How to Upholster a Dining Nook

Measure the length of the seat cushion and add 1 inch. Measure the width of the seat cushion and add 1 inch. Cut two covers to these dimensions. Measure the height of the cushion and add 1 inch. Cut two side pieces to the width and height measurements. Cut three side pieces to the length and height measurements.

Place two of the length pieces face sides together. Measure the short width of your fabric and divide by 3. Sew a seam 2/3 the width, from one edge, along the length of the fabric. Example: If your width is 6 inches, 2/3 the width of the fabric would be 4 inches, so you would sew your seam 4 inches from one edge. Iron the seam open. Position the joined fabrics face side down.

Center and pin your zipper face side down over the seam. Sew along the length, across the bottom, along the length and across the top of the zipper. Make extra stitching passes across the top and bottom of the zipper. Center your third length-side fabric over the zippered fabric. Pin the pieces together and cut around the outside to make the zippered piece the same size as the remaining side piece.

Remove the pins. Open the basted seam over the zipper to expose the zipper. Sew the side pieces together along the short ends in order of length, width, length and width so that they form a circle of fabric. The zippered length will be the back panel.

Place the top cover face up on the work table. Position the side circle of fabric face sides together over the top cover so that the corner seams align with the corners. Pin a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Sew a 1/2-inch seam. Open the zipper. Position the bottom cover faceup on the work table. Align the corner seams with the bottom cover and pin and sew a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Clip excess fabric from the corner seam allowance to remove bulk and turn the cushion cover right side out. Insert the cushion and zip. Repeat for the other cushions on the seat or back of the banquette.