The Cutting Table · a checklist answer
Can you make a cushion in a custom shape, like a trapezoid or my own sketch?
Also asked as:One end is 41.5, the other end is 43Is it possible to do a bespoke size?
Yes, and sometimes the honest answer is a rectangle. Here is how a hand sketch becomes a cut list, and when 0.6 in isn't worth a trapezoid.
SaveThe quick answer
Yes, a custom shape cushion can be made from a hand sketch or example photo that shows every measurement; the workshop reviews it and replies with options. Trapezoids are made to order, but when the ends differ only slightly, like 16.3 in and 16.9 in (41.5 and 43 cm), it recommends an averaged rectangle. Round floor seating is quoted from photos and sizes.
Get a quote for a bench cushion
Key facts
- Custom shapes are made from a photo or hand sketch with every measurement marked.
- The workshop reviews each sketch and replies with options.
- Bespoke trapezoid cushions can be made.
- With ends of 16.3 in and 16.9 in (41.5 and 43 cm) over 41 in (104 cm), both long sides can't stay the same length.
- For a small end-to-end difference, an averaged rectangle such as 41 x 16.5 in (104 x 42 cm) is recommended.
- Round and other non-rectangular floor seating is quoted from photos and measurements.
Have it made
Have Nate’s workshop cut this for you
Precision starts on the phone. Give the workshop your measurements and they will read them back to you, edge by edge. — Nate
Leave your details and the workshop will call you to confirm measurements, fabric, foam and piping. No prices, dates or payment on this page: it is a request, not an order.
What goes on the sketch, in order
- Every edge length, in one unit, written on the edge it belongs to.
- The depth at both ends, not just one.
- The thickness you want, and your fabric code if you have one.
- An example or inspiration photo if the piece is three-dimensional, like an ottoman with a backrest.
- Anything you want left out, such as 'no fold-out'.
Trapezoid, rectangle or quote: which one your shape gets
| Your shape | What the workshop suggests | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bench 16.3 in deep at one end, 16.9 in at the other, 41 in long (41.5 / 43 / 104 cm) | Averaged rectangle, 41 x 16.5 in (104 x 42 cm) | Both long sides can't stay 41 in; the rectangle sits within about 3/8 in (1 cm) of each end |
| A seat that clearly tapers | Bespoke trapezoid | Cut to your drawing once the geometry is checked |
| Round or free-form floor seating | Quote from photos and measurements | The shape is reviewed before a price is given |
| An ottoman with backrest for an alcove | Hand sketch plus inspiration photos | The workshop comes back with options |
A 48 in alcove in a toddler's room
A buyer in the US wanted the modular ottoman with backrest, sized for a 48 in (122 cm) alcove between two built-in closets in a toddler's room, and without the fold-out. No form to fill in. The ask was a hand sketch and a few inspiration photos, and the workshop reviewed both and came back with options before anything was cut.
Why a sketch beats a paragraph
A written description of a shape is a puzzle; a sketch with numbers is a cut list. Angles are just lengths in disguise, so if every edge carries its length, the workshop can check the geometry and tell you what will actually fit.
That check is also where the rectangle advice comes from. A 0.6 in (1.5 cm) difference over 41 in is real, but a trapezoid can't keep both long sides at 41 in, and the averaged rectangle lands within about 3/8 in (1 cm) of each end. For a true taper, the trapezoid measurements Pattern and the trapezoid cushion calculator do the arithmetic, and custom cushion drawings covers labels. What does your bench measure at each end, partner?
A custom shape cushion starts with a hand sketch showing every edge length; the workshop reviews it and replies with options before any fabric is cut.
Nate
Buyer questions
- A common question
My bench is a little deeper at one end than the other. Can you do a bespoke shape?
The workshop's answerA trapezoid is possible, but with ends of 16.3 in and 16.9 in (41.5 and 43 cm), both long sides can't stay at 41 in (104 cm). For a difference that small, the workshop recommended a plain 41 x 16.5 in (104 x 42 cm) rectangle.
- A common question
Could you make a round floor sofa for a yurt, or really any shape?
The workshop's answerYes. The workshop can produce any shape and asks for an example photo and the measurements so it can quote it.
- A common question
Can the modular ottoman with backrest fit a 48-inch alcove in my toddler's room, minus the fold-out?
The workshop's answerYes. Send a hand sketch and a few inspiration photos; the workshop reviews them and comes back with options.
- A common question
How deep should a floor cushion be for adults who sit cross-legged?
The workshop's answerStandard floor cushions are 24 or 27 in (61 or 69 cm) deep; for adults sitting cross-legged, choose at least 28 in (71 cm). Custom depths such as 4 ft x 27 in x 8 in (122 x 69 x 20 cm) can be ordered.
Questions buyers ask next
What if I only have a photo and no drawing?
A photo shows the shape, but the workshop still needs every measurement, written on the photo or on a separate sketch. With both, it reviews the shape and replies with options; without numbers, there is nothing to cut from.
Can round floor seating be made to my size?
Yes. Round and other non-rectangular floor seating is quoted from photos and measurements. Send the overall size and the thickness you want, and the workshop reviews the shape before giving you a price.
How neat does my hand sketch have to be?
Exact on the numbers, relaxed on the drawing. A pencil sketch is fine as long as every edge carries its length in one unit. The workshop checks the geometry and confirms the final sizes with you before cutting.
