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The cushions could almost pass for new again. Luckily for me the fabric had a check pattern so it was easy for me to keep the seams reasonably straight. Cost: FREE :)
By Jojo from Australia
This is my current decorating project at my home. I recently inherited some antique wicker chairs from my parents. The chairs have been placed on the front porch of my home. However, the fabric for the chairs was totally not my taste.
Being the thrifty person I am, I remembered some fabric that I had found at Walmart for "outdoor furniture" that I had purchased several years ago for less than $3.00 a yard. I pulled out the fabric and proceeded to rip apart one set of cushions. I used the old fabric as my "pattern" and recycled the cording and the zippers for each of my new cushion covers.
The photo shows the new covers I have made on the left and the "old" covers on the right. I am down to the last of the four chairs to complete the transformation from ugly duckling to swan.
I hope that this inspires others to get out their sewing machines and do something constructive around their homes. It is very satisfying to see what you can do yourself!
Source: Me: Using what I have here at home to make something old look new again.
By GeorgiaBulldogsFan from Jesup, GA
When covering patio cushions or patio pillows, look for tablecloths on clearance. The material is really durable and has some stain and water repellent in it. You can also re-spray it with a good stain repellent. I found some beautiful brightly striped ones at Target yesterday that will coordinate well as pillow covers with my patio furniture.
By shirley felts from Tallassee, TN
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I bought these really sturdy pillow shams and want to use them to make new cushions for wrought iron lawn chairs. How would I figure the measurements for the 6" foam to fit inside a king size sham?
I don't want to waste foam by cutting it wrong.The suggested video shows how to use a ready-made cushion but does not show any directions for measuring a piece of foam to fit inside the sham.
I was given a set of outdoor couches by my brother when he moved away. The fabric is ripped and falling apart. Is there any easy way to make replacement covers for the cushions (for someone who is intimidated by the sewing machine)?
By dawn from FL
I used fabric shower curtains I got from Thrift stores or Goodwill. Made it like a pillowcase and whip stitched the ends closed. You could just tuck it, wrap it around the cushion if you don't want to sew.
There are many simple patterns out there to use, versus trying to make a pattern. Sewing cushion covers is fairly easy. Just use a scrap of the materials you will be using to get the number of stitches correct, and also the tension. Could a friend help? Since you will be sitting on them often they need to be secured in order to look decent. Take your time, maybe start with simple pillows for an accent. Good luck!
You could use the cheap tablecloths you get at the Dollar Store. Buy some stick on velcro. You can get that at WalMart. Just cut out the shape for your cushion and stick the velcro on the eges and press together.
