A Cush for the Tush

The kitchen chair cushions are done! They actually weren't too bad to make once I figured out how to do it after piecing together directions from a bunch of different blogs. Next up: the window bench cushion - one that likely won't be so easy.

Supplies:

• Fabric
• Thread to match
• 2” medium density foam (I would consider high density if you want more support)
• Batting (don’t need too much)

Steps:

1. Cut foam to appropriate size, or get it cut for you. I got mine cut at Burgess Supply in Huntersville. Based on what I’ve read, if you cut it yourself, it’s best to use an electric knife.
2. Lay foam on fabric. Measure out 1.5” beyond foam on all sides, mark several lines and then make a straight line with a ruler. Cut fabric. Repeat for second piece. This pic was taken after I'd already traced and cut in case you're confused about all the extra blue lines:
   

   
3. Pin fabric pieces together, right sides facing each other. Sew front and two sides together using a ½” seam allowance. When you get to the back, just sew about 1” in on each side. The amount you sew in depends on how far in you’re placing your ties and also how large you want the opening to stuff in your foam (it’s pretty easy to stuff in).
   

   
4. Now it’s time to make a gusset at each corner (new sewing word for me:). Bring the two sides of a corner together and make a triangle. Open the seams and mark down 1”. Sew straight across. Repeat at each corner. You may come close to your seam openings in the back corners, but should be fine if you sewed in at least 1".
   

   
5. Make the ties. Cut two, 2” strips that are 48” long each:
   

   

    Fold the short ends down about ½” and press:

    

   Fold strip in half long ways (wrong sides together) and press:

    

     Open and fold each side in to meet the middle crease and press (if you're using a steamer iron, prepared to get steam burn unless you move your fingers super quick):

   

   Fold into itself and press one more time:

    

   Sew the open long end and two short ends together. I just sew fairly close to the opening probably about ⅛”: 

      

   Tie knots in the ends:

   

   
   
6. Wrap your foam in batting. This step is optional but makes for a less ‘square’ pillow and also gives another layer of cushion. I just wrapped one time (I originally wrapped it twice, but the foam started to bow a little when I put it in the fabric). My wrap job definitely wasn't perfect looking, especially on the sides, but it seemed to do the trick.
7. Turn your fabric right side out and stuff w/ foam. Smooth out the batting if it moved around. I did read on one blog you can glue the batting to the foam but I didn’t bother with that.
8. Put your cushion on your chair to determine where you want the ties to go. Pin ties in place. Hand stitch pillow closed (and ties too once you get to them).

 The end!

Unfortunately I didn't realize what a magnet these ties would be for baby hands. Hayden's new favorite game: tug on every bow until it comes undone and watch mommy tie it back again.