How to Fill a Sewn Couch Cushion

Turn the cushion so the back seam is facing you. Stretch the seam gently so the stitches are visible.

Insert the pointed end of the seam ripper tool beneath the first visible stitch, hooking the thread in the seam ripper. Push the ripper forward and lift up slightly to sever the stitch.

Rip out each stitch individually until you have an 8- to 10-inch opening on a cushion with loose stuffing. Open up the seam along the entire cushion side if it is stuffed with a foam sheet.

Pick out the loose threads left behind by the seam ripper. Use tweezers to grasp the threads, if necessary.

Pull out the old stuffing or foam material. You can reuse old loose stuffing. Use old foam stuffing as a template to cut a new piece of upholstery foam to fit the cushion.

Stuff the new filling into the cushion. Pack loose stuffing into the corners first then fill up the center of the cushion. Put as much loose stuffing into the cushion as you can. Upholstery foam simply slides into the cushion cover.

Fold the raw edges of the ripped seam into the cushion and pin the seam closed.

Thread a curved upholstery needle with heavy-duty upholstery thread. Knot one end in a double knot.

Pass the needle through the beginning of the seam so the knot is on the inside of the cushion. Sew short stitches along the seam, catching the fold of either side of the seam with the needle so the stitches are almost invisible once completed. The curved needle allows you to stitch along the seam without stitching into the filling.

Tie off the thread in a double knot once the seam is closed. Place the knot so it slips between the seam and is hidden inside the cushion. Fluff the cushion, if it has loose filling, before replacing it on the couch.