Homemade Outdoor Cushions

Measure the Chair

• The best way to get the measurements is to disassemble the original cushions. This will give you not only the exact measurements, but an excellent pattern to make the new cushions. Otherwise, take the measurements of your chair's back and seat. If possible, cut a piece of cardboard to exactly match both (if you're making two separate cushions) or the entire chair (if you're making a single cushion).

  Use the measurements to calculate how much fabric you will need. Remember, you need two pieces of fabric that are slightly larger to account for the top and bottom of the cushion and any seams. You need to account for seams (usually one half-inch), cushion height and corner styles when deciding the amount of fabric you need.

Pick a Fabric

• The fabric you choose for your outdoor furniture should be appropriate to the environment. If your furniture is in a screened in porch, you can select a fabric that isn't as heavy duty as what you would need for furniture that's exposed to the elements. Consider the furniture's exposure to rain and sun, as well as how often it will be used. Cushions that will be exposed to rain must be mildew and rot resistant. High sun areas need fabrics that will not fade.

  You can usually find fabric at a local sewing or craft store. If you can't find what you're looking for there, contact a local company that manufactures custom cushions. Often, these companies will sell just the fabric with a mark-up, which may still be cheaper than purchasing a pre-made cushion.

Get Other Materials

• Aside from the fabric, you'll need foam or some other padding for the inside of the cushion. This must be mildew, mold and rot resistant, so resin coasted polyester is best. Purchase matching heavy-duty nylon thread and piping for the edges (decorative, but not necessary). Center buttons add visual appeal to the cushion and secure the foam, but are not strictly necessary. They're inexpensive and easy to add, though, so they usually aren't worth skipping.

Assemble the Cushion

• This part is always easier said than done. Hopefully, you still have the original cushions (or an appropriate second-hand cushion you don't mind taking apart) to use as your pattern. If not, and you aren't comfortable sewing on the fly, look for a pattern for any type of cushion or pillow that will work for your chair.