Question:
I have 6 chairs that go to out outdoor table and the covers need to be redone. You know the ones that go on outdoor furniture that go on the seat and up the back of chair.The have split in the seams and split where you sit on them.

The stuffing is still nice and thick and shaped but the outside covers are destroyed from use and weather.
I just hate to throw them out since they are still so thick and full. I am looking at making this my winter time project.
What type of material do I need to remake them. I could always buy more cushions but they run about $50 for a chair and I was thinking I could do it for less. They do match the unbrella but I'm not concerned with that.
Just getting ideas for now.
Answer:
I've never attempted cushions before, but I'm guessing that you'd need a heavyweight upholstery or outdoor-type (canvas?) cloth. It might be hard to sew them together on a regular sewing machine due to the bulk.
But I bet it would be pretty simple (and very inexpensive) to make some lightweight slipcovers, and just slide them on over the existing material.
Just a thought.
Answer:
Yes, slipcover that's what I should make. Do you think they would stay put or move all over the cushion?
Answer:
I'd say that most slipcovers do shift a bit, depending on how loose/tight they are, how they're connected, the material itself, etc.
Are the cushions connected? Meaning ... is the back-rest piece connected to the piece you sit on? If so, you may could make a long "pillowcase" with some ties where the cushion folds, and tie it in the back to help keep it from shifting. Then the open end at the bottom could be tucked under the cushion or zipped/buttoned/velcro'ed shut.
Just brainstorming.
Answer:
A "sunbrella" or other type outdoor fabric works well - look on Ebay for outdoor fabrics to give you an idea of the types available. Many at the fabric store are $$$. I've slipcovered (fairly poorly, I'm not a fab sewer) the cushions on the sofa and chair on my front screened porch. I used the "pillowslip" method - and it doesn't move around much and looks pretty good. The type you are needing should be even easier.
Answer:
My outdoor chair cushions are covered with sail cover material (normally used to make the protective cover for the mainsail on a sail boat). They are over 15 years old and still look great. Originally canvas was used but newer sail covers use a synthetic material that is very strong and durable yet still soft to the touch. I bought mine from a sail maker but awning makers probably carry it too. Great stuff for outdoor use but not cheap.
Answer:
Fabric-backed vinyl is actually fairly easy to sew with, and would provide a water-proof cover for your cushions, and it can also be made into a slipcover. It is possible to reuse the inner portion of the cushion and remake the whole thing. If you are careful removing the original covering use it as a pattern and add in the seam allowances (generous). I have done it both ways, and either works. Initially when I read your post I was leaning towards slipcovers, but when you indicated the seams were broken, and the covering split, I think you'd be better off taking the old off, and putting on new because the breaks in material would have a tendency to make the cushions less comfortable to sit on if they were just covered over. After you sew the cushions if you use the vinyl, there is a product that you can coat the seams with where the needle goes through the vinyl that will make the seams watertight as well as the rest of the cushion. I don't remember the name of it, but any good fabric store can tell you.
PS: You can remake the cushions with cording which does give a nice sharp edge to the seat, but making it without gives just as nice a seat, and saves a whole bunch of trouble! If you opt for a non-vinyl cushion cover, I would insert a zipper along the back edge so you can take the cover off and throw into the washer every now and then.
Answer:
The seat and back is all one piece. I just didn't know if this is possible to make new cover for the cushions or not. I can remove the old covering, that part will be no problem. I was just wondering if the material will stay put or move around. I guess buying the right material is a must. What's on it now is like a canvas. Thanks for all the suggestions and now to find some material.
It will probably take me till next summer to get them all done.
Answer:
I'd start with a search for Sunbrella. It's acrylic, I think, and specially treated to resist sun damage and fading.
There are some specialty sites that carry it. I'm too sleepy to look them up right now, but I think a search for the trademarked name Sunbrella should yield a bunch of info.
If you just take one of the cushions (partly?) apart (keeping the pieces for a pattern) you'll know soon enough if they'll hold together. I'm guessing they will, but only trying will tell you for sure. Is the stuffing coming out in bunches through the splits?
Ealine
Answer:
The stuffing is all in one piece and in perfect condition.