Finally Finishing the Outdoor Chair Cushions!!!

If you've been reading my blog from the beginning, then you know that one of my first projects was making cushions for my outdoor chairs. I made the pattern and made a muslin and and then kind of set the whole thing aside.

If you type "outdoor chair cushions" in the search box you can read those blogs.  I don't know how to make permanent links to specific blog posts yet.  But I will soon!

I have to confess, it's a lot more fun making a tie dye dress than sewing 6 identical chair cushions, so the fabric and cut out foam has been sitting on my couch for a month and a half.

But,  I'm planning a big party in a few weeks and my son and daughter-in-law will be coming to visit, so I need these cushions!!!!

First, I cut out all the pieces and Velcro tabs.

Each tab has to be turned right side out and there are 24 of them. This is the worst part!

I prepare the side pieces and then sew them to the tops and bottoms of the seat cushions.

Since I need 8 tabs per chair for the ties (actually Velcro straps) that hold the cushions to the chairs, I couldn't bear sewing and turning any more tiny fabric things, I decided to use 1" wide twill tape.

Holding my breath I take my first complete cushion outside and PHEW!!! it fits fine.

The first things to sew are all the Velcro tabs that will hold the back cushion to the seat.

Then I sew the other side of the Velcro to the back side of the seat.

I'm completely confident the seat cushions will be fine, so I finish them all.

Most chair cushions like this have ribbons or fabric strips to tie to the chair, but I know my family.  If I want people to take these cushions indoors when the weather is bad, I've got to make it easy to do so.  Plus since I have made this pattern specifically for these chairs I know where and how big to make the velcro loops.  Ties are more forgiving.  They can adapt to a variety of chair styles.

It hinges in a way that lets the back cushion rest on the back edge of the seat cushion.

I do this with 4 Velcro tabs that come from the lower edge of the back cushion and attach to the back edge of the seat cushion. This should make storing them easy, too.

So, I have to finish the other 5 and I'm ready for company.   YAY!