Make Your Own Cushion: Platform Cushion

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Do you have some cushions that need to be redone? It's easier than you think to sew your own cushion covers. Even if you're a new DIYer, our how-to videos walk you through the entire measuring, cutting, sewing and assembly process. We never leave any steps out. In today's tutorial, we're teaching you how to build a platform cushion. Whether you're building a platform cushion from scratch or replacing a worn-out cover, this is the video for you. Let's get started on this easy cushion project.

Video Chapters:

Using Calculator & Cutting Fabric to Size - 1:20 min.
Joining Boxing Ends Together - 4:37 min.
Making Piping (Optional) - 6:51 min.
Basting Piping to Plate - 10:35 min.
Basting Boxing to Plate - 13:39 min.
Sewing Assemblies Together - 16:05 min.
Cutting Foam to Size - 17:25 min.
Stapling Cover to Backer Board - 18:38 min.
Adding an Underlining - 24:39 min.
Materials & Tools List - 26:13 min.

Materials List:

Outdura^® Upholstery Fabric - we used Raindrop Lapis 54" Upholstery Fabric (12809) - SKU: 124659
Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (36 yds.) - SKU: 122065
Foam Piping/Welting Cord 5/32" - SKU: 122259
Tex 70 to 75 Thread from Sailrite
CushionRite^® Premium Antimicrobial Foam (Firm) - SKU: 124236
21 Gauge 1/4" (6mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Galvanized) - SKU: 8006GZ
Cushion Underlining Black 54" Fabric - SKU: 772100

Tools List:

Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" - SKU: 102400
Chalk Pen White - SKU: 123131
Sailrite^® Tempered Cutting Glass - SKU: 121915
Sailrite^® Edge Cordless Hotknife 18V Package - SKU: 122177
Magnetic Sewing Guide - SKU: 102983
Sailrite^® Ultrafeed^® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) - SKU: 311602
Sailrite^® Ultrafeed^® Industrial Sewing Table - SKU: 120934
Multiuse Pins 1-1/2" (250 pack) - SKU: 102985
Basic Thread Snips - SKU: 123222
Gingher^® 8" Scissors Right Handed - SKU: 19104
Sailrite^® Blade Foam Saw V2 with Carrying Case (110V) - SKU: 121244
Sailrite^® Long Nose Upholstery Staple Gun - SKU: 121411
Staple Lifter - SKU: 120037
Straightedge, Marker, Backer Board

What is a platform cushion?

What is a platform cushion? This style of cushion has a top plate, four boxing strips and no bottom plate. Instead, the cushion cover is pulled over a piece of wood with a layer of foam glued to it. The fabric is wrapped around the back of the board and stapled in place. This style of cushion is commonly seen on boats or in campers. They make great seats for a storage bench because the cushion can be hinged for easy access to the storage compartment.

Platform Cushion 3 — In this closeup of one of the platform cushion corners, you can see that the corner is seamed, we've added piping to the top cushion plate, and we've stapled a cushion underlining fabric over the backer board to hide the upholstery fabric ends and add a nice, clean look to the bottom of the cushion.

Did you know a platform cushion doesn't have to be square?

Did you know a platform cushion doesn't have to be square? Though the cushion in our video is, you can make a rectangular platform cushion or even an irregularly shaped one if you have a space with odd angles that needs a cushion. Watch the video to learn how to make a DIY cushion cover. If you don't want piping on your platform cushion, you can skip to the next chapter in the video.

Did you enjoy this easy platform cushion tutorial? Are there other DIY videos you'd like to see from Sailrite? Post your project suggestions and ideas in the comments section below. Your idea might become a future DIY video!

This DIY is part of our Cushion Masterclass video series . In this series, you’ll learn how to make a cushion seven different ways. There’s a technique for every use and style preference so that you can customize cushions for any space. Learn how to make a 30-minute cushion, a quick and easy box cushion, an irregularly shaped cushion, and more!