How to Make Cushions for Midcentury Modern Sofas
- Larkin Sanders
- Jan 17, 2017
- 3 min read
This past summer, I made a set of cushions for some authentic midcentury modern Danish sofa frames. The cushions were a beautiful way to update these wonderful pieces of furniture, and now I'm ready to attempt a new set! After all, the cushions that I made last summer were my first, and a second set will likely improve.
As you can see in the photo, I originally made 4 cushions for each couch. This time, I will make 2 full-size cushions for each couch. I think this will increase efficiency in the creation process in addition to making the sofas more comfortable.
All in all, making a set of cushions for 2 matching sofas costs a little under $250. Purchasing 1 new cushion (1 of four needed for a couch) is about the same price. Making your own cushions is rewarding and can save you a lot of money!
Below, you will find a PDF of instructions for the method I used to create these cushions. You will likely need to adjust the measurements for your own needs, but I hope this will be helpful regardless. I also hope to add video instruction once I complete the new cushions.
How to Make Couch Cushions for Midcentury Modern Danish Couches
Dimensions of the bottom cushions:
Parameter of top and bottom panels: 140 (x2 = 280)
Dimensions of the top cushions:
Parameter of top and bottom panels: 124 (x2 = 248)
Material Needs (purchased on fabric.com):
Fabric (canvas duck fabric recommended)
5 yards of 54” top and bottom panel fabric (Fuchsia)
2 yards of 54” side panel fabric (Orange)
2 1/2 yards piping fabric (White)
30 yards size 3 (3/8”) cotton piping rope
4 48” zippers
3” Upholstery Foam Cushion (purchased on Amazon.com)
Cuts of fabric
Tips
Use a ruler and a rotary cutter
Cut width of rectangular panels on the fold for efficiency
Lengths on fold will usually be 23.5” (from 47”)
Top and Bottom Panels
4 panels: 47” x 25”
4 panels: 47”’ x 17”
Side panels
4 panels: 47” x 4”
8 panels: 47” x 3”
4 panels: 25” x 4”
on fold: 12.5” x 4”
4 panels: 17” x 4”
on fold: 8.5” x 4”
Piping fabric
Tips:
Draw strips and cut with scissors
4 panels: 95” x 2”
on fold: 47.5” x 2”
4 panels: 79” x 2”
on fold: 39.5” x 2”
8 panels: 47” x 2”
4 ropes: 140”
4 ropes: 124”
Foam
2 panels: 46” x 24” x 3”
2 panels: 46” x 16” x 3”
Putting it together (1/2” seam allowance, use zipper foot)
Piping
Sew together each 95 x 2 and 47 x 2 piece of piping fabric
Sew together each 79 x 2 and 47 x 2 piece of piping fabric
Sew in appropriate rope to piping fabric
95 x 2 and 47 x 2 with 140 rope
79 x 2 and 47 x 2 with 124 rope
Zippers
Align zipper handle 1/2” from the end of the fabric
Attach zippers to 47 x 3 side panels
Excess fabric will be tucked into the cover
Top and bottom panels to piping
Attach piping to top and bottom panels
Side panels
Attach side panels to appropriate top and bottom panels (leaving the corners open)
Sew corners together
Optional: change to standard foot
Foam
Cut foam to size with an electric meet carving knife
Insert foam into cushion covers
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