Cushion Making DIY Chest Lid
If you need decent storage space, but don't want to sacrifice space for seating, then you need to make this DIY project. This Cushion Making DIY Chest Lid tutorial shows you how to sew a cushion for a chest. This way, you can have the storage space you need, but it also doubles as extra seating when closed. Sacrifices need not be made; you can have it all when you DIY!
This DIY storage idea helps you with optimizing space in your home. Your chest could hold board games, extra blankets, electronics, anything you can fit in it. Then, when the lid is shut, enjoy the cushion-y lid as a comfortable seat.
Want more dual-function, space-saving DIY projects? Check out this kitchen island that doubles as storage and a wine rack: Kitchen-Organizing DIY Island
Estimated Cost$31+
Time to CompleteIn an evening
MaterialsFabric
Primary TechniqueSewing
Project TypeMake a Project
Materials List
- Adjustable Three-Position Rotary Cutter (45 mm)
- RazorEdge™ Easy Action™ Fabric Shears for Tabletop Cutting (8")
- Acrylic Ruler (6" x 24")
- Cutting Mat (24" x 36")
- Foam cut to size
- Wooden chest
- Suede home décor fabric
- Pins, sewing machine, thread, needle
Instructions
DIY Project Instructions
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Measure the length and width of the top of your storage bench and cut a piece of foam to the same dimensions.
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Cut two pieces of fabric measuring 1” wider and 1” longer than the piece of foam. Use the Adjustable Three-Position Rotary Cutter and rotate it to the power position, so that the blade is directly oriented under the handle, which helps to increase the force when cutting multiple layers of thick fabrics.
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Cut two strips of fabric measuring 1” deeper and 1” longer than the cut foam.
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Cut two strips of fabric measuring 1” deeper and 1” wider than the foam.
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Sew the fabric strips from steps 2 and 3 together with a 1/2” seam allowance to form the cushion sides.
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Fold the remaining fabric in half and place on the cutting mat. Using the 45 degree angle marked line on the cutting mat and the 2” line on the acrylic ruler, cut 2” wide bias strips of fabric.
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To sew the bias strips together, place two pieces perpendicular to each other, with right sides facing.
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Sew together on the diagonal. Sew enough fabric strips together so that they will fit around the entire perimeter of the cushion top. Trim away the extra fabric using the RazorEdge™ Easy Action™ Shears for Tabletop Cutting. These spring-action shears with premium-grade stainless-steel blades give you a precise cut all the way to the tip, while the offset handle helps keep fabric flat and minimizes lifting for even more accurate tabletop cutting.
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Finger press the bias strips in half with wrong sides facing and place cording in between the fold. Using a piping foot or zipper foot, sew the fabric together, encasing the cording between the layers.
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Pin, then sew the piping to one piece of fabric cut in step 1, easing the piping around the corners for a smooth finish. The raw edge of the piping will be aligned with the raw edge of the fabric piece. This will be the top of the cushion.
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Pin, then sew the cushion sides to the cushion top with right sides facing. Check that the side seams are aligned with the corners of the cushion top. The piping will be sandwiched between the layers.
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Pin, then sew, the remaining fabric piece from step 1 to the rest of the cushion cover. Leave one side unsewn so that it will be possible to insert the foam.
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Turn the cushion cover to the right side and insert the foam. Hand stitch the remaining cushion side closed. Place the cushioned top on the vintage wooden chest and enjoy your new DIY storage bench.
Wait...there's more! Make use of your vertical space in your home with a ladder shelf like this one! DIY Ladder Shelf Hack
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FrasierFan1901
Aug 09, 2017
I am hoping to make a reading nook for my daughter in the next month, and I can't seem to find just the right cushion. I will need to keep this project in mind to make one that fits!
Catsitt
Jun 07, 2017
I am far from artistic but I love to think I am. I would love to give this a go alright. It is a great idea but I think I will have to rope my partner into helping me with some of it He is the numbers man and I am the creative one) keep fingers crossed for me!

Marilyn B
Apr 13, 2017
I have made a seat cushion similar to this one, and thank you for the great tutorial! Be sure to measure for the foam precisely, but leave a tiny bit of leeway for the sides if you have walls on the sides. Also, the fabric store will cut the foam for you, but if you do it yourself, and electric knife works great! Making the piping is time consuming using the bias cut fabric and cording, and a short cut would be to buy the cording ready made although costs more! This idea is very practical and comfy too! )

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