Need a laugh? Check out my first attempt sewing cushions

[kito]

I have had my Reliable Barracuda sewing machine for a week now. After practicing on scrap fabric and sewing my curtains I decided to make an attempt at my first boat cushion. It didn't turn out very good as you can see I must have cut the fabric too big and reusing the plastic piping cord didn't help.....to stiff and had bends in it that was set-in from the old covers. I reused the vinyl bottom that had the zipper already on it. The bottom looks better than the top . Anyway, I have learned a lot and will be doing this one over. I ordered some foam piping cord from Sailrite which will make a big difference, plus I will measure better and cut straighter next go round.

 

[Stu Jackson]

But at least you tried. Nice.

 

[justsomeguy]

That Bud Light, or B'light, as I like to call it, couldn't have hurt your first attempt, could it?

That stuff's like water.

Looks comfy to me, but the artist is always his own worst critic.

 

[Dunlookin]

Let's Put This In Perspective....

At a young age we had four wheels on our bicycle.
Once, we had a learner's permit.
Our first love was seldom our last love.
Our new truck became our old truck.
Our beautiful bride became....well, you know.
We did a little better each time, learned hard lessons, paid for our sins...
Those experiences taught us what we did not know,
and made us better when we tried again.
The hope chest for my high school graduate looked a damn site better than the toy box I made when she was ten.
Your cushions look much better than the ones I have yet to make with my new Sailrite sewing machine.

 

[kito]

That Bud Light, or B'light, as I like to call it, couldn't have hurt your first attempt, could it?

That stuff's like water.

Looks comfy to me, but the artist is always his own worst critic.

Yes, the Bud Light help me get through this project....maybe too much Thought I would keep the box to put my sewing crap in. It's at least more manly than a sewing box. Btw, I didn't show the other end. It's not even sewed up since the cover is almost 2 inches too long. I guess I allowed more seam allowance than I actually used. I expected this one to suck....nothing a seam ripper can't fix.

 

[Kermit]

Yes, the Bud Light help me get through this project....maybe too much Thought I would keep the box to put my sewing crap in. It's at least more manly than a sewing box. Btw, I didn't show the other end. It's not even sewed up since the cover is almost 2 inches too long. I guess I allowed more seam allowance than I actually used. I expected this one to suck....nothing a seam ripper can't fix.

Skipping the seam-ripping step will save LOTS of time. Personally, I think you did a pretty dang good job!

 

[sail_MN]

Yes, the Bud Light help me get through this project.....

The more Bud Light you drink... The better those cushions are going to look! Until the next day.

 

[kito]

Skipping the seam-ripping step will save LOTS of time. Personally, I think you did a pretty dang good job!

Thanks Kermit, you're to kind. I just want to salvage the fabric since it's cut too big and can reuse. Measuring and cutting on a bed ain't cutting it either. I think I will lay a piece of 4x8 plywood on my pool table to do the measuring, marking and cutting on it. Maybe get one of those rotary fabric cutters too.

 

[kito]

The more Bud Light you drink... The better those cushions are going to look! Until the next day.

Yep, my cushions look better at closing time....

 

[Chief RA]

kito: I cut it apart at the seam stitching and lay the piece on the new fabric. Draw around it and then cut it with 1/2 inch extra all way around. Sew bead on only one side first. Hope this helps you. Happy Holidays! Chief

 

[Bad Obsession]

Kitto....Those aren't too bad. I haven't even attempted cushions yet.

Get some chalk to mark the inside of the fabric. It helps to sew straight (I am horrible at this if I don't use markings or a guide).

For cutting, a cutting wheel and a yard stick are really helpful. I have a backer that I bought from a craft store. Actually, you can save a bunch by buying supplies at a place like JoAnne Fabrics.

When I started sewing I started with little projects. winch covers, teak covers, etc. I then did some canvas repairs. Going slow helps a lot and sewing is like any other skill, build up to stuff and don't just jump into the fire.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You learned a lot in that project and the cushions are usable. Actually, they look better than some other jobs I have seen. The other nice thing is that they definitely are better than what was there before you replaced them!!!

 

[kito]

kito: I cut it apart at the seam stitching and lay the piece on the new fabric. Draw around it and then cut it with 1/2 inch extra all way around. Sew bead on only one side first. Hope this helps you. Happy Holidays! Chief

That's what I was thinking. Instead of trying to line up 2 layers of fabric plus the piping, go ahead and sew the piping on one piece. Should be easier to sew that way. I seen a video on Youtube where the lady was actually making the piping while sewing the 2 pieces together and came out great. I'm not going to try that yet Seasons Greetings!!

 

[CloudDiver]

I think you did just fine, and I'm sure the next one will be even better.

 

[kito]

Kitto....Those aren't too bad. I haven't even attempted cushions yet.

Get some chalk to mark the inside of the fabric. It helps to sew straight (I am horrible at this if I don't use markings or a guide).

For cutting, a cutting wheel and a yard stick are really helpful. I have a backer that I bought from a craft store. Actually, you can save a bunch by buying supplies at a place like JoAnne Fabrics.

When I started sewing I started with little projects. winch covers, teak covers, etc. I then did some canvas repairs. Going slow helps a lot and sewing is like any other skill, build up to stuff and don't just jump into the fire.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You learned a lot in that project and the cushions are usable. Actually, they look better than some other jobs I have seen. The other nice thing is that they definitely are better than what was there before you replaced them!!!

Thanks Bad for the tips. I may have bit off more than expected. If I can get these cushions right then my project boat will be done 100% by me. I figure doing the cushions myself darn near paid for the sewing machine. I checked out Joann first but they didn't have the cording I wanted. 9 cents a foot at Sailrite compared to $1.69 a yard at Joann.

 

[woodster]

i think you are on the right track there ...i am having mine done up by a pro in P Cola i just couldn't see me tackling that part of the project and i had to replace everything in the boat ...new foam ..material and i didn't need to be screwing it up as i will have to look at it a long time......sewing is not something i feel good about doing ...i can make a leather hand bag hand tooled and stitched but no way i can trust me to use a sewing machine...you are doing a lot better than i could ever do...... keep up the good work....and Merry Christmas

 

[Chief RA]

Sure kito, I didn't get no "atta boys" for trying to help! Guess you know that I know Santa personally! Your butts in trouble! Merry Christmas! Chief

 

[Ron20324]

Did you look on the Sailrite site at the 'cushion' article? I recall they suggest cutting the (sunbrella?) fabric the same size as your cushion. When you sew it up, the foam will compress somewhat, making the fabric stretch tight. I didn't know to do that, so my covers sag a bit. IF you use the stiffer open-cell foam, make the seam allowance 1/2 inch, as the open cell does not compress so easliy.

 

[sunman]

I spent a wk on BEREA and bit the bullet and had all my cushons re-done
new firm foam and sunbrella material, I had snaps installed like the newer Macs have to keep their cushons put!
and got rid of the cheezy velcro:cussing:
I felt like I was sleeping on the dock vs at the dock:cry:
and like woodster, this isnt something Im good at, so U just might have saved urself a grand or more, well done Bro. well done
I found that nothing I did ever came out better while I was High on anything, and trust me I did it all

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Kito,

Not bad for a first time pal. After a month of sitting & placing various clothing & items on top, you'll never notice the imperfections.

You wanna see something REAL scary, just watch the horror of me trying to COOK!

Merry XMAS pal,

CR

 

[Ron20324]

...You wanna see something REAL scary, just watch the horror of me trying to COOK!...

... and thus the creation of "Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble".