Step-by-step tutorial to make your own Ballard-style tufted French mattress cushion in just a few hours using basic material and sewing skills.
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I’m SO excited to finally be able to share this tufted French mattress cushion I made because it’s been 2 years in the making. Yes, really. It was in the plan back when we completed our French-style bench out of a pair of broken chairs (because that was inspired by a Ballard Designs bench that is no longer available with a similar cushion) and it’s been sitting half-completed in my workroom ever since.
Like many other things I put off, by the time I actually get to it I can’t believe I didn’t get it done sooner – it literally took only a couple of hours.
Not only that, it’s not hard, requiring only straight-stitch machine sewing and basic running-stitch hand sewing. I made sure to take pictures along the way so I would be able to show you how to make one too, and I’m passing on a few tips and tricks I learned to hopefully make it even easier for you!
How to make a Tufted French Mattress Cushion
What you’ll need:
- 2″ to 3″ thick foam cut to desired size
- quilt batting – enough to completely cover foam piece
- sturdy fabric to cover top, bottom & sides of foam (I used a piece of cotton canvas drop cloth, but about 1 yard of upholstery-weight fabric will cover most chair cushions and 1-1/2 yards for bench-sized cushions)
- ball-head pins, thread (regular for machine sewing and quilting or button weight for hand sewing), upholstery needle, sewing machine
- optional: disappearing ink fabric marker, small fabric-covered buttons, small craft scissors
Tufted French Mattress Cushion Steps
Cut Fabric
1. Measure your foam piece and make a pattern out of newspaper – top and sides. Lay it on your fabric, pin it so that it doesn’t move, and then use a ruler to mark an inch beyond the pattern, all the way around. This extra gives the room you’ll need to pinch together and sew for the mattress edge. For the cushion side pieces, only mark 1/2-inch where the side corner pieces come together, but for long sides at the top and bottom edges, leave the 1-inch seam (i.e., all other seams are 1 inch).
UPDATED TO CLARIFY: ALL the edges where the side pieces meet the top/bottom pieces should be cut 1-inch larger (leaving 1/2โณ seam allowance – i.e., where you will sew – AND 1/2 inch for pinching edges), BUT the side corners only need the regular 1/2โณ seam allowance, since they donโt need extra. Again, when you cut the side pieces you add same one inch for seam allowance on the LONG edges only. The short edges that will make your corners you use the 1/2″ when cutting because you are not pinching.
If it helps, just imagine that you are cutting 1/2″ seam allowance everywhere and then ADDING another 1/2″ on all the top and bottom edges that you are going to be pinching and hand-sewing.
2. Cut out all pieces on marks.
Sew Cushion
3. Sew side corner seams with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. (If you’re in the market for a sewing machine, I use a Janome machine similar to this one that I’ve had for 10+ years. It’s still going strong even with a lot of tough sewing projects I throw at it!)
4. Pin sewn side piece to bottom piece, easing as needed since the pieces are different sizes through straight edges and around corners.
5. Sew the side-to-bottom seam with a 1/2-inch seam allowance (the extra we left will be for the hand-sewn edges) all the way around.
6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for cushion top piece, except leave a wide opening to insert your foam. A trick I use to help me remember to stop sewing is to use two pins next to each other as a visual reminder (yes, I learned this the hard way – too many times, actually!). You’ll also want to bar-tack (sew back-and-forth a couple times) to lock both sides of the opening, since a lot of pressure will on those areas when you’re inserting the foam.
7. Make sure to check each corner before inserting your foam for creases or pleats. Just remove a few stitches and re-sew to make smooth corners.
Apply Batting & Insert
8. Cover the foam piece with batting.
9. Fold the batting at the ends like wrapping a present and slip stitch it closed. There’s no need to sew where the batting overlaps length-wise, just sewing the ends will keep it in place.
10. Insert the batting-covered foam into your cushion cover (folding foam as needed to get that baby in there!), fold the raw edges of the opening under to match the 1/2-inch seam and pin closed.
11. Sew opening closed with a simple slip stitch or running stitch.
Create French Mattress Edge
12. Now it’s time to create the ‘mattress’ look for the cushion: Thread a long upholstery needle with a sturdy quilting or button thread, knot the end and insert needle into the seam at your starting point on one of the bottom edges – then pull to make your knot pop into the seam so it disappears. Now start sewing by grabbing about an inch of fabric and batting at the edge and sew at the base (mine is about 1/2″ from the sewn edge) using a 1/4″ running stitch.
13. Continue hand sewing the running stitch all around the top edge, rethreading and hiding your knots as you need, and the bottom edge.
14. The bottom pictures above show tips for hiding your starting and end knots when hand sewing: bring your needle up to the top of the seam from the running stitch and create the knot where the fabric comes together in the seam.
15. After making your ending knot, send your needle back through the seam and a bit of a way down into your side fabric. Pull your thread so it’s a bit tight and then snip – the end will ease back into your foam and you won’t see it or the finishing knot.
As you can see, you don’t need to worry about imperfections in your hand sewing – crooked stitches, different lengths, and such – it’s just part of the charm of this type of cushion – ha, at least that’s what I’m telling myself!
Create Tufting
16. Creating the tufted top – I’m not gonna lie, this is the toughest part of this project! And really, you don’t have to do it – I thought it looked fine with a plain top, but the tufting does add the mattress look we’re after, so it is a nice finishing touch. Start by marking where your tufts should be using a disappearing ink fabric marker (or light pencil mark – you really won’t see it after the tufting) on the top and bottom of the cushion. For reference, my cushion is 38″ x 16″ and I marked 8 tufts by dividing the length by 5 (to get 4 equally spaced tufts along the length) and marking 5″ in from the sides.
17. Use a heavy-duty button and upholstery thread if you have it, because there’s a lot of pressure on the tufts and you want them to last as long as possible. Even with the thick thread, I still double-threaded the needle for even more strength.
18. Starting from the bottom of the cushion, insert your needle at your mark and, squeezing the cushion as much as possible, bring the needle through the foam, batting and fabric to your mark on the top, leaving a long tail of thread on the bottom. Re-insert the needle close to where it came up through the top (optional: you can use a small fabric-coverd button here to create a button-style tufting) and go back through the foam, batting and fabric, squeezing again as you go, and pull the needle out close to where the starting thread is. Tie the thread ends together semi-tightly (not too tight as to tear the fabric over time, but not too lose or the tufting won’t be distinct) and clip the thread, leaving about 1/4-inch ends that will be visible on the bottom of the cushion. (Using small scissors like shown is the easiest when working on projects like this.)
19. Like I mentioned, this is hard – pulling the needle through 3″ thick foam and hitting my marks was way more difficult than I expected and I found two things that made it a bit easier:
- Using a leather thimble on my thumb allowed me to be able to push the end of the needle hard while pulling from the other side.
- Using my knee to hold down the foam when I was at the tying stage (this eased the pressure on the thread making it a breeze to tie without having to hold down the foam, too).
20. Repeat with all your marked areas until the tufting is complete.
Then sit back and enjoy your sweet tufted French mattress cushion!
Since I’ve seen similar cushions in catalogs for upwards of $129 (really!) I think this 2-3 hour diy project is totally worth it, don’t you?
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Laurie S says
Your instructions looked pretty easy to follow so….I purchased supplies today for this project! Wish me luck! Thanks for the project.
Jami says
Luck to you, Laurie!
kerry says
After searching diligently for a bench cushion that would match both my style AND dimensions that I could buy, I finally gave up and began searching for tutorials, instead. I am not a crafty person in the slightest (READ: my last and also first project was a quilt I created 25 years ago), but your tutorial was spot on and I am overjoyed with the results of this project! Thank you, Jami, for giving such thorough instructions which allowed this layman to follow along. A few tips for others like me (if there are any):
1) Jami’s timeline is about 1/8th of the amount of time that it took me to finish. My joke on Facebook was that after the full 2 hours I was still midway through Jami’s step #1. It took me four days of intermittent work.
2) Maybe Jami could expound on the instructions for making the corners? That was a complete mystery to me, and it is the one part that did not turn out so great and needs to be hidden against the back of the bench ๐ )
3) I used buttons for the tufting which I covered myself. I think the project would turn out great with or without them, but I found that buttons can cover a multitude of errors, if necessary. Also, I purchased a very long needled to push through the foam. The pros to that are that you don’t have to kneel on the cushion to get it through, the cons are that the long needle is probably more difficult to redirect in order to hit your mark.
Either way, Jami, I cannot thank you enough! I’m so pleased with these results and I definitely could not have done it without your great instructions! I wish that I could post pictures but I’m not sure how.
Jami says
Whew, I’m so happy to know that this tutorial worked so well for you, Kerry! Thank you for adding your tips (including your timeline, lol – though I was surprised you’d take this on without much experience kudos!) – every bit helps.
You’re right, I do need to provide more details on the corners, and it would be best in a video – which is why I haven’t done that yet. It’s on my to-do list. ๐
Joyce Kalbach says
I did it. I did it. I really did it. I tore it apart three times before I found what I was doing wrong. When you measure the inch out from the cushion that is your seam allowance but you are going to sew using 1/2 in seam only. The extra is for the edging.
When you cut the edge side pieces you add same one inch for seam allowance on the LONG edges only. The short edges that will make you corners you only use an half inch when cutting and use it all to sew.
Then the top and bottom fit into the square “ring”.
Jami says
Yay! Yes, this is exactly it. ๐
Scd913 says
Thank you for this tutorial! I have been looking for something like this for a long time. I too was confused by some of your wording but I believe after reading thru all the comments I’ve got it. Perhaps it would help if you labeled on an existing photo what you refer to as the corner seams. Thank you again!
Jami says
That’s a good idea!
Melanie says
Great tutorial! I might add that you can strengthen the buttonhole twist thread, by slipping through some beeswax. Also a long (longer) needle really helps with these projects. I have some 6โ, 8โ and 12โ in length that I got at Calico Corners years ago.
Jami says
Wonderful tips, Melanie – thank you! I will have to look for long needles like those.
Jeff says
Hi Jami,
What foaming and batting material did you use? I’m trying to make one for our living room to replace our couch (floor seating style) and I’m trying to find some materials on amazon to order.
I would really appreciate your help!
Jami says
I used a basic foam – I think it may have even been from a camping foam I cut down. They make a high-density foam that is supposed to last longer for things that get a lot of use – like a couch – but it is more expensive. For batting I used a 6oz poly batting – if you’d like more loft, you can go with a thicker 8 or 10 oz.
Zena says
Try putting a sheet of plastic around your foam before putting it into the cover. Pull it out before you sew.
Jami says
Does this make it easier to get on and off? Sounds like a good option!
Ruchira says
Hi,
How much did the supplies cost you?
Thanks,
Ruchira
Liokee says
Hi! I love the look of your cushion, but I’m having the same problems as a few other people – I cannot, for the life of me, get the corners to match up neatly. No matter how much I try to pull out that extra ease, it refuses to work, and now all my fabric is beginning to unravel all over and I think my stitch ripper is dulling from the number of times I’ve had to rip back and try again!
Is it possible that we have different ideas of “easing around a corner”? My fabric has zero stretch, so I can’t really pull it out like I would if I was easing it around a curve, rather than a right angle corner. I thought you said somewhere that you used a cotton drop cloth, which is very similar to the fabric I’m using (cotton canvas), so I’m stumped as to why I can’t get the same results!
Jami says
Ugh, again I’m sorry it’s not working for you. I didn’t really have a problem with it as I did it, so had no clue it was going to be so difficult for some people. I do think you’ve given me a clue, though – other fabrics could make a difference. The dropcloth I was using DID have a good amount of stretch (maybe because it was a looser weave than canvas?). At this point, can you cut your seat and bottom fabric smaller and see if that works? You will just have less fabric to pinch for the edges, but you should still be able to pinch some.
mandy cooper says
Hi Jami, I was trying to follow your instructions (I usually make roman blinds so this is not my first sewing project). It feels like I followed the instructions; added 1 inch all the way around the top and bottom pieces (that makes them 1.5 inches wider than the short side pieces). So the pieces won’t fit together. I have pondered and pondered what I am doing wrong, and its driving me insane ๐
the side pieces sown together fit around the cushion, its the top pieces that seem too big for everything to come together. Any ideas what I am not following correctly, or not understanding?
Jami says
Oh, Mandy, I’m sorry- I don’t want to be a part of driving you nuts! To be honest, I just made this like I do most things, winging it as I went, not even sure it would turn out. When it did, I wanted to share it – but as you can tell from the comments, many people are having issues with this like you are. Sigh – I thought I was being clear, ha!
Basically, you’ve got to have extra fabric to pinch and sew, but only on the top and bottoms – not the side seams. I cut the tops and bottoms bigger like I show and then just pulled and eased the fabric to match. If you need to cut your tops and bottoms a bit smaller to be able to ease the fabric to match, then do it – your mattress edges will just be a bit smaller. Do you know how to ease fabric around corners, etc.? It’s that concept, though you’ll have to do it all the way around. It works best with natural fibers like cotton and linen.
Kristy says
I want to make one of these for an awesome headboard bench I found. I am not a very experienced sewer but I am good at following directions. Did you ever make a video of this? I am still having a hard time with the cutting dimensions. Also do you think this would work with a softer thinner fabric? I found the best fabric for my project look wise and its in the home decor section but its thinner and smoother than yours. Thanks!!
Jami says
It will work with any fabric you’d like, Kristy. I haven’t made a video of this – sorry! You just want to cut enough extra to be able to have enough fabric to pinch the edges to hand-sew, but not on the corners since we don’t want extra fabric there. So the seat and bottom pieces will be longer than the sides when sewn together and you’ll need to ease the corners to get them to fit. I think there are You Tube videos about easing fabric – maybe that will help?
Kristy says
Hi! Once I figured out which seams needed to be shorter I figured it out and I am a barely novice sewer! I just know a straight stitch but I am a good learner and I feel genetics helps. My cushion turned out fantastic in my opinion. Not perfect but since it’s a French country rustic antique glam blah blah look I think it works!! Btw afternour move I couldn’t find the machine my mom bought me about 9 years ago so I did it all by hand! If you have a way I can add a pic if your interested! Either way thanks so much for a great tutorial!
Jami says
Oh, I’m so glad it worked, Kristy!! And I’m in awe that you did it all by hand – major kudos to you. ๐ I’d love to see it – you can either email it to me or upload it to AOC’s FB page.
Laura Richardson says
I have a tufted french matress style bench cushion from Pier One and need to make another one to match a size that is not available. The tufting, however, goes not only down from the top to bottom, but from sides to sides, and end to end … as it appears. I can use an 18 inch tufting needle for the side to sides, but can’t figure out how they do the end to end of something about 41″ long … any ideas?
Jami says
Oh, wow, sorry, I don’t. That just sounds hard to me. ๐
mrsben says
Came by way of Pinterest. Excellent job and tutorial! Even though I am a sewer myself, at first I didn’t comprehend what you were making as we (in Canada) call them ‘cushions’ … . -Brenda-
Jami says
Thanks so much!
mrsben says
You are more than welcome Jamie! Wishing you a beautiful day/evening. -Brenda-
Pam says
Would it be possible for you to do a utube demonstration of the cutting portion , adding 1″ all around but only 1/2 on the other. I’m sorry but I am just not getting it…..I’m a visual learner.
I have sewn for years but I just don’t understand clearly.
Thank you, I love your work….fabulous!
Jami says
I know, I totally should have gotten a visual on this, Pam! I’ll try to put this on my to-do list!
Natalie says
I love your cushion!! I’m in the middle of creating my own. But I have read and reread the measurement section to see where I have gone wrong, but am still stumped. My top and bottom are a 1 inch longer than the side pieces (1/2 inch longer on each end). So as I am trying to “ease” around the edges I’m not sure if that implies that I should be taking in extra fabric from the top piece to accommodate for the extra length from the top, or is the side fabric supposed to curve along making it to the edge of the top fabric only along the middle 2/3 of the seam? Thank you for any thoughts or suggestions!!
Jami says
Do whatever you need to do to get extra fabric on the top and bottom seems to pinch and sew for the mattress edge, while still keeping the corners fitted to the cushion size. I eased it in such a way for this to happen, and I guess it’s hard for me to explain well, since I get a lot of comments like yours. Sorry!
Barbara Hill says
Great Tutorial…. For making the tufts I have a “doll” needle (I don’t know if that is the right name…) It is 6-8″ long and makes it much easier to go through the foam…Thanks for all your work on this tutorial…
Jami says
That’s a great tip, Barbara – thanks, I’ll look for that!
Lana Gordon Rast says
Terrific! This is so adorable, my daughter found this pin and now I am going to make her one! Thank you so much for sharing this with everyone.
Jami says
You’re welcome, Lana – I’m glad you are using the tutorial!
B. Ward says
Jami
Today I decided to follow your tutorial and make the mattress cushion. I cut out my fabric,
which was $40 a yard, to your specifications of 1″ extra along the long sides and 1/2″ extra
along the short sides. Since I am having a great deal of trouble trying to make this fit now
I went back to reread your instructions and comments. Only to discover that you admit to
making a big error in your cutting instructions. Wow!
Any suggestions to save this situation, besides a fabric stretcher?
Jami says
Sorry for the confusion, Barb!! I read back through the directions and comments and can’t find where I “admit to a big error” in my cutting instructions. I clarified the original instructions for some people, is that what you mean? Here is the original wording where I tried to say that all the edges except the corner seams should be cut 1″ larger:
“For the cushion side pieces, only mark 1/2-inch where the side corner pieces come together, but for long sides at the top and bottom edges, leave the 1-inch seam.”
Maybe ‘where the corner pieces come together’ isn’t clear to people and for that I’m sorry! I have added more to that part to be clearer that it’s only the corner seams that need to be the normal 1/2″ allowance.
monica bendele says
I want to do this, but I want to make giant cushions for a couch and make them 6-7″ thick. Any recommendations for the tufting?
Jami says
Wow, that would be challenging, Monica! Mine was just under 3″ and I really had to work at it. I used my knee to press the foam as narrow as I could – I guess it’s how small you could get it to be able to get your needle through. I hope it works!
Fernando says
Jami, do you happen to have a video of you creating the tufts? My wife made this beautiful window bench cushion using your tutorial, but is still challenged on how to make the tuft w/o a button or a big knot.
Jami says
I’m sorry, I don’t – but that’s a good idea! In the meantime – is your wife using just a heavyweight upholstery thread? It doesn’t usually leave large knots – that’s what I used.
Fernando says
She ended up doing X’s to secure the tufts and she finished the project today. Looks beautiful.
Jami says
Great – that’s a good option!