How to Make a Wedge Cushion

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Do you like reading or watching TV in bed? What about napping under your favorite tree? Do you need elevated leg support to relieve hip or back pain? You’re in luck! Our DIY wedge cushion does all these things and more. Follow along as we teach you how to make a wedge cushion. Need supplies? The materials and tools lists are found below the video. Order the supplies we used in our video to make a matching cushion, or choose your own fabric for a custom cushion that matches your décor.
Video Chapters:
  • Intro — 0:00 min.
  • Project Overview — 0:08 min.
  • Measurements — 1:17 min.
  • Important Cutting Steps — 1:33 min.
  • Something Special for Fans! — 2:19 min.
  • Cut the Foam — 2:40 min.
  • Assemble and Shape the Foam Wedge — 3:15 min.
  • Making the side pockets — 4:07 min.
  • Attach the side panels — 5:35 min.
  • Assembly and D-Rings — 6:06 min.
  • Put it all together! — 7:10 min.
  • Trim and Turn Right-side Out — 8:09 min.
  • Batting, Foam, and Silk Film — 8:45 min.
  • Last Step for Wedge — 10:20 min.
  • Starting the Bolster Pillow — 10:44 min.
  • Prepping the straps and main panel for sewing — 10:49 min.
  • Time for the circular Side Panels — 12:11 min.
  • Final Touches & Putting it all together! — 12:48 min.
Materials List:
  • Outdura® Canvas Olive 54" Upholstery Fabric (5428) #124534 — 2 yards
  • CushionRite® Standard Antimicrobial Foam (Firm) #124229
  • Polyester Batting 55" #124305
  • CushionRite® Foam & Fabric Spray Adhesive 16.9 oz. #125476
  • Cushion Wrap Silk Film 54" #103933
  • Sewable D-Ring Black #195507 — 6 (for optional bolster pillow)
  • YKK® Fixed Snap Hook Black 1/2" #125856 — 2 (for optional bolster pillow)
  • Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (36 yds.) #122064
  • Thread
Tools List:
  • Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" #102400
  • Sailrite® Canvas Patterning Ruler #107040
  • Kai Professional Stainless Steel 9" Pinking Shears #125830
  • Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8" #101017
  • Sailrite® Blade Foam Saw V2 with Carrying Case (110V) #121244
  • Sailrite® Foam Shaper #123583
  • Chalk Pencil Cartridge Set #121669
  • Ergonomic Thread Snips II #123614
  • Sewing Gauge Ruler 6" #102995
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LS Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) #311502
  • Small Fabric/Leather Clips (50 pack) #123121
  • Scratch Awl Yellow #235411
  • Extra Long Glass Head Pins 2-1/64" (110 Pack) #123127
  • Assorted Curved Upholstery Hand Sewing Needles Round/Sharp Point (3 pack) #123147
  • Tape Measure 120" #102986
  • Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide #103597
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Vacuum with detachable hose
  • Marker

There are so many uses for a wedge pillow, you’ll wish you’d made one sooner! Not only are they useful for reading, watching TV or working on your laptop in bed, but they’re also great as a back support cushion. Use a wedge cushion to elevate your head to reduce snoring, acid reflux, sleep apnea and congestion while you sleep.

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And it’s not just for adults! Make a wedge cushion in fun colors and patterns for your kids. They can use it while sprawling on the floor coloring, playing or reading. They also make great floor pillows for family movie nights!

Bonus! Our tutorial also includes instructions on how to make an accompanying bolster pillow. The bolster is optional, but if you want to make it for added neck support, keep watching till the end. The sewn-in D-rings and clips on the bolster allow you to position it in three different spots on the cushion for even more customization and comfort.

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The bolster pillow adds extra neck support!

We’re using Outdura® upholstery fabric for our cushion and bolster pillow. Outdura is a solution-dyed acrylic performance fabric. What’s a performance fabric? These are 100% synthetic woven fabrics that are more durable and longer lasting than standard upholstery fabrics. They feature enhanced UV, abrasion, stain and water resistance, which makes them just as suitable for your patio furniture as your living room sofa.

How did your wedge cushion turn out? Tag us on social media using #Sailrite so we can see your cushions and how you use them! We love seeing all the creative and unique projects our customers are making.

And if you’re looking for more cushion projects, check out more cushion projects here. We have dozens of free tutorials waiting for you. Happy sewing!