---
title: "Porch Swing Cushion Ties: Nine Real Swings That Stay Put"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/concepts/porch-swing-cushions-that-stay-put/"
section: "Concept Sketches"
author: "Rosa Delgado, The Porch Keeper of Savannah"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/rosa/"
published: "2026-03-24"
updated: "2026-09-24"
keywords: "porch swing cushion ties, porch swing cushion, porch swing cushion with back, swing cushion ties, outdoor swing cushion, porch swing cushion covers, striped swing cushion"
---

# Porch swing cushion ties that hold, from the chains down

*I grew up on a porch where every swing had a story and a faded cushion. These are the new stories from past orders, with the lesson each swing taught us.*

> **The quick answer:** A porch swing cushion set is a seat plus an optional back pillow that rests on the seat, sized to your swing: roughly 48 in (122 cm) wide for a two-seater and 60 in (152 cm) for a three-seater. Add ties at the back corners so it doesn't slide, label the stripe direction on your drawing, and use outdoor fabric wherever rain or direct sun can reach.

![Taupe and white striped outdoor mattress on a rope-hung swing daybed with matching pillows, sheer curtains and ferns](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/taupe-stripe-rope-swing-daybed-mattress-loggia-1600.webp "A hanging daybed dressed in a taupe awning stripe, with sheer curtains, ferns and a jute rug beneath.")

## Every swing on the block has a story

My grandmother's swing had a cushion that crept forward an inch every time somebody laughed, and on that porch somebody was always laughing. A swing cushion should never slide when you laugh. That's the whole brief, and it's harder than it sounds, because a **porch swing cushion** hangs on chains, rocks all evening and lives half outdoors.

Start with the frame. As a rough guide, a two-seat swing runs about 48 in (122 cm) wide and a three-seat about 60 in (152 cm), but measure your own slats, never the catalog. Then decide: seat only, or seat and back? The [porch swing cushions](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/porch-swing-cushions/) page in the Atlas shows both, and the [porch swing cushion sizes](https://cushionguide.com/guides/porch-swing-cushion-sizes/) Pattern walks you through the tape.

Plenty of folks ask for a big-name outdoor acrylic by brand. The workshop doesn't carry one. Its outdoor fabric is a UV-resistant, water-repellent polyester, and the swings below show where it shines and where it wants a roof; the [patio and porch cushions](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/patio-and-porch-cushions/) room covers the rest of the porch. What does your swing measure, slat to slat?

## Nine swings, nine lessons from the porch

### 01. A striped back pillow that came up 23 in short

![Cream and rust pinstripe porch swing cushion on a white wooden swing with black chains, lantern and fern on a porch](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/cream-pinstripe-porch-swing-cushion-white-porch-1600.webp "A thick pinstripe pad on a white porch swing, framed by black chains and a lantern; the stripe is quiet enough for a traditional porch.")

A buyer in the US ordered a striped seat and a separate back pillow, and the back arrived 23 in (58 cm) shorter than the seat. The workshop pointed to the approved schematic at first, then admitted the workshop had misread the diagram. The workshop remade the back free at 63.75 x 18 x 3 in (162 x 46 x 7.6 cm), stripes running top to bottom, and it sat on the seat pillow and fit perfectly.

**The takeaway:** Label every length on the drawing you approve, and write which way the stripes run.

> **Tailor's margin:** Label every length and the stripe direction on a swing drawing; one misread line cost a back pillow 23 in.

### 02. Good foam, new covers in cinnamon

![Burnt orange velvet cushion on a teak porch swing hung from ropes, with cream and ticking-stripe pillows and a knit throw](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/burnt-orange-velvet-porch-swing-cushion-golden-hour-1600.webp "Burnt orange velvet picks up the color of the evening sun on a teak swing, softened with cream pillows and a knit throw.")

A buyer in the US had foam on a hanging porch swing that was still good and wanted covers only, with extra-strong zippers. The seat was 55.25 x 27.75 x 4 in (140 x 70.5 x 10 cm) and the back pad 50 x 13 x 4 in (127 x 33 x 10 cm), both in cinnamon. The workshop asked for the foam's exact sizes and sewed the covers to them.

**The takeaway:** If the foam still springs back, keep it and order zippered covers to its exact size.

> **Tailor's margin:** Swing foam that still springs back only needs new covers: send its exact length, width and thickness.

### 03. Four backs or one long backrest on a 71.7 in swing

![Gray and white awning stripe cushion on a hanging teak porch swing, with a matching pad on a small side bench](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/gray-stripe-porch-swing-cushion-matching-side-bench-1600.webp "On a covered porch, a hanging swing and a small side bench share the same gray-taupe awning stripe.")

One buyer wrote in about a swing about 71.7 in (182 cm) wide and weighed four back cushions of about 17.9 x 21.7 in (45.5 x 55 cm) against one long backrest. Either works. Separate pieces are easier to handle, and after a summer storm they dry faster.

**The takeaway:** Split a long backrest into pieces that add up to the seat length.

> **Tailor's margin:** Four 17.9 in back cushions fill a 71.7 in swing, and each dries faster than one long backrest.

### 04. Four inches or six? Read it back first

![Taupe, gray and ivory herringbone stripe seat and back cushions on a white rope-hung porch swing](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/neutral-herringbone-stripe-rope-porch-swing-cushions-1600.webp "A white porch swing hung on thick rope gets a full seat and two back cushions in a neutral herringbone stripe.")

An older couple wrote to the workshop about swing-chair cushions about 59 in (150 cm) long. Their note said 4 in (10 cm) in one place and 6 in (15 cm) in another. The workshop read both numbers back to them before anyone quoted a thing.

**The takeaway:** When the note and the form disagree, the maker should ask; if nobody asks, you ask.

> **Tailor's margin:** Settle the thickness before the quote: a 4 in and a 6 in swing cushion sit and look different.

### 05. Charcoal swing cushions tied to the slats by hand

![Charcoal porch swing seat and back cushions with white piping, a hand tying the fabric tie to a weathered white swing](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/charcoal-porch-swing-cushions-white-piping-tie-detail-848.webp "Charcoal seat and back cushions piped in white, with a hand fastening the tie to a weathered swing slat.")

A buyer in the US asked whether ties cost extra. On many past orders they went on at no charge, often on the two back corners of a bench cushion; on others there was a small per-cushion charge. Ties are sewn only on request, so write the request with your exact size and say where they go, such as 6 in (15 cm) in from each short end.

**The takeaway:** Put ties and their position in your order note, and look for them in the photo before the cushion ships.

> **Tailor's margin:** Swing cushion ties come only on request, so name the spot, such as 6 in in from each short end.

### 06. A soft back pillow instead of a foam board

![Dove gray box cushion on a white hanging porch swing with navy ticking, pale blue and botanical pillows](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/dove-gray-porch-swing-cushion-white-railed-porch-1600.webp "A pale gray seat cushion keeps a white porch swing fresh, with three pillows layered at one end.")

A buyer wrote in wanting back support to match a swing cushion they already loved. The workshop made one back pillow and two bolsters in the same fabric, soft-filled rather than firm foam. Back pillows like these are filled about 4 in (10 cm) thick, so the workshop only needs the width and height.

**The takeaway:** Soft-filled back pillows and bolsters suit a swing better than firm foam.

> **Tailor's margin:** A swing back pillow is soft-filled, about 4 in thick, so the maker needs only its width and height.

### 07. Rust velvet on a covered farmhouse porch

![Rust velvet swing cushion on a rope-hung teak porch swing under a covered porch, with pillows, knit throw and wreath](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/rust-velvet-porch-swing-cushion-covered-porch-meadow-928.webp "Stepping back shows the whole porch: rust velvet on the swing, cream pillows, a knit throw and the meadow beyond.")

A buyer in the US asked whether regular indoor cushions would do on a covered porch. Under a closed roof where rain and direct sun never reach, linen, velvet and the soft standard fabrics are fine, though none of them is waterproof. A screened porch that collects pollen, dust and humidity is different; there, the workshop recommends outdoor fabric.

**The takeaway:** If rain or direct sun can touch the swing, choose outdoor fabric; under a solid roof, indoor fabric is fine.

> **Tailor's margin:** Velvet or linen suits a porch swing only under a closed roof that keeps out rain and direct sun.

### 08. Ticking stripes on an open garden swing

![Pale blue ticking-stripe seat and back cushions with a front drop on a wooden garden swing among roses](https://cushionguide.com/media/porch-swing-cushions/blue-ticking-stripe-garden-porch-swing-cushions-1600.webp "A soft blue ticking stripe covers the seat and two back cushions of a timber garden swing, with the seat fabric dropping over the front rail.")

A buyer got in touch wanting the workshop's striped cotton on outdoor seating. That range is 100% cotton and indoor only, so they chose an outdoor-rated stripe instead. A swing out in the open, like this one among the roses, gets its stripes the same way.

**The takeaway:** Keep cotton ticking under a roof; outdoors, get the look from an outdoor-rated stripe.

> **Tailor's margin:** Cotton ticking belongs under a roof; an open-air porch swing gets its stripes from an outdoor-rated fabric.

### 09. Can the cushions stay out all winter? No.

![Ivory and taupe striped outdoor cushions on a black metal sofa, two armchairs and two ottomans on a backyard paver patio](https://cushionguide.com/media/outdoor-cushions/taupe-stripe-backyard-patio-set-sofa-ottoman-cushions-1600.webp "One stripe across a sofa, two armchairs and two ottomans ties a whole backyard set together.")

A buyer in the US, where summers run very hot and winters bring snow, asked whether outdoor cushions could stay out all year. The workshop said plainly that its cushions aren't built for that. The fabric is UV-resistant and water-repellent, but the foam isn't quick-dry and there's no mesh drainage bottom. They belong on a covered porch, or indoors once the snow comes.

**The takeaway:** Bring swing cushions in for winter; water-repellent fabric over regular foam is a covered-porch product.

> **Tailor's margin:** Water-repellent swing cushions over regular foam are a covered-porch product: bring them indoors before the snow.

## Seat only or seat and back, one long back or sections

Two choices shape every swing set, neighbor, and neither one is wrong. Here is how they played out on real porches. Cotton [ticking stripes](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/striped-cotton-and-ticking/) stay under a roof, the [fabric yardage calculator](https://cushionguide.com/studio/fabric-yardage-calculator/) does the sums for a long striped set, and the [tie placement](https://cushionguide.com/guides/cushion-tie-placement-chairs-swings/) Pattern shows where ties sit on slats.

| Choice | What you get | What to watch | From the swings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat only | A clean line and one cover to wash | Your back rests on bare slats | One buyer added a back pillow and two bolsters later |
| Seat plus a back pillow | Back support that rests on the seat | Label both lengths so the back matches the seat | A 63.75 x 18 x 3 in (162 x 46 x 7.6 cm) back remade to fit |
| One long backrest | An unbroken line along the swing | Heavier to handle and slower to dry | Weighed against four pieces on a 71.7 in (182 cm) swing |
| Back in sections | Easy handling and faster drying | The pieces must add up to the seat length | Four 17.9 x 21.7 in (45.5 x 55 cm) backs |
| Covers only | Fresh fabric on foam that still springs back | Exact foam sizes and extra-strong zippers | A 55.25 x 27.75 x 4 in (140 x 70.5 x 10 cm) seat in cinnamon |

> A porch swing cushion needs ties at the back corners and a drawing with every length labeled, including which way the stripes run.
>
> — Rosa

## Swing questions from the front steps

**A common question:** My swing foam is still fine. Can I order just the covers?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Covers-only orders come with no foam or filling. Give the exact length, width and thickness of your foam plus a fabric code, and the cover is sewn to those sizes so it fits snugly. Porch swings are among the covers the workshop remakes, extra-strong zippers can be requested, and the covers wash at 86°F (30°C) on a delicate cycle.

**A common question:** Could you use velcro instead of ties to hold the swing cushion down?

**The workshop's answer:** The workshop usually suggests ties or a non-slip bottom instead. Hook-and-loop tabs and snap fasteners aren't made. Two-sided hook-and-loop strips have been added on request, one side sewn under the cushion and the other sent to you to fix to the frame, at extra cost. Write the request with your fabric code and piping choice, and wait for confirmation.

**A common question:** Can an outdoor seat be made 6 in thick, with ties and no piping?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Outdoor cushions are made to any size and thickness, including 6 in (15 cm), in the water-resistant outdoor range, and they're washable. Skip the piping and add ties, for example at the two corners of a long side. Seat-and-back pairs, such as a 48 x 24 x 5 in (122 x 61 x 13 cm) seat with a 48 x 18 x 3 in (122 x 46 x 7.6 cm) back, are quoted together.

## Questions buyers ask next

### How wide is a porch swing cushion for a two-seat swing?

As a rough guide, a two-seat swing is about 48 in (122 cm) wide and a three-seat about 60 in (152 cm). Measure your own swing slat to slat, between the arms, and order to that number rather than a catalog size.

### Should a swing back cushion be foam or a filled pillow?

A filled pillow usually suits a swing better. Soft-filled back pillows and bolsters give support with some give, and at about 4 in (10 cm) thick they need only a width and height. The back pillow rests on top of the seat cushion.

### Which way should stripes run on a porch swing cushion?

Say so in your order note. The fabric roll is about 55 in (140 cm) wide, so stripes on long cushions run front to back by default, and a long piece striped the other way needs a seam. One back pillow was remade with its stripes running top to bottom.

### Do ties come standard on a swing cushion?

No. Ties are added only on request, and a request typed into the size box can be missed. Ask for ties in writing with their position, length and color, message after ordering to confirm, and check the photo before the cushion ships.

## Related at the atelier

- [Porch Swing Cushion in Herringbone Stripe: 10 ft vs Up Close](https://cushionguide.com/readings/neutral-herringbone-stripe-rope-porch-swing-cushions/): From ten feet away, a herringbone stripe porch swing cushion reads as a calm neutral stripe; up close it shows a woven texture that hides dust.
- [Porch Swing Cushion in Charcoal with White Piping and Ties](https://cushionguide.com/readings/charcoal-porch-swing-cushions-white-piping-tie-detail/): A porch swing cushion set works best as a full-width seat plus separate back cushions tied to the slats, sized so every piece clears the chains.
- [Porch Swing Cushion in Gray Stripe with Quilted Backs and Skirt](https://cushionguide.com/readings/gray-ivory-striped-garden-swing-cushions-roses/): A two-seat porch swing cushion works best as separate pieces: one long seat that spans both places, two quilted back cushions, ties at the ends and a front skirt over the rail.
- [Cushions for Great Lakes cottages and lake houses](https://cushionguide.com/places/great-lakes-cottage-cushions/): Lake house cushions on docks, decks and screened porches need outdoor-rated, water-repellent fabric, zippered covers and ties for the wind off the water.
- [Cushions for Carolina and Georgia porches](https://cushionguide.com/places/carolinas-georgia-cushions/): Porch swing cushions in the Carolinas and Georgia should be cut in outdoor-rated, water-repellent fabric with zippered covers and ties at the back corners so they never slide.
- [Outdoor cushions for Mississippi porches, galleries and Gulf Coast cottages](https://cushionguide.com/places/custom-cushions-mississippi/): Outdoor cushions in Mississippi should be made for damp air first: outdoor-rated, water-repellent fabric, plain rather than tufted, with zippered covers that come off to dry.
- [Can indoor cushions go on a covered or screened porch?](https://cushionguide.com/guides/indoor-cushions-covered-porch/)
- [Porch swing cushion sizes: measuring a 4, 5 or 6 ft swing](https://cushionguide.com/guides/porch-swing-cushion-sizes/)

*Porch light's on — Rosa*

---

Written by Rosa Delgado (https://cushionguide.com/masters/rosa/) 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/concepts/porch-swing-cushions-that-stay-put/