DIY outdoor cushions

Transform even the smallest courtyard into a corner of paradise with these DIY outdoor cushions. Using statement fabric to spruce up patio furniture is such a clever idea, and an easy way to embrace the trend for all things tropical – after all, who doesn’t love a leaf motif?

Each cushion is finished with hot pink tassels for a pop of colour. And, you’ll use the same thread to embellish it with tufting. While you can use a standard sewing needle to do this, a millinery needle is preferable, as it makes stitching through the filling less fiddly.

Once you've chosen your cushion fabric, it's time to get sewing. Here's your step-by-step tutorial.

How to sew outdoor cushions - step by step

You will need

Cotton fabric, 100 x 135cm (393/8 x 531/8")
10 skeins of embroidery thread in pink (we used DMC Stranded Cotton in 3706)
Pink ribbon, 1m (393/8"), 0.25cm (1/8") wide
Two cushion pads, 40cm (153⁄4") square
Long sewing needle
Matching sewing thread

If you're new to sewing, then make sure you head over to our sewing for beginners guide and our sewing kits for beginners. Oh, and we have a round-up of the best sewing machines for beginners, too, if you're looking for a new machine.

A small mint green bistro table set against a white brick wall features two matching chairs with tropical-patterned cushions and pink tassels. On the table, a glass bottle of red liquid is flanked by two colorful cups and a wooden tray with assorted fruit. String lights hang above, adding a cozy ambiance.

Step 1

DIY outdoor cushions Step1 Trim the ribbon into eight 12cm (43⁄4") lengths. To make the tassels, fold a skein of embroidery thread in half and cut through the loops at either end.

Knot a length of ribbon around the centre of the skein, then take a length of thread and wrap it around the top of the fold to secure. Neatly trim the cut edges of the tassel, then repeat to make four tassels in total.

Step 2

DIY outdoor cushions Step2 Cut two 8 x 35cm (31/8 x 133⁄4") strips from the fabric. Fold each strip in half along the length with the wrong sides (WS) together and press.

Open out each strip, then fold both long edges into the centre crease with WS together and press. Fold each strip in half along the length again, concealing the raw edges, and press.

Fold one short end on each strip to the WS by 0.5cm (1⁄4") and pin. Sew along the two long edges and the folded edge, 0.25cm (1/8") in from the edge, to create the ties.

Step 3

DIY outdoor cushions Step3 Cut two 43 x 43cm (17×17") pieces from the fabric, making sure the printed motif is positioned in the centre of each square.

Place one square right side (RS) up and pin the ribbon on one tassel to the corner, with the tassel pointing in towards the centre. Sew to secure, then repeat for all four corners.

Looking for more summer sewing projects?

Try our pick of the best swimsuit patterns.

Step 4

DIY outdoor cushions Step4 Position a tie 3cm (11⁄4") in from one edge, aligning the raw short edge with the top edge. Pin and sew in place, then repeat with the second tie on the opposite edge.

Step 5

DIY outdoor cushions Step5 Pin the tassels and ties away from the raw edges of the fabric to prevent them from getting caught when sewing.

Place the remaining fabric square on top with RS facing, then pin and sew using a 1.5cm (5/8") seam allowance, leaving a 10cm (4") gap between the two ties.

Step 6

DIY outdoor cushions Step6 Trim the corners of the seam allowance, then turn the cushion RS out through the gap, using a knitting needle or similar to push out the corners.

Press, position the cushion pad inside, then neatly slip stitch the gap closed.

Step 7

DIY outdoor cushions Step7 To create the tufting effect, stitch three rows of three crosses, spaced evenly apart across the cushion. To make a cross, use pink thread and a long needle to sew up from the base of the cushion, out through the top, then back down again, roughly 1cm (3/8") away from the first hole.

Cut the thread, leaving the ends unknotted, then use a new length to make the second arm of the cross.

A cozy bedroom setup features a round yellow pillow with the words "CHOOSE happy" in bold letters, adorned with colorful tassels. Nearby, a white table holds a small cactus plant, a green wire cactus sculpture, and a lamp with a cactus-patterned shade and multicolored tassels. A floral-patterned quilt adds a vibrant touch to the scene.

Sew some more cushions

If you’re looking for more summery cushion patterns, try this round circle pillow pattern.

Step 8

DIY outdoor cushions Step8 Turn the cushion over with unknotted threads facing. Working in pairs, pull the threads tightly on each cross to gather the filling and create the tufted effect.

Knot to secure, then repeat, ensuring all nine crosses are tightened evenly. Trim the thread ends to neaten, then use the ties to attach the cushion to the chair.

Spruce up your garden furniture

These DIY outdoor cushions are the perfect comfy addition to your garden. Sew them in your favourite tropical fabrics and use them throughout the summer months. Just remember to bring them in from the rain!

Find your next sewing project

We hope you’ve enjoyed making our DIY outdoor cushions! Now you’ve completed your cushions, then don’t worry. We have tons of crafty projects for you to try, including loads of sewing patterns for beginners and a free rabbit sewing pattern!