Making Seat Cushions

Spread the two 20-inch pieces of material for the cover of the cushion together on a table with their wrong sides facing out.

Sew three of the edges of the material together using a sewing machine and matching thread. Turn this cover inside out.

Hold the opening of the cover with one hand and slide the foam into it with the other. Position it properly so its corners align against the corners of the cover. Brush the cover with your hand to remove any folds or creases.

Cut four lengths of material that measure 12 inches long and 1 inch wide to create tie strings for the back. Depending on personal taste, use the same material as you used for the cushion covers, or use a different color in complementary or contrasting tones.

Fold each tie string piece lengthwise in half with the right sides showing, so only 1/2 inch of its width is visible. Tuck the edges under to to give the string a neat appearance and prevent ragged edges. Iron flat, and then sew the edges and across one end. Do this to all the four lengths.

Position the strings along the open end of the cushion (its back end), using two at each end with the raw edges tucked inside the corners. Starting from one corner, carefully hold the pair of strings in place as you begin to sew the back edges together to close the cover. Continue sewing all the way to the other end, along with the other set of tie strings. Make sure the tie strings are equal in length.

Place the cushion on the designated seat. Tie the tie strings to the back of the chair so the cushion remains in place.