Uphostery sewing help

jandj-2002 · 04-28-2008, 10:24 AM

Hi Ladies,
I have a wrought iron sofa and chair I want to recover for the screened in porch. I'm not willing to redo the cushions as you see them with all the piping and all. I was hoping I could make covers for the cushions by just making a little "box" for them, slipping them in and closing them up some how. I'd like to stay away from zippers or buttons, could I use velcro to close them? Is velcro hard to work with? And lastly, which of the fabrics do you like? Here are some pics so you know what I"m talking about. TIA

ETA: We also have hunter green wrought iron table and chairs in there too, so it has to go along with that.

Carol in Maryland · 04-28-2008, 10:27 AM

Love both fabrics, but the second one is my fave. The box idea is a good one, with only one problem - if the underlying cushion still has its piping, it will create a lump and your fabric will wear unevenly. Working with velcro is a snap, as long as you have a machine foot that doesn't snag on the loops while you are sewing it on.

Gatsby · 04-28-2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carol in Maryland

Love both fabrics, but the second one is my fave. The box idea is a good one, with only one problem - if the underlying cushion still has its piping, it will create a lump and your fabric will wear unevenly. Working with velcro is a snap, as long as you have a machine foot that doesn't snag on the loops while you are sewing it on.

Ditto completely.

You might be able to mitigate the wear issue by putting a layer of batting between the fabric and the pillow. Just cut a strip and stick it in there.

I think the box-pillow idea with velcro will work really well, especially with the stripes.

ThatSuzyGirl · 04-28-2008, 10:34 AM

I like the big stripes better, easier on the eye in large quantities. I agree with the others about the bating and wanted to suggest that you might like to add piping of your own. You can buy it to make yourself or in a solid color premade. It will finish the edges of your cushions really nicely!
Suzy

Vanesa · 04-28-2008, 10:35 AM

I like both fabric, I think I like more the second one. I agree what Carol said. I'm not very good at sewing so when doing pillows or dog beds I use the piping that you can buy and it's super easy, just one extra sewing before putting everything together.

jalapeno_76 · 04-28-2008, 10:51 AM

I agree with all of the above!

Making your own piping is SIMPLE! I was always intimidated by it, but decided to give it a try when I made Little Mr's crib bedding--so easy! Now I always add piping to a project if I can

Oh - and I love the second material (with the greens in it). You'll have to post a finished picture.

KBtotheBB · 04-28-2008, 10:54 AM

I also like the 2nd fabric as well! I don't have much sewing advice to offer, but that couch and chair are going to look great!!!

symesa · 04-28-2008, 01:51 PM

I love the 2nd fabric with the greens...but it is lighter so you might end up with more stains and whatnot showing...just something to keep in mind.

BTW, when sewing with velcro, use a new needle (I think most people don't change their needle often enough) so that it pierces through it better.

jaarr · 04-28-2008, 01:59 PM

you will get no sewing advice from me, but I also vote for the second fabric with green in it, It's a great way to bring in the green from the outside. does that make sense?
And, bc I think you need more projects

I might also consider painting the furniture a dark brown or black, or maybe tan. Then serving some garden cocktails to celebrate project completion. Or maybe just a nice summery corona, I'll bring the chips and guacamole.