While second seed Makarova edged past countrywoman Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in Washington, Kuznetsova was the beneficiary of a withdrawal.
American Vania King cited a right hip injury as the reason for pulling out prior to the quarter-final.
Makarova, taking on the fifth-seeded Pavlyuchenkova, made the perfect start by breaking in the opening game.
A lengthy sixth game led to Pavlyuchenkova getting back on serve but, from 3-2 down in the tie-break, Makarova claimed five straight points to take the first set.
Makarova broke for a 2-0 lead in the second and dominated on serve, losing just eight return points for the set on her way to victory.
The Wimbledon quarter-finalist will be aiming to reach her fifth WTA Tour final and second of the year, having won in Thailand in February.
Sixth seed Kuznetsova, a two-time grand slam champion, remains on track for her first WTA crown since August 2010.
On the other side of the draw at the WTA International event played on hard courts, Marina Erakovic and Kurumi Nara will meet in the last four.
New Zealand's Erakovic overcame in-form Serbian Bojana Jovanovski 6-4 6-4, while Japan's Nara crushed Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic 6-3 6-1.
A one-time WTA tournament winner, Erakovic last reached a final in September 2013, and Nara is aiming to add to the Rio Open crown she claimed in February.
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