Cushions that are attached to the frame, called semi-attached cushions by the upholstery industry, can present the DIY-er with a problem if she doesn't know an upholsterer's secret: unless the cushions are tufted, there is a simple way into these cushions. The advanced home-sewer can then approach this project with confidence that the end result will be as she envisions.
Things You Will Need
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Remove the seat cushions from the sofa.
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Measure the side-to-side distance, or width, of each cushion. Measure the top-to-bottom distance, or length. Measure the depth, or thickness, of each cushion. Record these measurements.
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Run your hands along the bottom of the attached cushion to locate the zipper opening. Every cushion must have a way for the upholsterer to insert the filler, typically this is a zipper closure in the bottom seam of the cushion. It may have a hook and loop tape closure, or the seam may be hand-stitched.
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Open just enough of the seam to reach into the cushion to determine the type of filler. If the filler is one piece, or enclosed in a fabric bag, continue opening the seam and remove it. If the filler is loose, as foam chips may be, place a wide-mouthed bag under the seam and continue opening it, catching the loose filler in the bag.
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Sew a new bag for filler. Cut the fabric for this bag as wide as the cushion, plus the depth, plus 1 inch for seams. Cut the length as long as the cushion, plus the depth, plus 1 inch. With right sides together, sew all around the perimeter of the bag with a 1/2-inch seam, leaving a 6-inch opening for inserting the filler.
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Tie cording around each corner to create the depth of the cushion. Gather one corner into your hand, the tip of the corner pointed up and wind a piece of cord around the gathered corner, down from the tip of the corner at a spot that is equal to half the depth of the cushion. Tie securely. Turn the bag right side out.
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Fill the cover with new filler to the desired fullness. Weigh each cushion to ensure equal fullness. Stitch the opening closed.
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Insert the new fillers into the attached cushions and close the seam.
The Drip Cap
- Sagging cushions on a sofa will make it look old and tired, and it will become increasingly uncomfortable.
- Measure the side-to-side distance, or width, of each cushion.
- If the filler is loose, as foam chips may be, place a wide-mouthed bag under the seam and continue opening it, catching the loose filler in the bag.
- Cut the fabric for this bag as wide as the cushion, plus the depth, plus 1 inch for seams.
- Fill the cover with new filler to the desired fullness.
- Stitch the opening closed.