Convert Plastic Shopping Bags Into Waterproof Outdoor Cushions – No Special Skills Required

Most of us have an ever-growing collection of plastic shopping bags stuffed in a drawer or cabinet. Meanwhile, outdoor furniture cushions can be expensive and often fail to withstand weather conditions, becoming waterlogged and moldy after just a few rainstorms. Instead of contributing more plastic to landfills, why not transform those bags into durable, waterproof cushions for your patio furniture? This simple upcycling project requires no special skills and minimal supplies, making it perfect for even the most novice DIYer.

The Solution: DIY Waterproof Outdoor Cushions from Plastic Bags

Materials You’ll Need:

• 30-50 plastic shopping bags (number depends on desired cushion size)
• Fabric for outer cover (outdoor fabric recommended)
• Scissors
• Iron
• Parchment or wax paper
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Measuring tape
• Pins

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare your plastic bags
   Flatten out each bag and cut off the handles and the bottom seam. Unfold the bag so it becomes a flat rectangle. Clean any dirty bags by wiping them with a damp cloth.

2. Create plastic sheets
   Place a sheet of parchment paper on your ironing surface. Layer 6-8 plastic bag rectangles on top of each other. Cover with another sheet of parchment paper. With your iron on a low heat setting (no steam), press down for 3-5 seconds. Move the iron and repeat until the entire surface has been heated and the bags begin fusing together. Allow to cool completely.

3. Test your plastic sheet
   Once cooled, check that the layers have fused properly by gently tugging at the edges. If layers separate, repeat the ironing process. The sheet should be flexible but strong.

4. Create multiple plastic sheets
   Repeat steps 2-3 until you have enough sheets to fill your desired cushion size. For a standard 16″ × 16″ seat cushion, you’ll need approximately 4-5 fused sheets.

5. Measure and cut your fabric
   Measure the dimensions for your cushion. For a basic square cushion, cut two identical squares of fabric, adding 1″ on all sides for seam allowance. For example, for a 16″ × 16″ cushion, cut two 18″ × 18″ fabric squares.

6. Prepare the fused plastic filling
   Cut your fused plastic sheets to approximately 1″ smaller than your finished cushion size (e.g., 15″ × 15″ for a 16″ × 16″ cushion).

7. Layer your plastic sheets
   Stack your fused plastic sheets on top of each other until you reach your desired cushion thickness (typically 4-6 sheets). For added structure, you can use a few dots of hot glue between layers to keep them aligned.

8. Sew the fabric cover
   Place your fabric pieces right sides together and pin around the edges. Sew three sides completely. On the fourth side, sew about 3/4 of the way, leaving an opening large enough to insert your plastic filling.

9. Turn and insert filling
   Turn the fabric cover right side out through the opening. Insert your stacked plastic sheets through the opening, making sure they lay flat and reach all corners.

10. Complete the cushion
    Hand-stitch the opening closed using a slip stitch or whip stitch. For extra durability, double stitch any areas that will receive the most wear.

11. Optional: Add ties or fasteners
    If you want to secure the cushion to furniture, add fabric ties to the corners before completing step 10. Cut four 12″ strips of fabric, fold in half lengthwise, and sew to create ties. Pin these to the inside corners before sewing the cover together.

Tips and Considerations:

• Choosing the right fabric: Select outdoor fabric or treated canvas for best weather resistance. These fabrics are designed to resist fading and repel water.

• Thickness matters: The more layers of fused plastic you use, the firmer your cushion will be. For a softer cushion, use fewer layers but add a thin layer of polyfill batting on top of your plastic sheets.

• Ventilation is important: Work in a well-ventilated area when ironing plastic, as it can release fumes. Keep the iron moving to prevent burning the plastic.

• Color coordination: Sort your bags by color before fusing for an interesting effect if your fabric is somewhat transparent.

• Maintenance: One advantage of these cushions is easy cleaning – simply wipe with a damp cloth. If the outer fabric gets dirty, it can be spot cleaned without worrying about damaging internal foam.

• Seasonal considerations: While these cushions are weatherproof, prolonged sun exposure can eventually break down plastic. Consider storing cushions in a shaded area or bringing them inside during extended periods of non-use.

• Eco-friendly variations: If you’re concerned about plastic degradation, use the plastic only as an internal waterproof barrier and add natural fillings like buckwheat hulls or textile scraps as additional padding.

Troubleshooting:

• Plastic not fusing properly: Your iron may be too cool or you’re not holding it in place long enough. Increase heat slightly or extend pressing time.

• Plastic melting or burning: Your iron is too hot. Reduce heat and ensure you’re using parchment paper as a barrier.

• Cushion too firm: Add a thin layer of fiberfill batting on top of the plastic sheets before closing the cover.

• Cushion too floppy: Add more layers of fused plastic or create a more rigid internal frame by adding cardboard covered in fused plastic.

With this simple upcycling project, you’ve not only found a practical use for those accumulated shopping bags but also created durable, waterproof cushions that will withstand the elements far better than many store-bought alternatives. The waterproof core ensures these cushions won’t become waterlogged during unexpected rain showers, while the customizable fabric covers let you match any outdoor decor. Best of all, you’ve kept dozens of plastic bags out of landfills and saved money in the process – an eco-friendly, budget-conscious solution that anyone can accomplish in a single afternoon.