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DIY Outdoor Ottoman Cushion

August 25, 2022

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Whoa.

Yesterday I looked at my calendar and couldn't believe the date.

How did we get to the end of August so quickly?

While I've been enjoying the lazy, hazy days of summer, those calendar pages have been turning at record speed.

Summertime Porch Decor and Furniture wicker chair and ottoman

Fall will be upon us in no time.

So I figured it was high time I wrapped up some of my summer reveals and DIYs before I flooded your feed with pumpkins.

And since it's about 90 degrees here today, it's a good day to discuss patio furniture. Wouldn't you agree?

You may recall that earlier this month, I shared a new look on my cottage style covered porch. A look that started with brand new cushions for some very old furniture.

What you may not recall is that the set had an ottoman. Which is fine, because when I was in the store, neither did I.

Outdoor Wicker Ottoman Cushion DIY

It was my very astute husband who reminded me that while the cushions I was jumping up and down about on the check out line were fabulous, they weren't going to match the faded yellow one on the ottoman.

And there wasn't an ottoman cushion for sale in the store.

So. What did this DIY girl do? Well, she made one, of course.

And honestly, it was very easy.

The idea came to me when my husband noticed that while they didn't have anything in the pattern in the correct size, they did have this lounge cushion.

Outdoor Replacement Cushion

Hmmm. I figured that somehow, some way, I could use the stuffing and fabric to create an ottoman cushion to fit.

I may not be the greatest seamstress, but I when I need to I can get pretty creative. Especially when it comes to home decor fabric projects.

I've patched sofas.

I've added fabric panels to glass cabinets.

I've even skirted wooden tables, a torn upholstered chair....and made a sink skirt that opens and closes on my existing cabinet doors.

I figured I was up to the challenge.

Turns out, once we got it home and measured, I realized that one of the sections was a perfect fit.

I could simply cut that piece free, sew it up and be done.

And I was right.

Here's the full DIY in case you find yourself in a similar predicament.

How To Make An Outdoor Ottoman Cushion From A Cushion

You can make this a sew or no sew project. 

As I said, I started with a standard lounge chair cushion. After some research I found out that most ottomans and most lounge cushions come in relatively standard sizes. 

So chances are you'll find a good fit, too. If not, you can just add or subtract some batting.

To start, I grabbed my seam ripper and removed all the stitches between the two sections I was going to cut apart.

Opening Seams On Outdoor Cushions

The front seams were simple to open. The backside of the cushion was doubled over, with lots of material and thread, making the ripping a bit more difficult.

However, once it was done, I had a lot of extra fabric to work with, which was helpful.

Making An Ottoman Cushion For Outdoor Furniture

With the seams gone, it was time to cut.

I grabbed my strong sewing scissors and just cut right through the fabric, the batting and the foam inside.

Cutting Sections Of Cushion Apart

When I was finished cutting, I had two completely separate sections. One, perfectly sized for my ottoman.

Cushion Cut In Two

It just needed to be stitched it up.

Pinned Cushion For  Ottoman DIY

I folded the excess fabric up around the end of the cushion, like a gift.

And pinned it all into place.

Then I grabbed a needle and some matching thread and sewed it up by hand.

Now, I know that this is where I lose some of you, but honestly, it's just an up and down motion.

How To Make An Easy Outdoor Ottoman Cushion

However. If you really don't want to sew, you can use a iron on tape to secure your edges. It works well on heavy canvas and Sunbrella.

I would go very slow though, since some outdoor fabrics are made of a plastic like material. Ironing them could cause them to melt. If that's the case, you could use a fabric glue.

They don't require heat.

DIY Ottoman Outdoor Cushion

I think this project took me less than 30 minutes to complete and when it was done, I had a matching ottoman cushion for my wicker furniture.

It didn't require special skills or cost me a ton of money.

Plus, being the waste not want not type, I stitched up the other piece of the cushion and put it out on the porch, as well. 

It's a great extra cushion for anyone sitting on the floor when we play games at this coffee table.

Screened In Porch Decorating

Or use as a backrest, when leaning on armrest of the couch.

To nap.

On one of these last, glorious days of summer. 

Or a chilly day in the fall.

But we don't need to talk about that yet.

😉

Are you a creative DIYer?

Kim Signature


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  1. Very clever and I am so glad you were able to accomplish a perfect fit! xo xo Diana

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    1. Thanks Diana! It was a simple fix. I love it when things work out that way. xo

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  2. Very clever Kim, and you got two patio cushions for the price of one!

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    1. Thanks Marie! Yes!! It was a bargain DIY for sure.

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  3. As always my dear friend, you amaze me! Enjoy theses last days of summer.
    xx oo
    Carla

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    1. Thanks so much, Carla...as always, you are too kind. I hope you are enjoying summer, as well! xo

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  4. Such a smart hack Kim! And I love the nap option for the extra pillow :)

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    1. Thanks so much! That extra pillow has been quite popular this summer. It's very squishy!!

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  5. I love it. I cannot believe August is almost over too.

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    1. Thanks so much, Betty! I know...I'm in denial about summer coming to end.

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  6. Summer is flying by! I want it to slow down some too. This is genius Kim to make new cushions out of a lounger cushion. They look so great. Happy Thursday have a great evening. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris. I really have to thank my husband, I would've walked out of the store completely oblivious to the fact that we had an ottoman! I'm just glad it was such an easy fix. xxoo

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  7. You did good! It looks like part of the set!

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  8. Great solution Kim! And you don't need to break the bank.

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  9. Great job, Kim! We have to be crafty and creative sometimes and you accomplished a fabulous project!

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    1. Thanks Kitty!! It was an out of the box project for sure.

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  10. That turned out just perfect! I love seeing what you come up with! I also wish a million times that sewing was something I had paid better attention to in my Home Ec classes in school. It's a very useful skill!

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    1. Thanks Mandy!! Trust me, I didn't pay much attention either. I've learned on the run...you can totally do it. I know it!!

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  11. Wow, you're amazing! As you know, my mind just doesn't think that way. ;-)

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  12. That's ingenious, Kim. Don't you just love quick and easy fixes to a problem. Hope you enjoy your last few days of Summer. It's full blown Spring on this side of the world already. Max temps this week at all in the 70s. We're in for a hot Summer.

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    1. Quick and easy for sure, Michelle. I don't know any other way!! And enjoy that weather. I'm jealous!!

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  13. To answer your last question, nope. Not a creative DIYer, just an admirer of those like you, who are! A brilliant solution, Kim! Enjoy these last few days of summer - they're going fast!

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  14. What a great solution you came up with Kim. The new cushion looks great and it helps to be able to have sewing skills like you. I hope you enjoy the last bit of summer weather this September. Enjoy the long weekend.

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    1. Thanks Julie!! It was a quick way to get what I wanted.

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  15. I haven't done ANY creative DIY's lately, but I love to admire yours (:

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  16. I'd like to think I'm a DYIer but after reading your blogp posts, not really!
    Oh, how I wished I could live next door to you! But then again, it might be a bit intimidating.
    So, I'll just watch, read and learn from you.
    Great job!

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    1. Thanks Christine! I'll make you a deal, you let me grab a few veggies and fruits from your garden and I'll share a few DIYs with you!!

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  17. Kim,
    Another amazing project! Looks wonderful!! Thanks so much for stopping by!! i have been busy as the change over from summer to Fall has begun at my house!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thanks Deb! Still trying to enjoy the weather and that ottoman cushion here before the chill sets in!! Hugs!!

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