Camper Cushion Covers: No-Sew, Quick Diy Project

If you're looking to give your camper cushions a new lease of life without sewing, there are several methods you can try. One option is to use fabric and staples to secure the fabric to a thin hardboard, which is then placed inside the cushion cover. You can also use safety pins, sticky fabric velcro, or fabric glue to secure the fabric without sewing. When choosing your fabric, consider the durability and ease of cleaning, especially if you have small children. Outdoor fabric or ultra-leather are good options, but you can also use midweight denim or microsuede. Measure your cushions and add a few inches to each side to ensure the fabric wraps around comfortably. You can also use a yardage calculator to work out the exact cut of fabric you need.

Choosing the right fabric

Genuine ultra-leather is an excellent choice for camper cushions as it can last up to 14 years and is known for its durability. It is also a good idea to opt for fabrics that are specifically designed for upholstery, as they tend to be more durable and easier to clean. Midweight denim and microsuede are great options for motorhomes due to their durability and low maintenance. If you prioritise convenience, you may also want to consider removable covers that can be easily washed.

When choosing a fabric, it is also important to consider the colour. If you prefer light colours such as white, grey, or yellow, be aware that these colours may stain more easily and be more prone to watermarks. If you are crafting cushion covers for a space that is frequently used, it may be wise to opt for darker colours or fabrics with patterns that can better disguise stains.

Additionally, consider the amount of fabric you will need. Measure the length and width of your cushions and add some extra fabric to ensure full coverage. As a general rule, add about 10-12 inches to the original dimensions of the cushion to allow for overlap and a neat finish. If you are using a patterned fabric, you may need to order more fabric to ensure that the pattern runs in the desired direction.

Measuring the fabric

The amount of fabric you need depends on the size of your cushions. Measure the length and width of your cushion and add an extra 10-20 inches to the longer side and an extra 15 inches to the shorter side. This will be enough to cover the cushion height and about half of the backside.

If you want to cover the entire cushion, including the front and back, double the depth and add another 20 inches for the sides, depending on the thickness of your cushion. Also, add 20 inches to the width.

If you're using a patterned fabric, decide on the direction you want the pattern to run.

Here's an example for a cushion that's 5 inches thick: if your seat cushion is 40 inches wide and 15 inches deep, adding about 20 inches will be enough to cover the top side. To cover the entire cushion, you would need 40 inches (width) + 40 inches (depth x 2) + 40 inches (width) + 20 inches (sides) = 140 inches.

You can use a yardage calculator to identify the exact cut of fabric you need. Alternatively, measure the board dimension and add about 10-12 inches, depending on your desired overlap.

Convert the fabric size from inches to yards by dividing it by 36. For example, if your board's perimeter is 144 inches, adding 10 inches for overlap makes it 154 inches. Divided by 36, you'll need about 4.27 yards, or approximately 4 yards of fabric.

Always order at least 10% more fabric than you need when using an unpatterned fabric. Order more if you're using a patterned fabric and want the patterns to match.

Preparing the materials

The first step to making no-sew camper cushion covers is gathering the necessary materials. You will need:

• Fabric of your choice—measure the length and width of your cushions and add some extra inches on each side for overlap. If you want to cover both the front and back of the cushion, double the depth and add extra inches for the sides. It is recommended to use durable and easy-to-clean fabric such as ultra-leather, midweight denim, or microsuede. You can also use outdoor fabric, velvet, or a drop cloth for a more rustic look.
• Plywood or cardboard—cut it 1 to 2 inches smaller than your cushion to provide a hard backing for stapling or gluing the fabric.
• Staple gun and staples—a heavy-duty staple gun is recommended for stapling through the fabric and into the hard backing.
• Spray adhesive (optional)—you can use this to attach the cushion to the hard backing.
• Velcro or safety pins (optional)—these can be used as an alternative to stapling, especially if you want to be able to remove the cover for washing.
• Scissors—to cut the fabric and backing to the correct size.
• Measuring tape—to measure the size of your cushions and fabric.
• Yardage calculator (optional)—to help determine the exact amount of fabric needed.

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can move on to the next step of measuring and cutting your fabric.

Stapling the fabric

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Lay the fabric on a flat surface with the right side facing down. This ensures that any creases or folds will be on the reverse and not visible when the cushion is complete. Place the foam cushion in the centre of the fabric, positioning it symmetrically to ensure an even finish.

Step 2: Staple the Long Sides

Using a heavy-duty staple gun, start stapling the fabric to the hardboard. Begin with the long sides of the cushion, pulling the fabric taut and stapling it approximately one inch from the edge of the hardboard. Space the staples about one inch apart, and try to keep them in a straight line parallel to the edge for a neat appearance.

Step 3: Staple the Short Sides

Move on to the short sides of the cushion. As before, pull the fabric tight and staple it to the hardboard, working from the centre outwards. Again, keep the staples in a straight line and aim for one-inch intervals.

Step 4: Secure the Corners

The corners are the most challenging part of the project. To achieve a tidy, angular corner with a single crease, follow these steps:

• Flatten out one side of the fabric, creating a straight crease in line with the edge of the cushion. Staple this in place with two or three staples, ensuring they are lined up neatly.
• Now work on the fabric from the other side of the corner. Tuck any excess fabric neatly inside and fold it up, keeping the fold in line with the edge of the cushion. Your goal is to create a crisp, straight pleat. Staple this in place with two or three staples.
• Repeat this process for the remaining corners, trimming any excess fabric as you work.

Tips for Success:

• Before you begin stapling, check that you have enough staples for the entire project. Running out of staples halfway through can be frustrating!
• Take your time and work methodically, pulling the fabric taut as you staple to ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free finish.
• If you are using patterned fabric, ensure that the pattern is centred and running in the correct direction before you start stapling.
• If you are new to using a staple gun, practise on some scrap fabric first to get a feel for how it works and the pressure you need to apply.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating no-sew camper cushion covers that look professional and stylish!

Securing the corners

For a slightly different approach, try flattening one side of the fabric, then folding the excess fabric in line with the cushion to create a straight crease, and staple it in place. Now, fold the fabric from the other side of the corner, again keeping the fold in line with the edge of the cushion, and staple it in place. Repeat on the other corners.

If you have a lot of excess fabric, you may want to trim it as you go. Don't worry if you're not getting it right first time—you'll soon get the hang of it!

Frequently asked questions