How to Make Dual-Bolster Backrest Cushions

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Are you updating your boat cabin with fresh upholstery and other projects? Watch our video to learn how to reupholster a dual-bolster backrest for a boat’s dining area. We’re overhauling the interior of a Seaward sailboat — new dining area cushions, v-berth cushions, pillows and more. In this full-length, detailed video tutorial, you’ll learn how to measure and pattern the cushion panels, how to baste and sew the panels together, how to sew and install zippers, and much more. Perfect your sewing skills while making new cushions for your boat cabin. Let’s dive into today’s DIY tutorial.
Video Chapters:
  • Examining the Foam — 0:48 min.
  • Measuring & Cutting Bottom Plate — 1:25 min.
  • Sewing Zipper to Bottom Plate — 4:03 min.
  • Sewing Loop Tape to Bottom Plate — 8:10 min.
  • Adding Center Line & Matchup Marks — 9:41 min.
  • Measuring & Cutting Top Plate — 11:26 min.
  • Cutting Bottom & Top Plate to Size — 14:36 min.
  • Patterning & Cutting Cushion Ends — 19:45 min.
  • Basting & Sewing Ends to Top Plate — 22:35 min.
  • Installing Sliders & Reinforcements — 27:31 min.
  • Basting & Sewing Panels Together — 28:59 min.
  • Sewing Bolster Stitch — 36:06 min.
  • Inserting Foam — 40:33 min.
  • Installing Cushion — 42:08 min.
Materials List:
  • EverSoft™ Smooth Indoor/Outdoor Denim 54" Vinyl Fabric — #125406
  • Lenzip® #5 Black Continuous Molded Tooth Zipper Chain — #124253
  • Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (36 yds.) — #122065
  • Tex 70 (V-69) Derby Navy UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,000 yds.) — #103795
  • Hook & Loop Tape 1-15/16" Black (13 yds.) — #123201
  • Dura-Skrim® Patterning Material 74" — #103134
  • Outdura® Rumor Midnight 54" Upholstery Fabric (6672) — #124489
  • Lenzip® #5 Black Style C Single Pull Non-Locking Short Metal Zipper Slider (Molded Tooth Chain) — #124274
Tools List:
  • Tape Measure 120" — #102986
  • Scribe-All® Black Marking Pencil for Vinyl — #121977
  • Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" — #102400
  • Professional Stainless Steel 10" Scissors — #123615
  • Sailrite® Deluxe Fabricator® Sewing Machine Package (110V) — #400600
  • Scribe-All® Water Soluble White Marking Pencil — #120681
  • Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide — #103597
  • Fabric Edge Pattern Notching Tool — #124326
  • Seam Ripper Deluxe — #18104
  • Sailrite® Edge Cordless Hotknife 18V Package — #122177
  • Precision Cutting Blade & Foot for Edge Hotknife — #125495
  • Small Fabric/Leather Clips (50 pack) — #123121
  • Straightedge, Permanent Marker, Weighted Sandbag

The first task is to examine the foam and determine if it needs to be replaced or if it’s still useable. The foam in our exiting backrest cushions was in good enough condition so we kept our foam. If you need new foam for your backrest cushions, explore our selection of top-quality CushionRite seating foam. 

Now that the foam has been examined it’s time to choose our fabric. We have a wide selection of performance upholstery fabrics at Sailrite that we recommend for marine interior cushion and upholstery projects. Performance fabrics are indoor/outdoor 100% synthetic fabrics designed to handle tough environments and applications. UV, water, abrasion, mold and mildew resistant, these fabrics can handle it all. 

We chose Outdura® upholstery fabric for our cabin backrest cushions. Not only does Outdura meet all our needs for water, stain and mold/mildew resistance, but the fabrics are just as beautiful as they are durable. Choose from hundreds of fabrics in bold solids, classic stripes, fun florals and more. Whatever your style, there’s an Outdura fabric that fits your taste and aesthetic.

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Discover your new favorite Outdura fabric!

How did your backrest cushions turn out? We’d love to see photos of your finished projects. Tag #sailrite on social so we can see all the amazing things our customers are making. And if you’re looking for more great DIY content, explore our vast library of free how-to videos and tutorials. You’re got the talent, we’ve got the supplies — let’s make something great together!

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