10 Minute-No Sew Custom Bench Cushion - for Less Than $20!

Jacque
by Jacque
4 Materials
$20
10 Minutes
Easy
My last project was a kitchen bench makeover that included a long pillow seat cushion. I got a couple of questions on it. If I had tried to buy anything similar, that also fit perfectly, it would cost at least $50+. No way would I spend that type of money...if I can make it!
It's not the best nor the fanciest by any means. It is very simple yet functional and that is all we need!
Gather Materials
1. Measure item 
Get both the length & width of bench first to estimate how much material (fabric & foam) will be needed.
2. Decide on your fabric
Be sure to get creative to save money; a shower curtain or bed sheet could do the trick too! Since mine was being used as dining seating for kids, I wanted something I could easily wipe clean. I had ordered pleather like material on fabric.com at a great discount a month prior. 5 yards=$15. (I have other chairs I want to cover, I think I used about 1 yard for this project).
Save $$ buy 2 sheets of 1" foam & cut to 3"
3. Decide on type of filling
I ordered two 1" thick foam cushions from Walmart.com; about 24"L x 96"W,  for about $7 each. After cutting to size, I even had leftovers for another project .
Garden sheers work great!
4. Cut Foam to size
I laid both foam pieces flat on top of each other to keep cuts exact. Then, I marked measurements LxW and cut both pieces to size. I was able to use 2 extra pieces in the middle, making my cushion 3" total in width.
(I had top/bottom cut exact to bench size and two additional long pieces that I was able to stuff in the middle, with about a 1" gap. You can't even tell!)
Cut extra "overhang" from back.
5. Double check your cuts
I laid foam pieces on bench, making sure to keep the front aligned and even to see if there was any overhang to cut from the back. It was almost perfect, I had to cut about an inch from backside so it would lay evenly.
6. Cut Fabric to size
Always measure twice and cut ONCE! Use a sharp blade to insure a clean cut. Fabric will need to be a bit longer/wider to be able to fold and cover correctly.


 
Lay out fabric, measure, and cut!
Cut your fabric with nice sharp sheers.
Scotch Super 77 is AMAZING!
7. Cover the foam with cut fabric using a spray adhesive.
I wrapped it like I would a gift. Obviously, I can't use tape. I actually tried Velcro, but it would not stay put for me. I think it could work if I had a better type. Regardless, do your homework on what adhesive to use because you can quickly ruin your fabric with the wrong/cheap type of adhesive. I suggest testing out a piece prior to using it on the entire length of fabric. Read directions on can completely.
I used Scotch Super 77, Multi-Purpose Adhesive after reading a ton of reviews on other products.
Wrap your foam like a gift or as you like.
8. Attach Material to foam-use a drop cloth!
WOW!!!! This adhesive is the bomb! Just be careful to use it only after securing the area around you with a drop cloth or cardboard. It has quite a bit of overspray. It can also get on the outside of the fabric and make it really sticky!
9. Clean up sticky residue
Dab some Rubbing Alcohol on a rag, and gently rub off the adhesive overspray. BECAREFUL not to damage the material by rubbing too hard. If you have cloth, I think it will just dry a bit harder. You won't have this issue.
My new custom cushion for my kitchen bench
10. Place your new cushion
After all residue was cleaned off from the bottom, I easily fit my cushion on the bench! We have been using it for about a month and have had zero issues with it! (See my other projects in July 2017, for the bench post.) It does wrinkle but that's due to the type of fabric/material.


It's totally simple yet it looks just fabulous in my kitchen dining area and I saved lots of $$ doing it on my own. Hope this helps you and thanks for reading! As always, I am happy to answer any questions. If you do, I just ask  for patience as I may not be able to reply quickly but I will! Enjoy! icon
Suggested materials:
  • 1 yard of Fabric   (Fabric.com)
  • 2 sheets of 24"x96" Foam   (walmart.com)
  • Scotch Super 77 Adhesive   (walmart.com)
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 4 comments
  • Jacque Jacque on Aug 16, 2017

    Thank you Wendy! It's both esthetic and functional!

  • Dee Dee on Aug 20, 2017

    Love this I have a deacons bench that needs a cushion, and I will definitely follow your directions. Great job. Never thought of using a shower curtain. I have a drapery clearance store near me that may be the way for me to go.

    • Jacque Jacque on Aug 30, 2017
      Thanks Dee!! Would love to see yours when your done!
Next