How to Make Marine Lifeline Cushions

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Cushions are a great addition to your boat’s lifelines when you want the lifelines to double as usable backrests. The good news is this is a simple project, and even a novice sewer can knock it out in no time. The even better news is we made this DIY even easier with our Sailrite® Lifeline Cushion Kit. This kit includes all the sewing materials you need (not including a PVC pipe and pool noodle) to add lifeline cushions to your boat. Watch the complete DIY tutorial to learn how easy this project is. Then keep scrolling to learn more about the kit and how to order yours today.
Video Chapters:
  • Measuring, Cutting PVC & Foam Noodle — 1:18 min.
  • Measuring & Cutting Fabric — 4:05 min.
  • Hemming Fabric — 5:34 min.
  • Sewing Hook & Loop — 7:18 min.
  • Installing Lifeline Cushion — 11:38 min.
Materials List:
  • Sailrite® Lifeline Cushion Kit #126672
  • Pool Noodle (not included in kit)
  • 1/2" PVC SDR 13.5 (not included in kit)
Tools List (not included in kit):
  • Tape Measure 120" #102986 
  • Kai Professional Stainless Steel 10" Scissors #123615 
  • Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" #102400 
  • Chalk Pencil Cartridge Set #121669 
  • 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 
  • Sailrite® Tucking Tool #766100 
  • Permanent Marker, Hacksaw, Cutting Glove

What’s included in your Lifeline Cushion Kit? You’ll receive one yard of quality Sattler® Marine Grade Fabric, a cone of Tex 90 UV bonded polyester thread, basting tape and 25 feet of polyester hook-and-loop tape. You have a wide variety of Sattler fabric colors to choose from. 

In addition to the kit, you’ll need some basic sewing tools and supplies like a sewing machine, cutting tool, tape measure and fabric marking tool. We also recommend getting a foam pool noodle and a 1/2-inch PVC pipe for each cushion you plan on making. The PVC will act as a barrier between the lifeline cable and the noodle, keeping the wire rope from cutting into the foam.

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This project is part of our Seaward 32RK Project Series. We’re overhauling a Seaward sailboat from bow to stern. In addition to exterior projects like a new dodger, cockpit cushions and winch covers, we also revamped the cabin and sleeping berth with new cushions and pillows. Whether you’re redoing your entire boat or just updating a project or two, you don’t want to miss this exciting video series.

If you have any questions along the way, you can post them in the comments section below. We’re also available online, over the phone and through the chat function on our website. Sailrite is your project partner. Let’s make something great together.

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