How to Recover Porch Glider Cushions

Prepare the Cushions for Recovering

• 1

  Clean your porch glider cushions. Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush and wash both sides with a mixture of 1/4-cup mild soap in a gallon of tepid water. Let air dry.

• 2

  Inspect the cushions for signs of mildew or other damage. Kill mildew with a solution of 1 cup bleach mixed in 1 gallon of water. Spray the solution on the mildew, scrub with a brush, rinse and let air dry.

• 3

  Repair damage to the existing cover, if needed. Hand-stitch tears closed and patch small holes with a needle and thread.

Make New Cushion Covers

• 4

  Iron the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• 5

  Lay two layers of fabric right sides together on a large flat surface. Place the glider cushion on the fabric.

• 6

  Draw a line around the edge of the cushion. Draw a second line 1 inch plus half the thickness of the cushion outside the first line. For cushions less than 1 inch thick, do not add extra depth.

• 7

  Pin the fabric together between the two lines and cut through both layers on the outer line.

• 8

  Sew the fabric together using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave two-thirds of the back edge open.

• 9

  Turn the cushion cover right-side out through the opening and insert the cushion. Check for proper fit and mark adjustments, if necessary.

• 10

  Remove the cushion cover and turn wrong side out again. Sew marked adjustments, if needed, and sew over the seam for added strength.

• 11

  Sew a zigzag stitch close to the seam line to finish the edge. Trim the fabric close to the zigzag stitch. Do not trim the fabric across the opening.

• 12

  Turn the cushion cover right side out and insert the cushion.

• 13

  Fold 1 inch of fabric on both edges of the opening to the inside and hand stitch the opening closed. Alternatively, sew the hook side of the hook-and-loop fastening tape to the unfolded seam allowance on one side of the opening and the loop side to the folded seam allowance on the other side.