How to Make a Foam Cushion
Measure the space you need to fill with cushions. Draw a pattern if needed. Sew your cushion covers to have the dimensions of the space they need to fill.
The seam allowance for tops, bottoms and boxing (sides) is 1/2 ". Cut foam to a size that includes the seam allowance on width, length and thickness, thusly compressing the foam a total of 1" in all three directions (allow less compression for firmer foams). A thin dacron wrap does not affect these allowances.
Use the fabric itself for the pattern. Measure from side to side and place a pin in the center of the deck, front and back. Cut the fabric 2” larger than the area the cushion will fit. On a sofa, pin the fabric ½” in from the side and pin it over the center locator pins. Then smooth out the fabric and using a long chalk, tapered to a thin point, hold the chalk straight up and down and chalk along the back and up the side. Then hold the chalk straight up and down on the front seat and under the cushion fabric and chalk the front. Then remove the fabric and add ½” seam allowance to the back, side and the front, from the chalk lines. Then use the cover as a pattern to cut the foam.
Many people are using memory foam for cushions on a hard surface like dinettes. Memory foam "flows" and conforms so as not to create hot spots. You can sit in comfort for hours. Use a higher density memory foam than the memory foam used in mattress toppers. It goes by several trade names - TempurFoam, NASA foam, Confor, etc. and is available in several densities. Green is extra firm, then blue, pink, yellow (soft).
If cushions are made to fit too tight, the adjacent cushion can buckle when you sit down.
- Wikipedia article on Upholstery
- Upholster.com
- Upholsterers & Soft Furnishing Fabricators -- Recovering the World website
- Carrscorner.com - The Purpose of this webpage is to educate you about foam cushion materials which are used in furniture.
Leather and Upholstery Supplies
- Rochford Supply
- Chair Care - patio furniture parts and strapping
- Restrapit parts and clips
- Great Lakes Fabrics Wholesale upholstery fabric, leather and supplies