I make them all the time. I don't think $200 for a custom cover sounds like very much money for what would probably take the better part of 3-4 hrs. work. Does that price include the foam? If it does, jump on the deal.

I'm planning to make one for a bay window seat with the 2 inch green foam from JoAnn fabric. This is often on sale for 50% off as is their upholstery/decorator fabric. I'm planning to use cording and either a zipper or velcro for closing it. Their longest piece of foam is 6' and I bought an additional 2'. They said people use gorilla glue to bond the pieces together. My plan is for 1 long cushion. Part of the goal is to protect the new, nice wood from a dog's claws.

Did you try this place?
http://www.cushionsource.com/bench-cushions.php

Also, a cushion cover is easy to make. You can find a pattern at Hancock fabrics and also the foam. Wait until there is a foam sale. To cut foam easily, use an electric kitchen knife.

The foam will be the most expensive part, even if you make them. A good dense foam may run you close to the pre-made cushions you found. However... I once "temporarily" wanted to cover piece of foam to make a fast seat out of a chest. I did not even have enough fabric to completely wrap the foam, just enough to cover the top and sides and a couple of inches on the bottom. I used duct tape and taped the fabric right to the foam... it was still intact and holding firmly after 3 years.....

It is not difficult to make but I would not recommend making something along the lines of a pillow sham.

I know sewing basics, but don't have the patience. That doesn't sound like a bad price to me. I have a 54" bench that I'm getting ready to buy a cushion for. The one I found at Pottery Barn is $75.

I made banquette cushions with the duct tape method.

1) I took a thin board and cut it a bit smaller than the final size I needed.

2) I duct taped the board edges so they were smooth.

3) Added foam to the top secured with duct tape in a few spots.

4) Wrapped batting around everything. Secured with duct tape.

5) Wrapped an old sheet around the batting to make sure it was smooth. Secured with duct tape.

6) Wrapped final fabric around secured with.....you got it.

I think if you used a very heavy fabric you wouldn't need the batting (or sheet.)

Here is a pic.

I bought everything from Walmart and bet I spent about $40. (Wood was scrap left over from another project.)

I plan on getting nice cushions at sometime but for now these do the trick.

I love your banquette! The cushions look great!

really the cushions are not hard to sew. I reupholstered an entire wrought iron porch set one time. I just re-used the old cushions as a pattern and they came out quit smashing. Even had zippers!

Kitchenkelly: Very Creative! Your system ought to earn you some $ or recognition somewhere! Maybe, from the duct tape manufacturer.

When I first read your process, it reminded me of the beginning upholstery class I took that used the same methods except used heavy duty staples instead of duct tape.

It sounds like the tape is wearing well for you.

OK, newhomebuilder. Zippers and easy sewing do not belong in the same sentence. LOL. I don't even own a sewing machine. I have seen your decorating and you are very talented. Not even going to try to compete.

lkremodel, I can't take the credit. karencon on the kitchen forum gave me the idea. I was going to use heavy duty staples but I was concerned that they might scratch the top of the bench. The tape is holding up but it is probably not a long term solution. But that duct tape is pretty strong.

kitchenkelly, this is what I am looking for. We are at the end of our build and the $$$$ just keeps adding up. My adult children laugh at us because we are building our 8th house, and we always build for resale. My daughter says you guys will pay x$$$'s for three custom fireplace mantels and then you cheapen out on a windowseat cushion. My theory is you put your $$$$$ where it is necessary and cut when you can. This cushion is one of the cuts. If I can do it for $50.00 ish then I will. I can put the other $150.00 ish elsewhere.

kitchenkelly, thanks for reminding me of that method. I'd seen in on TV before and I'll definitely use it for my new window seats. Looking at yours you'd never know the mechanics. They look great.

sanborn, I am the same way. LOL. I think it is good that we try to find some good deals and ideas to keep the $ in check. If you splurge on everything that is not good. I can justify spending big $ on anything. Thank goodness it is not all the time. The lady who gave me the idea on duct tape has two examples on the thread below. It is a huge thread that gets silly at the end so you only need to read to the sixth and ninth reply to her cushions. She uses a heavier fabric which I think would be much easier to work with (less wrinkles.) Igloochic gives some good advice too.

brutuses, thank you.

Here is a link that might be useful: pics of homemade cushions on reply #7

Yes you can make it sanborn. If you railroad the fabric, you'll need three yards. Fold the fabric length wise so that you have a 104 inch run then cut the width 42 to 44" inches wide (depending on the thickness of the foam you use) Upholstery fabric (that's I suggest you use) runs 54' wide, so you'll have about 10 to 12" x 108" left over for throw pillows.
You can either use foam or stuffing. Turn you fabric inside out and sew along the back, turn you fabric to the right side and slip your foam in, if it's too loose, sew it tighter. Then sew one end and slip your foam in again. The other end you can pin tightly, then hand sew close.
I did a cushion for my piano seat this way, and got a nice tight fit.
Be use to pick out a fabric (pattern) that lends itself to railroading. Also you may have to glue together the foam cushion to get a 108" foot run. They sell foam adhesive in an spray can.

Good luck, Joann