[JimMcGee]

I want to make a couple of small cushions for our boat but am sewing machine challenged.

I remember a while back someone posted about making some cushions using Sunbrella and a fabric adhesive but I can't find the post.

Eventually teaching myself to sew is on the to-do list, but this is something I just want to knock out quickly.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

[MarkSF]

You should be able to do a simple running stitch by hand. It's super easy, no machine required. All the machine is doing is speeding up the process.

Alternatively, just go to Ikea and buy some.

 

[THEFRENCHA]

Velcro is what you are looking for!

 

[aloof]

Hot glue. You can stitch it later.

 

[Christian Williams]

Making cushions by hand is a bear.

However, now's a good time to get that sewing machine-- since if you ever do, you'll regret not having it for this project.

Here's more than you ever wanted to know about getting started:

Sewmanship 1-the Sewing Machine - Blogs - EY.o Information Exchange

There are five more parts, links at the bottom of each entry.

 

[MarkSF]

If you go on Youtube, Sailrite have a number of instructional videos, that walk you through the complete process. They are very detailed and easy to follow. I'm sure there's one for cushions.

Personally, rather than doing a half-assed job now, I'd buy some Ikea cushions, and do it right later when you have a machine. How big of an emergency can salon cushions be?

 

[miatapaul]

I think there was an article last summer or so in Good old boat. The guy used contact cement. He stretchered the fabric around the foam and glued it to the back after the cement on both surfaces. Apparently lasted several years, and seemed to keep the fabric from unraveling.

 

[newhaul]

Check in the low buck thread http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/50044-low-buck-projects-lets-see-em.html probably in there somewhere

 

[tdw]

I want to make a couple of small cushions for our boat but am sewing machine challenged.
I remember a while back someone posted about making some cushions using Sunbrella and a fabric adhesive but I can't find the post.
Eventually teaching myself to sew is on the to-do list, but this is something I just want to knock out quickly.
Thanks in advance,
Jim

Jim, are you talking about scatter cushions or berth/settee cushions ?

If scatter then as suggested by MarkSF do the Ikea thing. They even do cushions in a water resistant (not waterproof) fabric. Cheap as chips and surprisingly good quality. Even their standard cushion covers are OK.

If berth then probably a bit more complicated. You could use a stretch fabric, though I admit I hate the stuff, with eyelets and elastic. Our girl came with a complete set of covers that slip over the original upholstery using a somewhat similar method, though there was some sewing.

 

[manatee]

Found these threads by googling
{like this:
site:http://www.sailnet.com/forums/ "cushions tape"
}

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/122098-best-way-get-cushions.html

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/139482-diy-cabin-cushion-covers.html

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/living-aboard/94245-salon-cushion-redo.html

*************************

 

[JimMcGee]

I think there was an article last summer or so in Good old boat. The guy used contact cement. He stretchered the fabric around the foam and glued it to the back after the cement on both surfaces. Apparently lasted several years, and seemed to keep the fabric from unraveling.

Bingo! That's what I was thinking of.

For those who posted about getting a machine and "doing it right", well I've already picked up a used machine for canvas projects but haven't had the time to learn it yet, and time is what's in short supply right now. We invested in professionally done salon and cockpit cushions, this is an add on idea.

I'm just looking to mock up and idea that will look decent, be usable for a while and can be easily modified. Once I'm happy with it I'll make the final version.

Thanks!

 

[asdf38]

For what its worth I also distinctly remember someone posting about a contact cement technique in the low buck project thread for cockpit cushions but I can't find the pictures.

 

[MedSailor]

Someone in the low buck thread used contact cement. I filed that pearl in my brain for later.

This next winter, when I'm jonsin' for a sail but can't, I plan to read that whole thread again.

 

[MarkSF]

Bingo! That's what I was thinking of.

For those who posted about getting a machine and "doing it right", well I've already picked up a used machine for canvas projects but haven't had the time to learn it yet, and time is what's in short supply right now. We invested in professionally done salon and cockpit cushions, this is an add on idea.

I'm just looking to mock up and idea that will look decent, be usable for a while and can be easily modified. Once I'm happy with it I'll make the final version.

Thanks!

What kind of machine is it? Is it a Sailrite? I got a new one for Christmas. I watched the instructional video that came with it, and read the manual through. Took maybe a couple of hours to get up to speed, but I've used sewing machines before.

 

[JimMcGee]

It's an old Sears machine, probably 40+ years old. It's supposed to be able to sew through multiple layers of denim so it should be fine for small canvas projects around the boat.

I just have to make time to learn it, and time is in short supply right now...

 

[tdw]

Jim,
If you use the glue method try inserting a thin sheet of ply. It will add stiffness to the base and might help the glue to hold. If you have a handheld staple gun you could even use that but the pply wouild need to be thicker.

 

[JimMcGee]

Jim,
If you use the glue method try inserting a thin sheet of ply. It will add stiffness to the base and might help the glue to hold. If you have a handheld staple gun you could even use that but the pply wouild need to be thicker.

Yep, and if it's not glued to the base it makes it easy to modify the cushion. Just pry out a few staples.

 

[MarkofSeaLife]

I want to make a couple of small cushions for our boat but am sewing machine challenged.

I remember a while back someone posted about making some cushions using Sunbrella and a fabric adhesive but I can't find the post.

Jim,

I got a sheet of foam and cut it into pieces the size of a pillow slip. Then I put the foam inside the pillow slips.

Works a treat, washable, and every $2 shop the world over has them in new, bright, exciting colours.

Mark