Repairing Guides

how to repair outdoor cushions

by Carolyn Gislason Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Inexpensive Ways to Fix Up Patio Cushions

  • Sew Covers. If you or someone you know can sew, rather than replacing your cushions, a cheaper alternative is to simply re-cover them with an inexpensive fabric.
  • Painting. A simple way to brighten up dull cushions is to paint them with upholstery spray paint. ...
  • Patching. ...
  • Using a Throw. ...

For a damaged area not on a seam, cut a patch from scrap fabric slightly larger than the hole. Place the patch inside the hole, and then apply dabs of the glue along the perimeter of the exposed patch. Lift the flap of the torn cushion to apply the glue.Sep 2, 2015

Full Answer

How to keep outdoor cushions from blowing away?

How to Keep Your Outdoor Pillows from Blowing Away? 1. Proper Storage. When not using your outdoor cushions, always take the time to place them in a storage container or enclosed and dry room. This prevents them from blowing away and also keeps them away from UV damage and also water damage.

How to quickly dry your outdoor cushions?

The Best Way to Keep Cushions Dry Outside

  1. Choose a durable, weatherproof, material when buying your outdoor furniture cushions. ...
  2. Weatherproof your cushions with a waterproof silicone spray to help protect them from mold and mildew.
  3. Buy iron-on vinyl to cover your cushions if you want a more permanent solution. ...
  4. Cover the cushions with clear plastic to keep them completely free of moisture. ...

More items...

How to clean couch cushions in four Easy Steps?

What to do:

  • Read the manual. There’s a reason why a steam cleaner comes with instructions. ...
  • Vacuum first. Vacuuming your sofa – or anything, for that matter – before cleaning makes it a whole lot easier to clean it. ...
  • Keep the air circulated. ...
  • Spot test an area first. ...
  • Let the sofa air dry. ...
  • Vacuum last. ...

How to clean your outdoor cushions?

Outdoor cushions bring indoor comfort levels onto your garden, patio or terrace, making your al fresco living spaces just as cozy and comfortable as the sofas inside. Learning how to clean outdoor cushions isn’t terribly tricky but there are a few tips ...

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Can outdoor cushions be recovered?

It took only about an hour to recover both patio cushions, from start to finish. This is a super easy sewing project … and if you don't want to sew, there are options for that, too. And my patio cushions were not even perfectly square. Let me show you how you can recover patio cushions quickly and easily, too!

What is the best filler for outdoor cushions?

High-density polyurethane foam holds its shape better than other kinds of cushion fillings. It absorbs water, though, and needs to be protected with plastic. You can also look for open-cell foam, which is more water-resistant.

How do you recover patio cushions without sewing?

0:373:49No-Sew Patio Cushion Covers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut the fabric along the chalk line following all around the cushion. But don't cut the fabric alongMoreCut the fabric along the chalk line following all around the cushion. But don't cut the fabric along the folded edge leave that edge intact insert the cushion into the fabric.

How do I re fabric patio cushions?

3:1934:18Reupholster or Recover Outdoor Patio Cushions (how to) - Renee RomeoYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI have some side panels on those seats as well then I need to cut out and so I can put those layMoreI have some side panels on those seats as well then I need to cut out and so I can put those lay down on the fabric right next to the seat. And then I'll be a little bit less than my 54 inch width.

What kind of batting do you use for outdoor cushions?

Dacron (Polyester) Batting Dacron wrapping is standard on any of our cushions and very much recommended. Dacron rounds out edges and fills in the fabric cover for a more aesthetic look. It also helps foam to slide into a fabric cover. Standard cushions are wrapped using a “book wrap” technique.

What kind of foam is used in outdoor cushions?

polyurethane foamOutdoor foam is polyurethane foam and is so porous that water can literally flow through it. It manages this while still being able to come in a range of outdoor furniture cushions firmnesses.

What fabric is used for outdoor cushions?

polypropylene fabricThe best fabric for outdoor cushions is polypropylene fabric. Polypropylene was one of the first marine fabrics due to the fact it had superior UV resistance compared to other fibers. Polypropylene is the best choice for outdoor cushions because it dries quickly when wet and has no dye sites.

Can you use shower curtains for outdoor cushions?

A CRAFTY mum has revealed her genius idea for making outdoor cushion covers for her garden sofa - by using shower curtains.

How do you make cheap outdoor cushions?

4:578:55DIY NO-SEW BUDGET FRIENDLY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then I used my drop cloth which was 6 by 9 which fit perfectly for both these mattress pads andMoreAnd then I used my drop cloth which was 6 by 9 which fit perfectly for both these mattress pads and I just folded the drop cloth over top of it and then I started using my hem tape and my iron.

How do you recover deep seat cushions?

0:1719:45How to Recover a Cushion on a Recliner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is the seat cushion and it's still in really good condition it's real firm and it looks greatMoreThis is the seat cushion and it's still in really good condition it's real firm and it looks great so we are just going to remake the cover for this to match our new fabric.

How do you cover old outdoor cushions?

1:276:40Easy Way to Make Outdoor Cushion Covers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I actually just made like a gigantic pillow case I drew lines on here so you can kind of see IMoreSo I actually just made like a gigantic pillow case I drew lines on here so you can kind of see I sew down the boat both of the sides. And on the bottom.

How do you reupholster a cushion?

5:529:13How to upholster a seat cushion for beginners | DecorSauce - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow that my pieces are all cut out I'm going to go ahead and upholster it now when you look at theMoreNow that my pieces are all cut out I'm going to go ahead and upholster it now when you look at the chair cushion remember that this is going to be the front of the chair.

How can I make my outdoor cushions firmer?

Cut them to size. Then open the fabric cover and put a firm sheet below the open cell cushion. If it still isn't firm enough, use two extra firm sheets, one on top and one on bottom of the soft open cell. Once you have the perfect firmness, modify the closed cell foam so water can run through.

How do you add filling to outdoor cushions?

Cover the Stuffing You can use common polyester fiberfill stuffing in outdoor cushions or furniture pillows, as long as you insert the stuffing into a protective water-resistant cover that goes inside the cushion's outer covering. Pick up this 60-inch wide fabric at sewing and crafts stores or online.

How can I make my outdoor cushions more comfortable?

How to Add Comfort to Your Outdoor Space with Deep SeatingReplace Old Cushions with New Deep Seating Cushions. ... Create Additional Comfort with Deep Seating Ottoman Cushions. ... Add Lumbar Pillows for Extra Back Support. ... How to Order Deep Seating Cushions.

How do I waterproof my outdoor cushions?

Get Organized!Step 1: Prep the Area. I laid a moving blanket down on the ground to catch the overspray from the waterproofer. ... Step 2: Spray the Waterproofer. Holding the waterproof spray 8-ish inches away from the cushion, spray the cushion. ... Step 3: Wait 24 Hours. I let the waterproofer dry for 24 hours before testing it.

How to Recover Patio Cushions: Step by Step

First, lay your fabric out on a flat surface, pattern side up, and position your patio cushion on it. Put your patio cushion in the top corner of the fabric, with the rear of the cushion near the top side, and allow enough space on the side for the fabric to wrap up the side of the patio cushion. If your fabric is too wide or too long, trim it now.

Get my free sewing pattern PDFs to make amazing and useful things!

I hope you can see now how easy it is to recover patio cushions. This only took me about 20 minutes tops to do. When this patio cushion fades, I’ll just get a new fabric and recover it again. Easy peasy! I also made a padded headrest for these wicker rockers—if you want a tutorial for that, let me know in my sewing group here!

Do It Yourself for Less

Replacing the pillows with brand new ones could run upwards of $30 a pillow and she couldn’t find another sunflower pattern that she liked. So, we started thinking about repairing the cushions to save money and to keep the same print.

Shopping Used at Thrift Stores for DIY Projects

After searching a few stores, my mother found exactly the size she needed and a price that she could not pass up! A set of 2 not so cute pillows for a total of $4.99. It didn’t matter that they were ugly, because no one was ever going to see them again in that pattern.

Steps to Repair Faded Outdoor Cushions

First, take the pillow inserts out of the thrift store pillows, and turn the pillow cushions inside out so you can see the seams easily. Using a seam ripper, slowly remove the threading on all 4 sides until the cushion is 2 sheets of fabric. One side with the ugly pattern, and one side with the built-in zipper.

Breakdown of Savings

Outdoor home decor can get very pricey if you are shopping during peak seasons and if you live in a warm climate like Florida or Southern California. If you do want to buy outside pillows or furniture, try shopping at the end of the summer season for clearance deals to really get the most bang for your buck.

How to repair a hole in a cushion?

Patches work best on relatively flat areas of the cushion. Cut a patch at least 1/2 inch larger than the hole in all directions, otherwise the patch won't cover it completely. Place the patch sticky side down atop the damaged area, then place a piece of brown Kraft paper over it. Iron the paper with medium to high dry heat, following recommendations on the patch packaging. Lift the paper to ensure that the patch is completely stuck to the cushion. If you'd rather not see the patch, slide it on the inside of the cushion beneath the damage, placing it sticky side up. Place the paper over the tear and iron the paper until the cushion cover is completely stuck to the patch inside the cushion.

How to sew a tear in a fabric cover?

If the tear is along a seam, or if the cover can be unzipped for better access to the damage, you may be able to sew it by hand. Choose a sturdy upholstery thread and a curved upholstery needle, stitching a seam closed by running the needle back and forth through the fabric on either side of the hole.

How to Paint Cushions

I started the process by spray painting the metal with some high heat paint (due to the fire pit). Then, I washed the cushions with some Comet because there was legit moss growing on them. Nature will find a way.

Time Efficiency

All in all, this project took me maybe 5 hours. I put the first coat on the first day, then the second coat the next day. Spray painting the pattern was one afternoon. And voila- a new looking set!

Lessons Learned

This is actually the second time I’m painting these. The cushions started out a beige color. I last painted this set 5 years ago to the bright blue. Last time, I used Valspar paint and that actually did a little better.

Cost Breakdown

Not bad! Definitely better than buying a whole new set. I don’t mind a little stiffness for outdoor cushions. Plus, they’ll loosen up over time.

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