How to Make a Quick & Easy Box Cushion

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Box cushions are a standard sewing skill because these cushions are useful in so many places around both your home and boat. You can sew up box cushions for window seats, benches, banquettes, patio sets, cockpit cushions and more! To make these projects even easier, this video showcases a quick, simple-sew box cushion technique that will help you create a cushion in under an hour. Our box cushion has no piping, which makes it very beginner-friendly and such a fast sew. Let's get started with today's box cushion DIY tutorial!

Materials List:

Magnolia Home Talbot Metal 54" Fabric – #124992
Cushion Underlining Beige 54" Fabric – #103934
CushionRite^® Premium Antimicrobial Foam (Firm) – #124236
YKK^® #5 White Continuous Coil Zipper Chain – #104387
Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (50 yds.) – #104167
YKK^® #5 White Style A Single Pull Locking Metal Zipper Slider (Coil Chain) – #104356
PremoBond® Tex 70 (V-69) White UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.) – #124738

Tool List:

Sailrite^® Blade Foam Saw V2 with Carrying Case – #121244
Sailrite^®Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" – #102400
Sailrite^®Self Healing Double-Sided Cutting Mat 24" x 36" – #123113
Comfort Grip Rotary Cutter 60mm – #965511
Sailrite^® Ultrafeed^® LS Walking Foot Sewing Machine – #311502
Gingher^® 8" Scissors Right Handed – #19104
Grease Marking Pencil White – #101026
Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide – #103597
Tape Measure, Straightedge, Marker, Pencil

How to Make a Quick and Easy Box Cushion

The secret behind the ease of this cushion is that it doesn’t use any boxing! Skipping the boxing step saves time and effort, while also giving the cushion smooth, rounded edges. However, this method does not allow for piping. If you want a piped edge, consider the traditional box cushion method, which you can learn in our "How to Make a Box Cushion for a Swing" tutorial.

In addition to the detailed how-to video, we’ve outlined the steps below for quick reference while you sew.

7 Steps to a Quick & Easy Box Cushion

Step 1: Cut Foam to Size

Cut your foam to the desired size of your finished cushion, adding 1/4" on all sides.

Step 2: Cut Bottom Plate to Size

Lay out the fabric for your cushion bottom. Place the foam on top and trace around its perimeter. Draw a line 1/4" in from your traced line and cut along the inner line.

Step 3: Sew Zipper to Bottom Plate

Cut a zipper slightly longer than your cushion. Install the slider, then baste the zipper in place across the center of the underside of the bottom plate with the zipper facing down. Sew it in place.

Step 4: Cut Top Plate to Size

On the wrong side of your top fabric, trace the foam’s perimeter. Extend this by the foam thickness minus 1/4" to form an outer cut line. Cut along this line.

Step 5: Create Facing From Top Plate

Extend the inner line past the cut line to form squares at each corner. Cut out the squares, flip the fabric right side up, and baste the corners together. Sew the corners with a 3/8" seam allowance.

Step 6: Sew the Plates Together

Baste the bottom and top plates together, right sides facing in. Align match-up marks at the center of each side. Sew the plates with a 3/8" seam allowance.