A Happy New 2014 to you all!
To kick off the new year, I have included a guest post of a project to be done now so you will be ready for the good weather when it arrives...
DIY: Recover Your Outdoor
Cushions for Fall
Recovering your deck chair seat cushions and outdoor
throw pillows requires some patience, a sewing machine and a fair amount of
time and fabric. Common sense comes in very handy as well!
The first step
is to examine your cushions' interior material. If you find after checking one
seat cushion or back cushion that they are free from any nasty little bugs
or mold or mildew then congratulations - your work just got easier. It is much
easier to re-cover using the already covered ones than to strip them all as it
retains its shape better and the work lasts longer.
Note: If you do find that the
interior is rotted then it is best to buy mold resistant foam cushion
blocks.
Fabric: The best time to buy fabric is at
the end of the season as often it is on clearance for 50% off or more. Choose a
very sturdy weather resistant (duck cloth, canvas, marine grade vinyl, polyester
outdoor canvas). The choice of material really depends on the exposure your
chairs will have to inclement weather. Finding one that is
completely waterproof and still comfortable is impossible. Make the job of
measuring, cutting and lining up while sewing easier by choosing a stripped or
geometric pattern. Consider the vast array of colors available - there is no
need to match it with your indoor color scheme. The great thing about patio
furniture is that you can have some fun with mixing and matching designs. Plain
back cushion, geometric seat cushion and stripped throw pillows all in the same
tones will look fabulous. Remember to wash and dry the material before
measuring and cutting.
Materials
Required:
- Heavy duty scissors - I like using
zig-zag scissors for canvas-like material to keep unraveling to
a minimum.
- Measuring tape or stick.
- Ensure you have a heavy gauge needle and
appropriate thread for the job.
- These are average measurements so
please double check the size of your own seat cushions. The average cushion
on outdoor furniture will need about one yard of fabric for each, assuming
the fabric is fifty-four inches wide.
- Pins.
Those with
advanced sewing techniques may wish to include contrasting piping or zippers
but to keep it quite simple for everyone, sewing with a gift-wrapping box like
shape in mind for the final look is the fastest and easiest to accomplish.
1.
Lie material face down with the foam or upholstered cushion on
top.
2.
Wrap the fabric length-wise leaving at least a 1/2 inch seam
allowance on the 2 sides and enough fabric to be able to fold over the entry
end of the cover.
3.
Pin to ensure the tightest fit without squeezing the foam.
4.
Sew double seams on 2 sides starting from the folded end leaving
1 end completely open.
5.
Fit over foam with the right side out and tack the two corners
with a pin.
6.
Remove cover, turn inside-out and sew the two corners on an
angle (think gift wrapping).
7.
Return the foam into the cover (right side out this time), fold
the end fabric to form and 'envelop' gift closure with an over-lapped folded
edge and hand sew the final large seam and four small 'tucked'
seams.
Voila - complete, fresh, renewed, jazzy and oh so
simple!
Good luck!!
