Replacing and Covering Couch Cushions

Measure the current cushions on the couch. Cut the foam with the electric knife to match the size of the old cushions.

Drape the batting over the top of the cushions and cut it to match the dimensions of the top of the cushions. Measure the height, depth and width of the cushions with the batting on top.

Cut one long strip of fabric for each cushion cover that measures twice the width of the cushion plus 1 inch and twice its height plus 1 inch, and its depth plus one inch. If your cushion is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 6 inches high, cut a strip of fabric that measures 62 inches (24+24+1+6+6+1) by 25 inches (24+1). The long strip will cover the top, bottom and two sides of the cushion. Cut two smaller strips that measure the cushion's width plus 1 inch by its height plus 1 inch. For a 24-inch wide and 6-inch high cushion, cut two smaller strips that measure 25 inches by 7 inches each. These will cover the front and back of the cushion.

Fold the long strip of fabric in half, widthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the two ends together and stitch them shut, leaving a half-inch seam allowance. The sides of the strip should still be open, but the strip itself is now a closed circle.

Slide the folded strip over the cushion, keeping the right sides facing in. It should cover the top, bottom and two sides. The front and back of the cushion should be bare. Adjust the fabric so that it fits snugly against the cushion, pinning it if necessary. Place one of the smaller strips of fabric against the front part of the cushion, lining it up with the edges of the larger piece of fabric. The right side of the fabric should face the cushion. Pin the four sides of the smaller piece of fabric to the four sides of the larger piece.

Attach the second small strip to the back of the cushion, but only pin the top long edges together. Carefully slide the cover off of the cushion.

Stitch the smaller piece of fabric to the larger piece on all four sides, leaving a half inch seam allowance. Stitch the other small piece to the larger piece along the top long edge, leaving a half inch seam allowance.

Turn the cushion cover right side out and slide it back onto the cushion. Tuck the raw edges of the smaller fabric piece and the larger piece in, pinning the pieces in place. Hand sew the remaining open sides closed.

Repeat these steps to sew covers for the remaining cushions.