How to Make Folding Cockpit Cushions

If your boat's seating area is an odd shape, you need to watch this video tutorial. With a deep inventory of sewing supplies and expert instructions, Sailrite^® has everything you need to DIY for your boat. Let's dive into today's marine cushion DIY project.

This isn't your usual cushion cover tutorial. Our cushion design has several key features that make it unique. First, we wanted to be able to access the storage unit underneath the boat's cockpit bench. So we created a cushion cover with a hinge in the middle so you can lift one side of the cushion as needed. Our boat's seating area has a slightly reclined backrest for comfort, which means the back edge of the cushion is not a 90-degree angle like a standard cushion. We added a wedge shape in the back to fit the boat's seating area. During the course of this tutorial, you'll learn several useful patterning and sewing techniques that you'll be able to apply to future projects.

Ready to learn some new sewing skills as you make your own folding boat cushion? Watch the video to get started. You'll find a complete materials and tools list in this blog, as well as important measuring information and calculations that we've included for you.

Are you looking for more marine DIYs? You're in the right place! Sailrite is your source for quality marine sewing content from DIY experts. Whether you want to sew your own bimini or dodger, update your upholstery, or sew dinghy chaps or sail covers, we have everything you need right here. Explore our website and start your DIY journey with Sailrite!

Build Calculations:

Cutting Top Plate to Size:

Desired finished length + 1" = Cut length

Desired finished width/depth + 1/2" = Cut width/depth

Cutting Two Bottom Plates to Size:

Bottom plate is the same size as the top plate cut size. However, at the fold position it is cut apart and 1/2" is added for seam allowance to both bottom plates.

Boxing Width Cut Size:

CushionRite^® Premium, Standard & Dry Fast: Foam thickness + 1/2" = Cut width

CushionRite^® Flotation (Closed Cell): Foam thickness + 3/4" = Cut width

Boxing Length Cut Size:

Cut boxing length should be the same length as each short edge of the rectangular plate. But for the front and the back longer edges, two pieces each are required. Their lengths should be measured from the outside corners to the center hinge location (topstitch). But add an additional 1/2" past the hinge location for each of the four pieces required.

Center Hinge Boxing Width Cut Size:

Boxing cut width/height - 1" = A

(A x 2) + 1" = Cut width of center boxing

Cutting Foam to Size:

Add 1/2" to both dimensions to the desired finished size of the cushion. (Basically that means you are adding 1/4" to all sides of the foam.)