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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Selene
Date: 08-04-2005, 08:31 AM (1 of 9)
Hi all! I am going to make some squab cushions for some wooden chairs (I think that's how they are called: box cushions with piping on top and bottom with ties to secure them to the back chairlegs). I have a few questions:

1. I want to insert a zip at the back of each cushion. I suppose I have to do this in the welt, so the back piece will actually be 2 pieces, top and bottom, so that I can insert the zip there, and the rest of the welt I thought of doing in one piece (would surround the whole of the cushion, except for the back piece). Is this correct?

2. Where exactly do I attach the ties?

3. Will the welt's height be exactly that of the foam (plus seam allowances) or perhaps a little smaller for a perfect fit?

4. The fabric I am going to use is a nice cotton I found which matches the rest of the furniture in the room perfectly, but because of the nature of the fabric I thought that perhaps it is necessary to fuse a light interfacing to it?

Thankyou very much!
Selene
User: Selene
Member since: 03-03-2004
Total posts: 71
From: beachgirl
Date: 08-04-2005, 11:30 AM (2 of 9)
I made box cushions a couple years ago. Still useing them. I didn't use a zipper as I used the green 2'' foam & a zipper would have made it much harder to fit inside the cushions. I made a pattern of the chair seat, marked where I wanted the ties to be. Made the top piece ( mine are country so quilted 2 1/2 squares with batting & backing ). Then made the same way the 2 1/2" squares for the depth of the foam & attached that to the top with the pipeing,top & bottom. For the underside I made the 2 piece split bottom. Can't think what it's called at the moment, where one piece is larger than the other & is overlapped. As I was sewing that on I sewed the ties where they should be placed. When I cut the foam insert I used the same pattern I made useing an electric knife. Inserted the foam & perfect. Have wash them a number of times & they are still like new. Make sure you have enough overlap on the under side & you won't have a problem at all. I make a lot of my toss cushions with that type of backing also. If I was useing a zipper I'd insert it in the middle of the back strip before I sewed it to the top & bottom while it's a flat piece. Also make it as long as possible.
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
From: MaryW
Date: 08-05-2005, 09:02 AM (3 of 9)
Great advice beachgirl! :bluesmile When inserting the foam, cover one end with a plastic bag and the foam will slide in much easier. Then just pull out the plastic. Slick as can be.

Beachgirl, I think of you often. I love Naples.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: beachgirl
Date: 08-05-2005, 10:01 AM (4 of 9)
Mary, Thanks for remembering the plastic over the foam bit. I forgot that tip. A senior moment ? NOT!!! LOL. :re:
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
From: Hogmami
Date: 08-05-2005, 10:33 AM (5 of 9)
Are you talking about the envelope style cushion? i hve used that way alot too.
Carolyn
Michigan
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004
Total posts: 800
From: beachgirl
Date: 08-05-2005, 11:32 AM (6 of 9)
I think that's what it's called. Where one piece is longer than the other end & the longer one laps over the shorter one & are sewn together down the sides onto the front piece. Some folks put button,snaps or some velcro if they are afraid it will gap open. I've never had a problem with that. Buttons are a cute added decoration.
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
From: bridesmom
Date: 08-09-2005, 06:47 AM (7 of 9)
My mil made a great suggestion which I haven't done yet (one of those 'to do' things) She suggested using a small piece of elastic between the tie and the cushion to give it a little 'give' room. I didn't do that with mine, and I am forever sewing the stupid ties back on as they rip off when people use the chairs. One of these days, I'll redo all my cushions.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: beachgirl
Date: 08-09-2005, 10:45 AM (8 of 9)
That is a great suggestion. Might try that next time. I haven't had any problem with my ties. It's a wonder though as my youngest GD has learned to tie her shoes useing all my ties on the chair cushions. She still loves to play with them. Guess they passed the kid test. LOL. :bg:
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
From: Selene
Date: 08-16-2005, 07:07 AM (9 of 9)
Thanks a lot for the advice! Very helpful! :up:
Selene
User: Selene
Member since: 03-03-2004
Total posts: 71
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