DIY PATIO EDITION | How to Make a Tufted Anchor Print Bench Cushion

I did NOT want to make a bench cushion for my patio. Ugh...seriously. I wanted to find a perfectly pink anchor printed bench cushion in exactly the size I needed for my IKEA patio table with one click of a button online. Unfortunately, such a bench cushion was not to be found. This was my first try at a tufted cushion and since I don't have any experience with upholstery, there were some mistakes along the way, but in the end I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

WHAT YOU NEED

Two yards fabric (for a 70 inch bench). Adjust amount for longer bench. I used the Premier Prints Anchor fabric in Candy Pink from Fabric.com

High Density Urethane Foam in desired length and width. My upholstery foam is from Joann Fabrics. 

Chic Girl's Tip:  Sign up for their flyers or use a coupon online for discounts. Foam is generally expensive, but I bought mine for 50% off using an online coupon directly from the Joann Fabrics website.

Two yards grosgrain ribbon like this ribbon from Joann Fabrics

Extra strength upholstery thread like this thread from Joann Fabrics

WHAT YOU DO

1.  Fold fabric lengthwise so the print is lying the way you want on what will be the top side of cushion. Lay foam on top and cut fabric 1.5 inches away from foam edge all the way around. This allows for a 1/2 inch seam.

2.  Cut three 22 inch sections of ribbon and pin one to bottom side at center and the other two at each end.

3.  Stitch across ribbon at center 3-4 inches to secure to bottom of cushion.

4.  With right sides together, stitch around edges of cushion leaving 10-12 inches open along center of long edge.

5.  Trim seam allowance. Turn right side out and press edges crisp.

6.  Insert foam into fabric cushion.

7.  Pin open edges together and top stitch close to edge.

To make tufts:

8.  Knot double threaded needle and insert from bottom to top in position where you want the tuft on top side.

9.  Put needle back down close to original hole to bottom side. Repeat step 8 and 9. Pull really tight to force fabric toward bottom side of cushion. 

10. Tie thread in tight knot. Triple knot. Leave thread ends at least one inch long.

11.  Space tufts evenly to create this bunching effect. DONE. 

More projects from the DIY Patio Edition