How to Make Cushions for Midcentury Modern Sofas

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As you can see in the photo, I originally made 4 cushions for each couch.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):

1. 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)

1. 30 yards size 3 (3/8”) cotton piping rope

2. 4 48” zippers

3. 3” Upholstery Foam Cushion (purchased on Amazon.com)

Cuts of fabric

1. 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”)

1. Top and Bottom Panels

• 4 panels: 47” x 25”

• 4 panels: 47”’ x 17”

1. 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”

1. 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”

1. 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)

1. 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

1. 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

1. Top and bottom panels to piping

• Attach piping to top and bottom panels

1. Side panels

• Attach side panels to appropriate top and bottom panels (leaving the corners open)

• Sew corners together

• Optional: change to standard foot

1. Foam

• Cut foam to size with an electric meet carving knife

• Insert foam into cushion covers