Window Seat Sewing Projects

Window seats add a touch of comfort to a room. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make them on your own.

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Filed under: Window Seat, Drapes, Materials and Supplies, Fabrics, Window Treatments, Curtains, How To

Make a window seat more comfortable for reading or watching the seasons change with cushions and throw pillows.

Window Seat Cushions

Materials:

foam
fabric
measuring guide

Steps:

1. Have the foam cut to the necessary size at the craft store or use an old electric knife to do it (the featured project is made up of three separate cushions).
2. Cut a top panel of fabric 5/8 inch larger than the foam on all sides.

Figure A

3. For the bottom panel, cut two pieces that overlap about six inches to make up the correct size to cover the foam and hem the inside edges (figure A). Sew the two pieces together along the long sides.

4. Cut enough boxing material to go all the way around the cushion, adding enough for seams and seam allowances. Attach the boxing to the top panel, overlapping the ends of the boxing at the side. Stitch the pieces together, and then sew on the split bottom panel. Insert the foam.

To add even more drama to the window seat, create a treatment for the outside of the inset.

Drapes

Caption: To add even more drama to the window seat, create a treatment for the outside of the inset.

Materials:

micro suede fabric
iron
measuring guide
fabric marker
decorative rod

Steps:

1. Determine the desired length for the side panels and the center valance. To make a header, first determine what type of rod you will use--a curtain or continental rod. Decide how large the top ruffle will be. The featured project has a three-inch ruffles and a decorative round rod with a one-inch diameter. A three-inch ruffle plus 1-1/2 inches for the rod pocket (1/2 inch larger than the diameter of the rod) plus one more inch for fold under and seam allowance equals 5-1/2 inches required for the featured header. Cut the fabric to the necessary length for the two side panels and the center valance.
2. On the top of each piece, iron over 5-1/2 inches of fabric. Mark three inches down for the ruffle, 1-1/2 inch further for the rod pocket, and then fold under about 5/8 inch for the seam allowance. With the top header pinned and marked, sew both straight stitch lines to complete it.
3. Drapery hems are generally four inches with a 5/8-inch fold over seam. Iron these measurements into the bottom of each piece, and use a blind hem stitch to secure it.