The terms template and pattern both mean the same thing. It’s basically a design custom shape showing the exact dimensions you want for your new cushion. Web sites that make custom cushions to your specifications should always welcome your template. It shows them the exact shape and size you want your new cushions to be. Sometimes there is an additional charge to send in your own template, but it guarantees that your cushion will be made exactly the way you want it.
To accurately mark you template, you’re basically going to trace your old cushion. Just put the paper on the floor or table with the old cushion on top of it and trace around the edges. Cut your template out and put in on the couch (or chair, if that’s what you’re working on). You want to make sure it’s a good fit. Now, keep in mind that if your cushion was one of those raggedy old squishy ones I mentioned earlier, then you’ve just made a template for a new raggedy old squishy cushion. Fold your template in half to make sure the edges are symmetrical. Cut them if you need to. You may have to make several attempts before you get a template just like you want it.
Now, if Fido completely shredded the old cushion, and you’re trying to make a pattern for a cushion that’s no longer there, you can still do that too. Cut a piece of your template paper a little bigger than what you’ll need. Lay it on the spot where the cushion goes. Gently, without tearing the paper, kind of crease the edges to where you want the edges of the cushion to be. Like the other pattern, you want to fold it in half and check for symmetry. You may have to make several templates before you get exactly the one you want.