---
title: "Outdoor Cushion Covers, Water-Repellent, Made for Your Inserts"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/replacement-outdoor-cushion-covers-existing-inserts/"
section: "The Cutting Table"
author: "Callum Reid, The Weather Man of Casco Bay"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/callum/"
published: "2026-05-18"
updated: "2026-05-18"
keywords: "outdoor cushion covers, replacement outdoor cushion covers, zippered outdoor cushion covers, outdoor cushion covers without inserts, patio cushion cover replacement, water-resistant outdoor fabric"
---

# Can you make outdoor cushion covers to fit the inserts I already have?

*The foam made it through the season. The covers didn't. You don't need to box up the old cushions to fix that.*

Also asked as: Zippered covers for my outdoor chair cushions?; The covers will go over the existing inserts.

> **The quick answer:** Yes: zippered outdoor covers are made to fit your existing inserts from measurements and photos, and the old cushions never have to be sent. Send photos and a drawing with every size, then pick a color from the outdoor fabric charts. Covers can be ordered without inserts, and matching filled back pillows, such as 12 x 32 x 6 in (30 x 81 x 15 cm), can be added.

![Charcoal and ivory palm leaf print outdoor seat and back cushions with charcoal piping on a dark rattan armless chair](https://cushionguide.com/media/outdoor-cushions/charcoal-palm-print-outdoor-chair-seat-back-cushion-1600.webp "The palm print is placed so a full leaf spray lands on the back cushion, with charcoal piping framing both pieces.")

## Key facts

- Zippered outdoor covers are made over existing inserts from measurements and photos.
- The original cushions do not need to be sent.
- A drawing with every size, plus photos, is what the workshop needs.
- The outdoor fabric charts are on the zippered cover listing.
- Outdoor covers can be ordered without inserts.
- Filled back pillows can be added in the same water-resistant outdoor fabric.
- The fabric is the workshop's own outdoor range, not Sunbrella.

## What to send for a set of replacement covers

| Send | Why it matters | From a real order |
|---|---|---|
| Photos of each insert | Shows the shape and edge of every piece | Chair cushions photographed as they sit |
| A drawing with every size | Length, depth and thickness for each cover | Two seats at 32 x 32 x 6 in (81 x 81 x 15 cm) |
| Covers only, or fill too | Covers can be made with no inserts | Two navy seat covers, no inserts |
| Back pillows, if wanted | They come filled, in the same outdoor fabric | Two backs at 12 x 32 x 6 in (30 x 81 x 15 cm) |
| A color from the charts | The outdoor charts sit on the zippered cover listing | Navy, water-resistant |

## Seat covers and back pillows in the same order

|   | Seat covers | Back pillows |
|---|---|---|
| What arrives | A zippered cover for your insert | A filled pillow, ready to use |
| Size in the real order | 32 x 32 x 6 in (81 x 81 x 15 cm) | 12 x 32 x 6 in (30 x 81 x 15 cm) |
| Fabric | Water-resistant outdoor fabric | The same fabric and color |

## Why the old cushions stay on the porch

Measurements and photos are enough. A tape measure and a clear picture of each insert tell the cutter everything the cushion itself would, and you keep sitting on the old set while the new covers are made. Rain doesn't negotiate, so pick from the water-resistant outdoor charts, not the indoor ones.

The fabric is the workshop's own outdoor range; Sunbrella isn't stocked. The charts grow, too: a new outdoor collection was on the way when one buyer asked. Browse the [outdoor fabric family](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/outdoor-acrylic/), then read [covers for existing foam](https://cushionguide.com/guides/cushion-covers-for-existing-foam/) and [what to send for a quote](https://cushionguide.com/guides/custom-cushion-quote-what-to-send/). The whole shelf lives under [outdoor cushions](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/outdoor-cushions/).

One question before you draw, friend: have you measured the insert itself, or the old cover around it?

> **Tailor's margin:** Measure each outdoor insert's length, depth and thickness, like 32 x 32 x 6 in, and photograph it; the old cushions never need to ship.

> Replacement outdoor cushion covers zip over the inserts you already own: send photos plus a drawing with every size, and the old cushions stay home.
>
> — Callum Reid

## Buyer questions

**A common question:** Could you make zippered covers that fit over my outdoor chair cushion inserts?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes, in the workshop's own outdoor fabrics; it doesn't carry Sunbrella. Send photos and a drawing with every size, and choose from the outdoor charts on the zippered cover listing. The original cushions don't need to be sent.

**A common question:** I need two new seat covers and two back pillows to match. Can you do both?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Two navy seat covers at 32 x 32 x 6 in (81 x 81 x 15 cm) were made without inserts, plus two filled back pillows at 12 x 32 x 6 in (30 x 81 x 15 cm) in the same water-resistant outdoor fabric.

**A common question:** The listing I like only shows indoor fabrics. Can it be made for outdoors?

**The workshop's answer:** Usually, yes. Pick a code from the outdoor charts and write it in the personalization box of the listing you're ordering from, so every piece matches.

**A common question:** How is a custom outdoor cushion order priced?

**The workshop's answer:** Per project, from your measurements, piece count, fabric and options such as piping, ties or backs. Send a photo and a drawing with every size; larger sets are often discounted, and backs are priced separately.

## Questions buyers ask next

### Do the new covers come with inserts?

Only if you ask. Replacement outdoor covers can be ordered without inserts, which suits a set whose foam is still sound. Back pillows are the usual add-on, and those arrive filled, in the same outdoor fabric and color.

### Is the outdoor fabric UV-resistant as well as water-resistant?

Yes. The outdoor charts hold close to 200 fabrics, all water-, UV- and fade-resistant woven cloth made to the same quality. The charts differ only in texture, color and pattern, so choose by look.

### Where do I find the current outdoor colors?

On the zippered cover listing, which carries the outdoor fabric charts. The range grows: a new outdoor collection was on the way when one buyer asked, so check the charts again right before you order.

### Can replacement outdoor covers be completely waterproof?

No. The workshop's outdoor covers are woven polyester with a water-repellent, UV-resistant finish and ordinary stitched seams and zippers, so rain can still reach the foam in a downpour. Stand wet cushions on edge to drain and store them in storms. If the insert must stay dry, a moisture-barrier liner around the foam can be added at extra cost.

### How do I measure my outdoor inserts for new covers?

Measure each insert, or its old cover, seam to seam across the widest point rather than over the puffed-up middle, and take the thickness at rest. Tapered seats need both the front and the back width. Send photos and a drawing with every measurement; covers are cut to fit your inserts, so there's no need to ship the cushions anywhere.

## Related at the atelier

- [Are your outdoor cushions waterproof or just water-resistant?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/waterproof-outdoor-cushions-water-resistant-fabric/): Outdoor cushions are made from a dedicated water-repellent outdoor fabric that handles rain showers and spills well, but it is water-resistant rather than a sealed, coated material.
- [Do you have a striped fabric that works outdoors?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/striped-outdoor-cushion-fabric/): Yes, striped outdoor cushion fabric is on the outdoor charts: code V-38 is a water-repellent, UV-resistant outdoor stripe.
- [Why do outdoor cushions cost more than indoor cushions?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/outdoor-cushion-price-vs-indoor-fabric/): Outdoor cushions cost more because the outdoor fabric is premium: water-repellent and highly UV- and sun-resistant, so it can live outside.
- [Outdoor Bench Cushion Piping: Sage Leaf-Line on Rattan](https://cushionguide.com/readings/sage-leaf-line-cushions-rattan-sofa-terracotta-floor/): For a patterned outdoor bench cushion, self piping cut from the same fabric is usually the right edge: it keeps the box crisp without drawing a second line across the pattern.
- [Outdoor Cushions for Hosting: Ivory Pinstripe Teak Pool Chair](https://cushionguide.com/readings/ivory-pinstripe-deep-seat-cushions-teak-pool-chair/): To seat guests well outdoors, pair deep lounge cushions with an outdoor bench cushion and a few chair pads, all in one light outdoor fabric with matching piping.
- [Outdoor Bench Cushions in Sky Blue on an L-Shaped Teak Sofa](https://cushionguide.com/readings/sky-blue-l-shaped-patio-cushions-navy-clapboard-wide/): Outdoor bench cushions on an L-shaped patio sofa hold their place through finishing, not just fit: a snug cut, box edges and double-piped backs can stand up without straps.
- [Waterproof outdoor cushions, honestly: fabric, seams, zippers and foam](https://cushionguide.com/guides/water-repellent-vs-waterproof-cushions/)
- [Measuring wicker and patio furniture for replacement cushions](https://cushionguide.com/guides/patio-furniture-replacement-cushions/)

*Fair winds — Callum*

---

Written by Callum Reid (https://cushionguide.com/masters/callum/) for CushionGuide (https://cushionguide.com/about/). The site explains made-to-measure cushions and the partner workshop makes them; measurements are in inches first. This Markdown mirrors the page at https://cushionguide.com/answers/replacement-outdoor-cushion-covers-existing-inserts/