How to Make a Backrest Bolster Cushion

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If your boat cabin has bolster-style backrest cushions, this is the tutorial for you! In this video, we'll show you how easy it is to remove the outdated fabric from your bolster backrest cushions and replace it with new indoor/outdoor performance fabric. The cushions in our project boat use flanges with a hook-and-loop fastener system to secure the cushion to a solid surface. Let's get started with today's easy backrest cushion project.
Video Chapters:
  • Patterning Decorative Fabric — 0:45 min.
  • Installing Zipper — 5:15 min.
  • Creating Loop Flanges — 8:46 min.
  • Basting & Clipping Half Round Boxing Ends on Plate — 11:44 min.
  • Sewing Boxing Ends on Plate — 16:40 min.
  • Installing — 21:46 min.
Materials List:
  • Décor & Upholstery Fabric from Sailrite - We used Outdura® Rumor Midnight 54" Upholstery Fabric (6672) #124489
  • Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (36 yds.) #122065
  • Tex 70 (V-69) UV Bonded Polyester Thread - We used #106030 
  • Lenzip® #5 Black Continuous Molded Tooth Zipper Chain #124253
  • Nylon Loop Black, 1" #100256
  • Lenzip® #5 Black Style C Single Non-Locking Short Metal Zipper Pull (Molded Tooth Chain) #124274
  • Adhesive Backed Nylon Hook, 1" #102221 (White) or #102490 (Black)
Tools List:
  • Seam Ripper Deluxe #18104
  • Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" #102400
  • Scribe-All® Water Soluble White Marking Pencil #120681
  • Multiuse Pins 1-1/2" (250 pack) #102985
  • Sailrite® Edge Cordless Hotknife 18V Package #122177
  • Precision Cutting Blade & Foot for Edge Hotknife #125495
  • Sailrite® Canvas Patterning Ruler #107040
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) #311602
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Industrial Sewing Table #120934
  • Chalk Pencil Cartridge Set #121669
  • Large Fabric/Leather Grip Clips #126365
  • Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8" #101017
  • Wonder Clips Red (10 pack) #121900
  • Suisei Magnetic Sewing Guide #102983
  • Retractable Tape Measure, Thread Snips

There’s a lot to consider when choosing fabric for your boat cushions. We recommend using an indoor/outdoor performance upholstery fabric. These are solution-dyed synthetic fabrics with impressive UV, abrasion, water, mold/mildew and stain resistance. They stand up to years of use and are a great choice for high-traffic furniture that gets daily use.

That’s why we chose Outdura® upholstery for our backrest cushions. It’s a high-performing fabric that will last for years on your boat. Outdura fabric's outstanding qualities make it a favorite among sewers and DIYers who demand performance and quality from their upholstery fabrics. And with hundreds of Outdura fabrics in bold solids, classic stripes, fun florals and more, you’re sure to find an Outdura fabric that fits your style.

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Our backrest cushions attach to the boat via hook-and-loop tape.

This tutorial is part of our Seaward 32RK Project Series. Click here to view all the projects we’ve completed for this total boat overhaul project. Learn how to sew new v-berth cushions, how to make curved cockpit cushions and more. This Seaward is getting the full DIY treatment — inside and out, top to bottom!

If you’d like to see more marine DIYs, check out our Marine Projects category. You’ll find hundreds of free videos and blog content. Learn how to install boat flooring, sew protective covers, make and install full boat enclosures, and more. Sailrite is your source for quality marine sewing supplies and the best DIY educational content available anywhere.

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