DiyProject

How to Reupholster a Bench Cushion

X-HT-300731

Do you have a bench that could use a new cushion cover? Maybe you found a bench with a great frame while thrift shopping, but you're not in love with the fabric. Or maybe a fabric bench in your home is looking tired and worn out after years of use. Whether you want to customize a thrift store find or breathe new life into a much-loved furniture piece, we'll show you how to revitalize your bench cushion with fresh fabric.
Video Chapters:
  • Intro — 0:00 min.
  • Overview of Project — 0:10 min.
  • Tools Needed — 0:37 min.
  • Choosing Your Fabric — 0:56 min. 
  • Disassembly  — 1:16 min. 
  • Measurement & Calculator — 1:25 min. 
  • Measuring & Cutting the Fabric — 1:52 min. 
  • Clip Your Corners! — 2:50 min. 
  • Important to Mark Excess Fabric! — 3:20 min. 
  • Sewing Guide — 3:32 min. 
  • Removing Old Fabric — 4:20 min. 
  • Line Up New Fabric — 4:42 min. 
  • Mark & Punch Holes — 4:50 min. 
  • Corner Folds, Tips & Tricks — 5:40 min. 
  • Reassembly  — 6:18 min. 
  • Finished Restoration! — 6:32 min. 
Materials List:
  • Crypton® Home Nomad Snow 54" Fabric (#121884)
  • 21 Gauge Upholstery Staples
  • Cambric Dust Cover Black 36" Fabric (#122512)
  • Upholstery thread
Tools List:
  • Sailrite® Cordless Rotary Cutter (#124044)
  • Sailrite® Short Nose Upholstery Staple Gun (#121410)
  • Sailrite® Professional Rotary Hole Punch (#123274)
  • Chalk Pencil Cartridge Set (#121669) 
  • Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" (#102400)
  • Staple Lifter (#120037)
  • Professional Stainless Steel 11" Scissors (#123616)
  • Tape Measure 120" (#102986)
  • Sailrite® Self Healing Double-Sided Cutting Mat
  • Small Fabric/Leather Clips (50 pack) (#123121)
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LS Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) (#311502)
2024 Recovered Bench Seat Blog Body Image
We chose Crypton® Home Nomad Snow fabric for our bench reupholstery.

If you don't have much experience with upholstery projects, then this DIY is perfect for you. This project involves very little sewing and will introduce you to the basics of reupholstering a cushion with a backer board. From removing the cushion from the bench, to reinstalling it and every step in between, we'll show you exactly how to re-cover a bench cushion. 

Not sure how much fabric you'll need for your cushion? Not to worry. The Sailrite® Fabric Calculator [LINK] does all the math for you! Just put in a few measurements from your cushion, and the calculator will tell you exactly how much fabric you need to order. It couldn't be simpler. 

You'll learn helpful upholstery tips in this short how-to video, including:

  • How to make your fabric conform to rounded edges.
  • How to fold and staple excess fabric for a neat finish.
  • How to prevent dog ears at sewn corners.

Ready to try your hand at this easy bench seat reupholstery project? Watch the video now to get started.

Did you have fun making your old bench seat look brand-new? Share before-and-after photos of your bench cushion on social media and tag us (@sailrite) so we can see how your reupholstery turned out! And if you caught the upholstery bug, be sure to check out our other cushion and upholstery DIY blogs on Sailrite.com.