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Can you make a new cover for my tufted or button cushion?
Also asked as:Cushions need new covers, they're odd shapesCover the whole thing over the existing cover?
Buttons aren't sewn onto a cover, my friends; they pass through the whole cushion. That single fact decides every answer below.
SaveThe quick answer
No, a tufted replacement cover can't be made on its own, because tufting passes through the filling, and a plain new cover won't fit a tufted cushion properly. The workshop recommends a full new cushion with foam in the exact shape. Plain untufted covers, piped if you like, can be made for your own untufted foam.
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Five tufted cushion cover requests, and what's possible
| What you ask for | Possible? | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| A tufted cover alone, for your cushion | No | Tufting passes through the filling, so it can't be done on a cover |
| A plain new cover over your tufted cushion | Not advised | It won't fit properly over the tufts |
| Covering over the existing cover | Possible | The finished look can't be guaranteed |
| A new cushion with foam in the exact shape | Recommended | Cut to your old cushion's shape; tufted cushions come filled |
| A plain zippered cover for untufted foam | Yes | Piping optional; a 4 ft (48 in) square bench seat cover comes untufted |
Key facts
- Tufted covers cannot be made separately, because tufting goes through the filling.
- A new plain cover does not fit properly over a tufted cushion.
- The workshop recommends a full new cushion with foam in the exact shape.
- Covering over an existing cushion is possible, but the look can't be guaranteed.
- Plain untufted covers can be made, with piping if you like.
- Curved or odd shapes need very detailed curve measurements.
Have it made
Have Élodie’s workshop cut this for you
Describe the room at four in the afternoon: the floor, the wall, the one color you love. That is where a good fabric choice begins. — Élodie
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.
Why the buttons decide it
Look at a tufted cushion in low evening light and you can see it. Each button pulls a small shadow down into the cushion, and that dimple is made by thread passing through the filling, not by the cover alone. Take the filling away and the tufting has nothing to hold.
It's also why tufted cushions are sewn closed, while every other cushion has a hidden zipper and a cover that comes off. So for a tired tufted seat, a new cushion is the honest fix. The tufted versus plain Pattern explains both builds.
Odd shapes want detail
Curved and odd-shaped cushions need very detailed curve measurements, whether you replace the whole cushion or order a plain cover. A paper template takes the guessing out of a curve, and the cushion covers hub shows the plain and piped options. What shape is the cushion you're hoping to save?
A replacement cover for a 4 ft square bench seat comes plain and untufted, piping optional, because tufts need the filling inside to hold.
Élodie
Buyer questions
- A common question
My cushion is tufted. Can you just make a new cover for it?
The workshop's answerA new cover won't fit properly over a tufted cushion, so the workshop recommends a full new cushion with foam in the exact shape. Covering over the existing one is possible, but how it will look can't be guaranteed. Curved cushions need very detailed measurements.
- A common question
Could you sew only a tufted cover for a cushion I already have?
The workshop's answerNo. Tufted covers aren't possible because the tufting goes through the filling. Plain covers without tufting can be made, with piping added, and a cover for a 4 ft (48 in) square bench seat would be untufted as well.
- A common question
Can I buy an empty zippered cover for one of your tufted cushions and fill it myself?
The workshop's answerYes, as a plain non-tufted zippered cover in your sizes. Tufted cushions are sold filled only, since tufting goes through the filling; for a tufted look you'd have to add the buttons yourself.
- A common question
What do you need to make a cover for foam I already own?
The workshop's answerThe exact length, width and thickness of each insert. Choose the closest size range, write the sizes and fabric code in the personalization box, and place one order per size; odd thicknesses such as 5.5 in are fine for covers.
Questions buyers ask next
Can a tufted cushion's cover come off for washing?
No. Tufted cushions are sewn closed, so the cover isn't removable. Every other cushion and cover has a hidden zipper and can be machine washed at 86°F (30°C) or lower once it's off.
Will a new tufted cushion match the shape of my old one?
That's the recommendation: a full new cushion with foam cut to the exact shape. Send the length, width and thickness, and for any curve, very detailed curve measurements or a paper template so the new cushion follows the old outline.
Is covering over my old tufted cushion ever a good idea?
It can be done, but the workshop can't guarantee how it will look, because the tufts sit under the new fabric. If the look matters, a new cushion in the exact shape is the safer choice.
