How to Sew a Professional T-Cushion: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide
X-HT-300842
- Cutting Foam to Size - 0:54
- Creating Bias Piping - 3:11
- Cutting Top & Bottom Plates - 7:06
- Cutting Boxing to Size - 9:34
- Crafting Zipper Plaque Boxing - 11:57
- Joining Boxing Pieces - 15:22
- Sewing Piping on Plate(s) - 17:17
- Sewing Boxing to Top Plate - 22:41
- Marking Match-Ip Points on Boxing - 29:18
- Sewing Assembly to Bottom Plate - 30:41
- Inserting Foam Core - 36:05
- CushionRite® High Density Indoor Cushion Foam - SKU: 127051
- Decor & Upholstery Fabric - we used Outdura® Coastline Sterling - SKU: 126310
- Foam Piping 5/32" - SKU: 122259
- CushionRite® Polyester Batting - SKU: 124305
- Lenzip® #5 White Continuous Coil Zipper - SKU: 124597
- Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery - SKU: 122065
- Lenzip® #5 White Single Pull Non-Locking Metal Zipper Slider (Coil Chain) - SKU: 124603
- CushionRite® Cushion Wrap Silk Film 54" - SKU: 103933
- Sailrite® Blade™ Foam Saw V2 with Carrying Case - SKU: 121244
- Sailrite® Foam Shaper - SKU: 123583
- Tape Measure 120" - SKU: 102986
- Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" - SKU: 102400
- Sailrite® Edge Cordless Hotknife 18V Package - SKU: 122177
- Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine - SKU: 311602
- Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Industrial Sewing Table - SKU: 120934
- Precision Cutting Blade & Foot for Edge Hotknife - SKU: 125495
- CushionRite® Foam & Fabric Spray Adhesive - SKU: 125476
- Sailrite® Zipper Jig - SKU: 121976
- Seam Ripper Deluxe - SKU: 18104
- Kai Stainless Steel Bent Handle 9" Scissors - SKU: 125661
- Sewing Gauge Ruler 6" - SKU: 102995
- Sailrite® Canvas Patterning Ruler - SKU: 107040
- Sailrite® Fabric Edge Match Pliers - SKU: 123498
A T-cushion is a specific style of upholstery that features "arms" that wrap around the front of a chair's frame, creating a clean, seamless look. This project is incredibly versatile; you can use these techniques to spruce up an indoor wingback chair, add high-end comfort to your boat’s cabin, or create a custom seating piece for a renovated RV.
Mastering the Shape and Fit
The secret to a great cushion starts with the foundation. In the video, we demonstrate how to use high-density CushionRite® Upholstery Foam to ensure your seat stays comfortable and supportive for years to come. You’ll learn how to use the Sailrite® Blade Foam Saw to get perfectly vertical, clean cuts—even when dealing with the arched back and curved front edges that give the T-cushion its signature shape.
High-End Details: Bias Piping & Quality Fabric
To give your project that "store-bought" finish, we dive deep into the world of bias piping. Cutting your fabric on the bias (a 45-degree angle) allows the piping to wrap smoothly around corners without bunching or unravelling. For this project, we used Outdura®, a 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric that offers incredible UV and water resistance.
Pro Tip: We recommend using SewReady™ Seamstick Basting Tape to hold your zipper and boxing in place before you hit the sewing machine. It’s like having an extra set of hands, ensuring your seams are straight and your matchup marks stay perfectly aligned.
Professional Tools for Professional Results
Throughout the tutorial, you’ll see the Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine in action. Its powerful walking foot is essential for climbing over the thick layers of fabric and piping found in upholstery projects. We also showcase the Sailrite® Edge Hot Knife, which seals the edges of your acrylic fabric as you cut, preventing any future fraying inside your cushion cover.
Take Your Skills Further
This T-cushion tutorial is part of our larger series on reupholstering a wingback chair (X-HT-300840). If you’re feeling inspired to tackle the entire piece, be sure to check out the full series on our site! From zippers to decorative plates, we provide all the supplies and knowledge you need to take pride in your handmade home.
