The Cutting Table · a question, worked through
What is a non-slip base on a cushion, and how does it work?
Some buyers picture a rubber mat arriving in the box alongside the cushion. It isn't one, and that is rather the point.
Pinned by Maggie
The quick answer
A non-slip base is the cushion cover's bottom panel sewn from grippy anti-skid fabric instead of the regular fabric. It covers the whole underside, is built into the cover rather than being a separate mat, and holds by friction, not adhesive, so it stays put on smooth painted or wooden benches. You add it as a listing option or in the personalization box.
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Key facts
- The non-slip base replaces the cover's bottom panel with grippy non-slip fabric.
- Without the option, the cushion is the same fabric all around.
- It is built into the cover, not a separate mat.
- It covers the whole underside, not strips or dots.
- It works by friction, not adhesive, and leaves no residue.
- It can be added to covers-only orders and to corduroy or linen cushions.
- It can be removed from the order before production.
- A cover with a non-slip base still machine washes at 86°F (30°C) or below on a delicate cycle; air dry it rather than using the dryer.
- Bench cushions longer than about 79 in (200 cm) are usually made in 2 pieces, and each piece gets its own non-slip underside.
- Because it replaces only the bottom panel, the grip works the same on a 2 in pad as on a 5 in bench cushion.
Have it made
Have Maggie’s workshop cut this for you
I once cut a lovely cushion two inches short, and I have not forgotten it. That is why the workshop goes over your measurements with you on the phone. — Maggie
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.
A sewn panel, not a loose mat
I used to think every sliding cushion needed ties. Then I met the grip panel, and I owe it an apology.
The non-slip base is simply the bottom of the cover, cut from an anti-skid fabric instead of your top fabric. It runs edge to edge under the whole cushion. Nothing is glued, nothing is stuck: friction does the work, so the cushion stays planted when someone sits down hard or leans back against the wall.
That matters most on smooth, painted or wooden window seat cushions and bench cushions. The stop-sliding Pattern compares it with ties. Tell me, dear: is your bench painted, oiled or bare?
Regular bottom against grip bottom
| Regular cover | With the non-slip base | |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom panel | Same fabric as the top | Grippy anti-skid fabric |
| Coverage | Not applicable | The whole underside, never strips or dots |
| How it holds | Nothing added | Friction, no adhesive |
| Seen in use | No | No, it sits underneath |
| Fabrics and orders | Any | Also on corduroy, linen and covers-only orders |
| How to choose it | Nothing to add | Listing option or personalization box; no sub-options |
Grip or ties: a quick sort
- Seat cushion on a smooth painted or wooden bench: non-slip base.
- Back cushion leaning on a flat wall: non-slip backing.
- Back cushion leaning on a frame, railing or slats: ties.
- Two bench cushions drifting apart end to end: ties on the meeting edges.
A non-slip base grips a painted or wooden bench by friction, not glue, so the cushion stays put and lifts off with no residue.
Maggie
Buyer questions
- A common question
Can a bench cushion get a non-slip bottom, and does it come as a separate mat?
The workshop's answerAny bench cushion can have it: write 'non-slip base' in the personalization box with your size and fabric code. It isn't a separate piece; the underside of the cover itself is made from non-slip fabric, and the option can be taken off the order before production.
- A common question
Is the bottom of the cushion the same fabric as the top?
The workshop's answerYes, the same fabric all around, unless you add the non-slip base option. Then the bottom panel is non-slip fabric.
- A common question
How does the grip keep a window seat cushion in place when people lean back?
The workshop's answerThe entire bottom face is a grip material, not strips or dots, so friction keeps the cushion planted when someone sits down or leans back, even on smooth painted or wooden benches. It's invisible in use and grips without sticking.
- A common question
Can anti-skid fabric go under a corduroy or linen cushion?
The workshop's answerYes. Anti-skid fabric can be sewn onto the bottom panel of corduroy or linen cushions, and onto covers-only orders as well.
Questions buyers ask next
Are there different grades of non-slip base to pick from?
No. There are no sub-options: you either add the non-slip base or leave it off. It is chosen as a listing option or written in the personalization box when you order.
Can I drop the non-slip base after I've ordered it?
Yes, as long as production hasn't started. Send a message and the option can be removed from the order before the cushion is made.
Does a grip backing help back cushions stay upright too?
Against a flat wall, yes: a non-slip backing is the choice there. If the back cushions lean against a frame, a railing or slats, ties hold them better.
