Need A Pattern Stern Rail Cushions

[hoganc]

I would like to make cushions for the rails on my Hunter 260 stern rail seats. Does anyone have a pattern or suggestions on how to cut out the material so that it will conform to the curvature of the rails and not pucker, fold, and pinch? Any help appreciated.

[TrueBlue]

hogan,
I'm not too familiar with Hunter stern rail cushions, but I imagine the construction is no different than most. I don't believe you use a technique which would "pucker, fold & pinch" the fabric - rather, a three piece process using a piping edge for durability and better form.

Here are two pics from the Hunter Owner's website . . .

[hoganc]

Thanks for your reply. What I am wanting to make are the cushions for the curved stern rail. These are made using 1" pipe insulation covered by a suitable material (sunbrella) and closed by a velcro strip. The reason I asked for a pattern is that the sunbrella material will not just wrap the foam insulation in the curved shape without puckering, wrinkling, or folding. You can see the cushion I am speaking of in the link photos you provided.

[TrueBlue]

Ohhh . . . the rail back cushions.

Rail Back Cushions


Increase the comfort of your stern rail seats While stern rail seats are a terrific place to sit, the rail digging into your back can get uncomfortable. Make the comfort lasting with Stern Rail Back Cushions. These cushions are designed to compliment all Hunter factory installed stern rail seats. (Stern Rail Seat Cushions are sold separately - see link below.) The cushions fit snugly along the curve of the stern rail. They are covered with Sunbrella which makes them resistant to mildew, rot, and UV rays. Plus, they can be made in any color to match your existing canvas. The Sunbrella cover wraps around the rail cushion and closes along the bottom with velcro. The ends cinch up with small draw strings. These cushions will dramatically increase the comfort of your stern rail seats.



Nevermind then . . . don't have a pattern (g). Good luck anyway.

[MMR]

Originally Posted by hoganc

...the sunbrella material will not just wrap the foam insulation in the curved shape without puckering, wrinkling, or folding...

The trick to no puckering, etc, is to cut a CURVED pattern. Should be easy enough to make your own.

Get a piece of paper (I recommend freezer paper - available at any grocery store) and hold up under the rail (might need another pair of hands for this). Trace the shape of the rail, inside and outside curve. Then calculate the necessary width of the pattern (rail diameter + overlap for velcro + any seaming). From the CENTER LINE of the shape traced, add on the necessary width. TADA...you have a pattern.

If you use freezer paper, you can then cut out the paper pattern and iron it onto the sunbrella fabric (the little bit of wax on the paper will melt and temporarily afix the pattern to the fabric, but will easily pull off when you are done cutting). Pattern will be sturdy enough to reuse several times.

[hoganc]

Thanks for the idea on making the pattern and especially for the tip to use the freezer paper. I am off to Wallyworld. Hope you sail this weekend.