How to Make Slipcovers for Outdoor Chair Cushions

Cut the seam on the old cushion fabric with an upholstery scissor. Make sure to cut along the seam carefully, so that the scissor does not puncture the cushion underneath. Carefully slide the cushion out from the old fabric cover, and save the cover to size the new upholstery fabric that you will use to make slipcovers.

Examine the cushion once the fabric is moved, and see if it is in good condition. Check for mold, mildew or insect infestation. Outdoor furniture may be prone to these things. If the cushion or cushions are in good condition, set them aside until you're ready to reuse. Buy new cushion foam at a craft supply store, if old cushions are not reusable.

Purchase several yards of fabric in the pattern of your choice. Use a furniture sizing chart found online to size the amount of fabric needed, if unsure. Measure your chair or outdoor sofa cushions, and use its size chart to get an idea of the amount of fabric you need in inches. Try to acquire fabric that is easy to sew in a sewing machine, yet durable enough for outside use. Unroll the fabric, and place the pattern side down. The pattern side is what will be on the outside. Place the old cushion fabric in the center of the new fabric.

Cut around the old piece with the upholstery scissor so that the new fabric is close to the size of the old. Leave two extra inches at one end to allow the seam to be folded over and stitched in place. Repeat steps for a second piece of fabric. This will be the other side of the cushion.

Sew the pieces together on a sewing machine, using the same color thread so it blends into the cushion with no seam lines. Reinforce the edges by going over each seam a second time, and make sure to leave one end open, preferably the end with the extra inches. Insert the cushion into this end. Sew the end shut once the cushion is inserted by hand using a needle and strong thread. If you know how to place a zipper into the fabric, you may want to add one so that the cushions can be easily removed and cleaned in the future.