This is an easy tutorial on how to create your own NO SEW bench seat or no sew bench cushion with only a few materials. Great for beginner DIYers.
It’s no secret that I hate to sew. I jump through all sorts of hoops to prevent myself from pulling out the old sewing machine. Yes, I have sewed a little bit. I know how to sew the basics, but I still don’t love it. When it came time to create this box seat cushion, I knew I could create it without a needle or thread. Let me show how I successfully created a no sew bench seat cushion. It took less than 30 minutes, no joke!

I really shouldn’t be so “anti sewing.” I think the main problem is I’m too impatient and I get frustrated threading the bobbin! 🙂 Any helpful tips on how to get back into the swing of sewing? I’m all ears.
For those of you who feel the same way about sewing, I created a beginner’s guide to no sew projects. I included a few of my other no sew projects in here WITH a few informative video’s on how to no sew pillows and no sew pillow covers.
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Materials needed to make your own no sew box seat or bench seat cushion:
- Upholstery foam cushion- This is the exact replica of what I used. I wanted it to be at least 2″ thick and it needed to be at least 64″ long.
- Staple gun
- Material of your choice- Make sure to get a good, sturdy material (upholstery material would be best).
- Wood for the base- I used scraps of what I had at home. If I had to buy the wood, I would have purchased plywood and had it cut to fit.
- Heavy duty scissors- You could opt to use a hack saw or an electric knife to cut the foam, but I have a pair of heavy duty scissors that worked just fine.

How to make a NO SEW bench SEAT CUSHION
- First, cut the foam to fit your space.
- Second, cut the wood the exact same dimensions as the foam.
- Third, lay the material out face down on a flat surface.
- Lay the foam cushion on top.
- Lay the wood piece on top of the foam cushion.
- Fold the material on top of the wood and use your staple gun to secure it.
- Repeat this step on the other side.
- For the box corners, wrap the material like you would a present.
- Cut the excess material as you go.
- Use a hammer to make sure the nails are flush.
- Lay your new bench cushion on your seat and enjoy!

What’s the best way to cut poly foam or upholstery foam?
The easiest way I’ve seen to cut upholstery foam is with an electric kitchen knife. That being said, you can also use a regular old kitchen knife, Box cutter knife or even some craft scissors if the foam isn’t super thick.
You can see above where I cut the foam to fit the bench. Since this foam is thin, I used my regular old craft scissors.

You can see above where I pieced pieces of wood together from what I had. If I were to buy wood, I would have purchased plywood.

Next I laid the fabric face down on the ground with the foam next and then the wood on top. I folded the fabric over the wood and took my staple gun to secure the fabric to it.

After both sides were stapled, I folded the corners like you would wrap a present.


This might take two sets of hands. The best way to do it is to have someone hold it tight while the other uses the staple gun to secure the end fabric in place.

It should look like a perfectly wrapped present when you are done.
Note; make sure you are putting the staples in the wood only!
How easy was that! I’m a firm believer that home projects don’t have to cost a lot or take a lot of time.
Ready to see it all together with the old bench that I recently completed a “weathered wood” makeover on?
Just a little side note; I’m still not done with this space (I know, shocker!) I have to do a little makeover on the gallery wall above the bench and then I will unveil the full final images! Stay tuned friends.




I hope you enjoyed this project! I’m excited about this space and what it will look like when I’m done.
How to make a no sew bench seat or box seat cushion

This is an easy tutorial on how to create your own NO SEW bench seat or box seat cushion with only a few materials.
Materials
- Upholstery foam cushion-
- Material of your choice- Make sure to get a good, sturdy material (upholstery material would be best).
- Wood for the base- I used scraps of what I had at home. If I had to buy the wood, I would have purchased plywood and had it cut to fit.
- Heavy duty scissors
Tools
- Staple gun
Instructions
- Cut the foam to fit your space.
- Cut the wood the exact same dimensions as the foam.
- Lay the material out face down on a flat surface.
- Lay the foam cushion on top.
- Lay the wood piece on top of the foam cushion.
- Fold the material on top of the wood and use your staple gun to secure it.
- Repeat this step on the other side.
- For the box corners, wrap the material like you would a present.
- Cut the excess material as you go.
- Use a hammer to make sure the nails are flush.
- Lay your new bench cushion on your seat and enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by friends!
Lindsey**
Jean H
Tuesday 14th of February 2023
Hope you can help me. I need to cover my kitchen chairs found several patterns. I used to sew but now eyes can’t see needle . I want to use no sew glue one that will with stand washing do u have a suggestion? Thank you Jean H
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Tuesday 14th of February 2023
I've only used no sew tape for items that wont get a lot of use. You can see all my tutorials with no sew tape here. https://repurposeandupcycle.com/category/crafts-and-other-easy-diys/no-sew-projects/ For this bench seat I stapled the fabric to the base. I'm not sure how the no sew tape or glue would work for the seat. If it works let me know!
Cheryl Atkinson
Thursday 5th of December 2019
Lindsey, why are we using a piece of wood if the bench is already wood? I'm new to all of the DIY so i'm sure there is a reason. Please, tell me.
David
Friday 27th of March 2020
The wood is inside the fabric with the foam. This gives you a service to staple the fabric too on the underside of the cushion.
mireille
Friday 19th of April 2019
Perfect! I do not know how to sew but I think I could handle a staple gun! Love your bench seat! www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Kaci Cheeseman
Friday 19th of April 2019
Oh my word! We have needed to redo the covers on our bench pillows since we bought our house, and this may actually be doable for me! I am not skilled with sewing. I actually made our living room curtains by cutting full length ones in half and then I used 99¢ fabric glue tape from the dollar store to seal the cut side! I got 4 curtains for free that were just the right color for our room, but I had too many windows and not enough curtains. I decided I would just cut them in half and it made just enough! They were the $60+ ones from world market that a family member bought and never used. I love that my 8 curtains that were probably about $200 cost me $1 😂
Alissa A Apel
Tuesday 16th of April 2019
I love the fabric you picked out! How simple to do! My husband is designing a chair right now. It's taking much longer than he thought. There is some sewing machine involved.
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Wednesday 17th of April 2019
Thanks Alissa! I'm still on the fence about the fabric :) I'm glad you like it.