Seat Cushions: Alternative method to the norm

[artbyjody]

Thought I would post up an idea I am trying out. I do not enjoy the hassles I have to go through to remove cushions and then the boards that support the seating. I find it awkward to have a two-step process and the supporting boards are for the most part to large to just set anywhere. Additionally it makes it a hassle to get under the cushions to get one item and have to remove two cushions etc...

So I took this:



Using the cushions placed on the on the boards - painters tape is used to mark the dimensions of the new frames.



I cut out frames that would sit in place and measured for the size of the cushions. I took 1/4 inch off the measurements of the original board slat dimensions to compensate for batting, compressed foam and the new vinyl. Then using mat roving stapled to the underside of the frames. The vinyl will be stapled on the underside inner portion of the frame.



Here you see the tops of the new seating frames. Spare white marine vinyl was then cut to affix to the tops. This was to prevent resin from soaking through to the plastic, as well as for rigidity.




Then these were flipped over and resin and additional re-enforcing cloth was added...Picture above is the application of the resin...

Luckily - since I own a sewing machine but have not really learned how to use, Dana is sewing the cushions...

We are using a $80 sewing machine - works well:



This is one of the cushions about ready to be installed into the new frames.



Will post the completed project once all done. Hopefully this works the way I intend and now can get easier - one cushion remove access to everything. The old cushions needed to be redone anyways. Plus, weight savings...the new framing is about 1/2 the weight of the solid wood...

The saloon seating will be two tone and color selections are a dark chocolate with light tan accent. Additionally, the cushions for the buttocks will now be 6 inches instead of four which will make sleeping and relaxing in the saloon more enjoyable after a hard day of sailing. Marine vinyl was selected since it is the easiest to clean and repels water and odor better than micro and the other outdoor fabrics of which nothing I could find suited my tastes....

[montenido]

Cool idea, can't wait for pics of the finished cushions.

Thanks, Bill

[tschmidty]

Looks really nice, looking forward to seeing it done.

[sander06]

The nice thing about experimenting is that you learn so many new skills along the way. Doing your own sewing, etc. is saving you a young fortune and the the best part is that if it doesn't work out, toss it and try it again. Try having that attitude after just dropping three grand on new cushions that aren't "just right"!!! I'm just in the process of doing a complete "makeover" of our old cabin cushions and pillows. I told my wife that if she doesn't like them when I'm done, I'll just make her some new ones. The foam is the most expensive part of the job except for my labor, which is priceless!!!!

Good for you to try something new in a very conservative sport/life-style.

[artbyjody]

Thanks everyone for the comments.

So, I have finally gotten my nose to the sewing machine. Have finished all 8 bottom cushions - well the sewing part. I still have to glass the starboard side frames and screw in the cushions to the existing completed frames.

What I learned sewing. Mind you I am using a $79.00 sewing machine that JoAnn's Fabric sold me on the basis of my only requirement : "A sewing machine that even a straight guy can use" (and yes I actually said that).

It takes about three hours to get the gist of it - frustration is evil when dealing with this "tool" and not conducive to progress. Tension is important when plowing through layers of vinyl. Using #14 - 90 needles (made for leather) - I went through needle breakages and a ton of jams due to either improper tension, staying in one spot too long, or hitting 3 layers instead of two. In the end I found that the hardest aspect was filling the bobbin. The bobbin is used to feed thread under the needle and makes for a locking stitch. If this is not wound just right - everything jams every few inches - if you are lucky to make an inch.

I used the blue 3M painters tape to secure the edges when feeding. I found it worked extrememly well and I didn't have to constantly worry about inserting needles or trying to keep the edges - by hand - together.

It is difficult to get a straight line but soon discovered minor imperfections were not to bad. If I jumped to far on a edge then I simply went back and sewed a new line where it should be and popped out the obtrusive wandering seam.

I used 1/2 inch borders for the templates so that if I did make a mistake I had room, and again difficult to get straight lines cut sometimes. For the portion that gets tucked in around the frame I left 5 inches. That is probably overkill but when I made a mistake here and there I could cut the piece off and use the other end to correct the mistake.

Anyways some pics of the progress...












The cushions for the back are going to be done two-tone. Magnets will secure the backrests to the wood. Instead of vinyl - using a tanish / gold Liz Claiborne microfiber. Will use the tan vinyly for piping and on the back side. It'll be the most challenging aspect of this.

[pegasus1457]

It just occurred to me -- we need a forum on boat interior decorating. A kind of nautical HGTV... We could have threads on upgrades to make your boat sell faster or bring a better price .... and compare notes on sewing machines and fabric remnant sources


My wife, who refuses to set foot on my boat (or any boat for that matter) would even participate in such a forum


[Hope nobody takes this personally -- my attempt at humor]

[retclt]

You come up with the coolest stuff! Thanks for the demo!

Question about the top right corner of the 3rd photo from the top of thread number 5 above. Do you drink a lot when you sew? If so you're really really good!

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by pegasus1457

It just occurred to me -- we need a forum on boat interior decorating. A kind of nautical HGTV... We could have threads on upgrades to make your boat sell faster or bring a better price .... and compare notes on sewing machines and fabric remnant sources


My wife, who refuses to set foot on my boat (or any boat for that matter) would even participate in such a forum


[Hope nobody takes this personally -- my attempt at humor]

I am just preparing for when my business tanks - I have another career I think I can handle being called the "decorator guide" it would warrant the paying for cable and watching all those "DIY" shows...

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by retclt

You come up with the coolest stuff! Thanks for the demo!

Question about the top right corner of the 3rd photo from the top of thread number 5 above. Do you drink a lot when you sew? If so you're really really good!

Wouldn't you if you were in front a sewing machine wondering "WTF do I do now!" . Actually just accumulation of a bachelor and have not had much company so...

[retclt]

Originally Posted by artbyjody

Wouldn't you if you were in front a sewing machine wondering "WTF do I do now!" . Actually just accumulation of a bachelor and have not had much company so...

Right on!

I figured the climate might have something to do with it.