam. Turn the cover through the zipper opening so the right sides all face out. Smooth the corners with your fingers.

Cut a piece of 1- or 2-inch-thick foam padding to the size of the cover. Slide the foam through the zipper opening, close the zipper and smooth the cover over top.