DIY Seat Foam

Measuring the Foam

• It is important to accurately measure the seat cover. If you are using traditional foam, to get a snug fit inside the seat cover, add 1 inch to the length, width and height measurements. You will use this added inch to measure the seat foam that you are using as the cushion filling.

  For the height of the foam, most foam comes in 1 inch thickness. If your cushion fabric is under ¼ inches taller than the nearest inch, round down. If it is over ¼ inches taller than the nearest inch, round up. If you are using foam with fiberfill wrap, do not add an inch to the length and width. For the height, follow the same procedure, but apply the rounding at ½ inch increments, rather than ¼ inch increments.

Cutting the Foam and Adding Fiberfill Wrap

• Measuring the foam correctly is crucial. From the edge inward, measure the length and width of your foam. You will want to make cuts on each piece of foam separately. Do not cut several pieces of foam at once; they will shift and you will have an uneven cut. Once you have the correct measurements, use an electric knife or a sharp carving knife to cut the foam. Use moderate pressure and several strokes to cut the foam. Keep the blade perpendicular against the foam.

  Once cut, you can add the fiberfill wrap to your foam piece. Fiberfill wrap is simply a fuzzy surface layer that sits atop your foam piece. It is best to glue the fiberfill wrap to the top of the foam, using a spray adhesive. It is best to spray the outer edge of the foam and attach your pieces of fiberfill on the top and sides of the foam. Allow each side to dry for about five minutes before proceeding to glue the other side.

Stuffing Your Seat Cushion

• Remove all fillers from the seat cushion. Take the foam piece and fold it in half, if you are unable to do so with your hands, wrap it with a piece of rope. Do not use too narrow of a rope because it can tear the foam. Insert the foam into the seat cushion fabric, and push it inward as far as it will go. Release the fold and smooth out the seat cushion. Make sure that the foam extends to all the edges of seat cushion.