Have you ever found a cozy foam cushion that was just the right size and shape, but the cover was not quite to your taste? Fear not! With a few basic sewing skills, some creativity and a little patience, you can make a nice cushion cover that will turn heads and be perfect for your home. In this article, we will show you exactly how to cover a round foam cushion and make it truly yours.
How to Cover a Round Foam Cushion
Cushion covers are a great way to add a fresh look to any room, but if you have a round foam cushion, covering it can seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry–it’s actually not that complicated! This comprehensive guide will take you through each step of the process, from selecting the ideal fabric to stitching it into place and making the perfect final touches. With a few tools and simple instructions, you’ll have a beautiful new cushion cover in no time.
Choose the Right Fabric
When selecting the fabric for your round foam cushion, it’s important to consider the qualities of the fabric that will suit your needs. A soft, lightweight fabric that can easily be draped will be most suitable for a round cushion. Make sure to choose a fabric that is strong and durable enough to withstand the upholstery. Material options like cotton duck, linen, velvet, and faux leather are all suitable for the job. Choose a fabric that is attractively coloured and complements the colour scheme and design of the room.
Wool, chenille, and denim are also great fabrics to use for covering a round foam cushion. Wool has the advantage of being soft and comfortable. Chenille has a more formal look and will also provide a more luxurious aesthetic to your round cushion. Denim is a great choice for creating a rustic look, as it has a rugged feel to it. Whichever fabric you decide to use, be sure to test a small swatch of it first to make sure it is suitable for the upholstery job.
Measure and Cut the Fabric
Measuring and cutting the fabric for your cushion cover is an essential part of the process. First, decide how much fabric you will need for each part of the cushion. Generally, you will need one and a half to two times the length of the round cushion for the circumference and the same amount for the depth. After you have determined the amount you will need, be sure to add a few inches for extra fabric, as well as for seams.
Next, measure and lay out the fabric on a flat surface. Using a yardstick, measure out the circumference and depth for the base fabric piece and mark it with a fabric pencil, so it will be easier to keep track of the pattern. Make sure to pay attention to the pattern when cutting, as you will want the fabrics pattern to align on the finished product.
Using a sharp pair of scissors or shears, carefully cut out the fabric along the marked lines. As before, pay attention to the pattern, as you want it to be as consistent as possible when going onto the next piece of fabric. Once the one piece of fabric is cut, measure and cut the circular top piece of fabric that will make up the top of the cushion.
Finally, measure, mark and cut a piece of fabric that will make up the seam allowance. The seam allowance piece needs to be slightly larger than the other two pieces, so it can wrap around the edges and keep the fabric secure. Once all the fabric pieces are cut, you are now ready to sew the cushion cover together.
Stitch the Fabric Around the Cushion
Once you have the appropriate fabric for your cushion cover, the next step is to begin stitching the fabric pieces together. Start by folding the left side of the fabric over the right side, creating a seam along the open edge. Make sure to fold evenly and pin the seam in place.
For a professional looking and more durable finish, use a sewing machine to stitch together the seam. Using a sewing machine will require a few extra steps. Start by threading the bobbin, inserting the bobbin into the machine, and setting the machine’s tension. Test the thread tension on a scrap piece of fabric before stitching on the cushion cover.
When stitching the seam, it’s important to move slowly so the fabric doesn’t bunch up. Use a larger stitch length setting to help prevent bunching and puckering. You may want to practice a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric before moving on to the finished cushion cover.
After stitching the entire seam, turn the cushion cover inside out and check for any missed areas. Once you are happy with the seam, a few more passes may be needed to strengthen and reinforce the stitching.
Finally, press with an iron on the edge of the seam. This will help flatten and press the seam, creating a professional looking finish on the cushion cover. With the seams successfully stitched, your cushion is one step closer to completion.
Secure the Seams of the Cushion Cover
After you have stitched fabric around the cushion, it’s time to secure the seams of the cushion cover. You can use for this a range of items that will keep the seams in place, including pins, sewing clips, or basting tape. You’ll want to be sure to use a material that won’t damage your fabric.
Before you start, lay the fabric flat and use a ruler to ensure that all the edges line up. Use pins, machine, or hand stitches to secure the seam. Make sure you choose the right type of thread, whether it be the same color as the fabric or contrasting. This will be visible after the cushion is covered and shouldn’t be overlooked. Remember that the more secure your seams are, the longer your cushion cover will last.
When using pins, try to space them as evenly as possible and use one pin every inch or two around the edge. This will prevent the fabric from bunching and will make it easier to sew. Sewing clips can also be used and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you choose to use basting tape, place it at least 12 inches away from the seam, in order to create the desired ‘looseness’ for the fabric.
After placing your chosen securement either by pin, clip, or tape, make sure to double-check it before stitching or otherwise securing it in place. If you need to adjust or re-pin, now is the time to do so. Once you are confident in the positioning of the securement, sew it in place and you can move on to turning the cushion right side out.
Turn the Cushion Cover Right Side Out
After you have stitched the fabric around the cushion, it’s time to turn the cover right side out. For this, you need to open up one of the seams that you have stitched. Reach your fingers inside and pull part of the fabric until the entire cover has turned inside out. You may need to use a tool like a chopstick to help you with the process. Carefully remove the excess fabric from the seam and turn the cover outwards. Turn the fabric so that the wrong side is on the outside. Make sure that the cover fits correctly over the cushion and that the finished edges of the seams are now facing the inside.
Once done, you can now start to pin down the fabric in the remaining seams. Pinning down the fabric serves two purposes: it will help you to create a neat and even finish and it will also hold the fabric in place while you run a blanket or overlock stitch over the seams. It’s important to use the right kind of pins – ones that are made of plastic or metal and are not too big or too small. Avoid pins with sharp tips to prevent any fabric damage. Once the fabrics are pinned down, you can now start stitching the seams and finish off the edges.
Slip the Cushion inside the Cover
Once you have stitched the fabric around the cushion, you will need to slip the cushion into the cover. You can do this by holding the covering on either side and pushing the cushion down into the cover, until it has completely gone over the edge of the cushion and you can see the fabric clearly around it. Make sure the corners are even and that all the edges of the cushion are covered, otherwise you won’t get the finished look you are aiming for.
If you need help with this step, you can use an old sock or a pair of gloves to help you ease the cushion inside the cover. It will be easier to get the fabric to stay in place while you slip the cushion in. Once you have made sure the cushion is fully in the cover, you can turn the cover around so that the cushion is facing the right way.
When you have made sure the cushion is in the right way, it is time to secure it in place. You can do this by using a heavy-duty needle and thread and stitching along the edge of the fabric. This will help hold the fabric in place and ensure consistent placement of the fabric. Once you have done this, you can move on to the next step.
Finishing Touches
After spending the time and energy to cover a round foam cushion, the finishing touches will make a crucial difference in the overall look of the project. First, take some time to carefully smooth out the fabric and ensure that there are no wrinkles in the cover. A fabric steamer can help with this task and make the surface look neater. Then, depending on the fabric chosen and the custom design, consider adding decorative touches such as buttons, ribbons, patches, or embroidery. This will help to enhance the overall appearance and make the cushion more unique.
Finally, once the project is complete, it’s important to take some time to clean the fabric and the stitches of the cushion cover. This way, the cushion will look crisp and new. A damp cloth can be used to get rid of any dirt and debris. If the fabric is prone to staining, it’s recommended to spot-clean it with a mild soap and water solution. Once the fabric is dry, the cushion is ready for use or for display.
Now, you’ve successfully created a unique cushion cover for a round foam cushion. This project is great for showing off your creative skills and making something that will last for years. Plus, you can follow this same process to create cushion covers for other types of cushions as well. With the right materials, some creativity, and a lot of patience, you can make a beautiful cushion cover that’s perfect for your home.