fabric for upholstering cushions

richievtu

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morning
Im about to embark on making a set of cushions from scratch, I wondered what material you have on the underside of yours? I think I have enough to make them completely out of vinyl but it seems like a waste & was looking at alternatives such as heavy breathable ripstop fabrics for the backs with either a zip or velcro for airing?
I was going to use ready made pvc piping?
Also what seems to be the standard thickness for foam?
thanks
 
Ambitious making PVC covers unless you've done it before ....with piping too!

I have done mine with inexpensive polypropylene fabric, no piping but fully covered both sides. Pattern matches all-round. Cushions can be tuned over and swapped from one side of the boat to the other, pattern still matches.

I reckon 3" is the minimum thickness. 2" perhaps just for sitting on but 4" prefererred for sleeping. Needs to be firmish rather than soft but not too firm.

Cut foam a bit oversize to ensure a good snug fit. With fabric covers if you can get them on without a good fight they are too loose!

Zips for me without any shadow of doubt but others seem to be happy with velcro.

Electric carving knife is the perfect tool for cutting foam.

 
morning
Im about to embark on making a set of cushions from scratch, I wondered what material you have on the underside of yours? I think I have enough to make them completely out of vinyl but it seems like a waste & was looking at alternatives such as heavy breathable ripstop fabrics for the backs with either a zip or velcro for airing?
I was going to use ready made pvc piping?
Also what seems to be the standard thickness for foam?
thanks

I doing just this on Tigger. I got some cut price alcantara off ebay (really great stuff , end of roll - at a quarter of the list price) and got some backing material from C&J: phone them up and ask for it, it is not on their website. It is really good for backing.
 
We used a normal woven fabric for the backs, apart from the 'Navigator's Seat' which was vynil both sides. Anything non-breathable will give condensation if you sleep on it.
 
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