Instructions for Cushion Covers

Remove the existing cushions from the couch. Take the covers off the cushions either by unzipping the covers or cutting the covers off. Discard the old covers or reserve the fabric to use in cleaning or as grease rags in the garage.

Measure the cushion padding to make the new covers in the appropriate size. Measure the thickness, length and width of the cushions. Remember to include any odd shapes in the cushions that you must also cover. You may also consider tracing the cushions onto a poster board to make a cutting pattern for the material you will make into a new cushion cover.

Cut two pieces from the material to cover the top, bottom and sides of the cushion. When you sew the material together you want a solid seam that goes all the way around the side of the cushion. To make the pieces of material large enough for this, start by measuring out a piece that covers only the top of the cushion. You can mark this measurement with a fabric pen on the unprinted side of the material. On all sides of this first measurement, add inches of material matching the thickness of the cushion. Cut this first piece of material out and use it to cut a second piece of the same size.

Pin the two pieces of material together with printed sides facing. Leave 3 inches of material on the outside edge of the row of safety pins. You will have to create a large seam at this time, but you can cut away excess material later. Pin the material together all the way around to hold the material into place while you sew the pieces together.

Sew the two pieces of material together using a sewing machine loaded with cotton thread. Sew a straight seam across the sides of the material as close to the row of safety pins as possible. Continue all the way around the cushion cover, leaving one side completely open to place the cushion back inside.

Turn the cushion cover inside out so that the printed and textured side of the material shows. Slide the cushion cover onto the cushion.

Sew one-half of a zipper onto each side of the opening in the cover. You may have to cut the zipper down to size or seek a longer zipper. Sew the zipper pieces by hand and tuck the material inside the cover so that the zipper pulls the material taut.

Remove the peaks at corners by tucking the peaks against the cushion. Use a hand needle to sew the tucked peaks to the cushion cover and make the corners of the cushions look more box-shaped.