How to Re-Cover a Cushion on a Recliner

X-HT-200679

To accompany our "How to Reupholster a Recliner Chair" video (#200680XHT), we're back with a second video to show you how to sew up the seat cushion for this chair. The new cushion cover is a pretty straightforward sewing process; let's take a closer look!
Video Chapters:
  • Disassembling Seat Cushion – 0:37 min.
  • Patterning Plates & Boxing – 1:40 min.
  • Creating Zipper Plaque – 6:30 min.
  • Sewing Boxing to Plate – 8:41 min.
  • Sewing Last Plate to Assembly – 14:40 min.
  • Inserting Foam – 17:44 min.
  • Materials List – 19:13 min.
Materials List:
  • Upholstery Fabric (we used P/Kaufmann Paisley Park Lagoon #106580)
  • 3/8” Seamstick Basting Tape for Canvas #129
  • Tex 70 Nylon Thread
  • YKK® #5 Continuous Coil Zipper #104387
  • YKK® #5 Metal Locking Zipper Slider #104356
Tools List:
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LS Walking Foot Sewing Machine #311502
  • Gingher® 8" Scissors Right Handed #19104
  • Multiuse Pins 1-1/2" #102985
  • Tape Measure 120" #102986
  • Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" #102400
  • Marking Chalk for Fabrics #102464
  • Sewing Gauge Ruler 6" #102995
How to Recover a Cushion on a Recliner Video 2

The re-covered cushion on our recliner chair.

The cushion of this chair mostly assembles like any other box cushion, but the zipper plaque is a little different. For this cushion we wrapped the zipper around the sides of the cushion and then covered the ends with fabric. Since both the sides and the back of the cushion will be hidden on the chair, this is a good way to give the zipper a little extra protection.

We used the old cushion cover to pattern the fabric for the new one. This is an easy way to make sure your new cushion cover will be the right size for the foam and the chair. Additionally, we reused the original foam because it was still in really good condition. You can fluff up older foam with a polyester batting or, if it’s beyond a facelift, you can replace the foam completely. Be sure to use high-density CushionRite® Premium foam, which is perfect for high-traffic indoor upholstery.

In this video you’ll learn how to pattern the cushion fabric, create the zipper plaque and assemble the seat cushion for an upholstered chair.

Sailrite is your go-to resource for all your sewing DIY needs. We have all the fabric, notions, hardware and tools you need, and we also have hundreds of free how-to videos and blogs. Whether you're sewing for your home, patio, car or boat, we have everything you need to get the job done.

Materials List:

Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (50 yds.)

#129

Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (50 yds.)

Tex 70 (V-69) White Bonded Nylon Thread 4 oz. (1,500 yds.)

#124935

Tex 70 (V-69) White Bonded Nylon Thread 4 oz. (1,500 yds.)

YKK #5 White Continuous Coil Zipper Chain

#104387

YKK® #5 White Continuous Coil Zipper Chain

YKK #5 White Style A Single Locking Metal Zipper Pull (Coil Chain)

#104356

YKK® #5 White Style A Single Locking Metal Zipper Pull (Coil Chain)

Tools List:

Sailrite Ultrafeed LS Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V)

#311502

Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LS Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V)

Gingher 8" Scissors Right Handed

#19104

Gingher® 8" Scissors Right Handed

Multiuse Pins 1-1/2" (250 pack)

#102985

Multiuse Pins 1-1/2" (250 pack)

Tape Measure 120"

#102986

Tape Measure 120"

Sailrite Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24"

#102400

Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24"

Marking Chalk for Fabrics (12 pack)

#102464

Marking Chalk for Fabrics (12 pack)

Sewing Gauge Ruler 6"

#102995

Sewing Gauge Ruler 6"

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