This weekend I'm taking on upholstery

jenn_8675309

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Joined
Jul 11, 2013
Messages
19
misc. forward trim before (640x480).jpgmisc. forward trim after (640x480).jpgsofa cushion cover 2nd attempt (640x480).jpgsofa cusion cover tuck vs. sewn (480x640).jpg20130720_103851 (640x480).jpg

Could't get on the boat this weekend to work on the flooring, the fiberglass guy is fabricating the new cabin steps. Progress!!!
So, I decided to take an attempt at upholstering the sofa. I have made an ottoman once before, but that's the extent of my experience. I bought my fabric and thread on ebay, a navy blue sumbrella. With shipping it was just under $10 a yard. I reused the old foam, which was in good condition, and added a layer of 1 inch foam to beef them up a little bit. None of the cushions were square, which made for a complicated project. My first attempt was to just tuck and staple, which looked terrible. So, I dissembled them all and started over. This time I measured out the corners and sewed them, then stapled them to the base. It was a challenge, and they're not perfect but they have a more tailored look that I can live with. I should mention that I used a Brother sewing machine (with a heavy duty needle) that I bought from Walmart back in the early 90's for under 100 bucks. It had no problem sewing through the 2 layers of the heavy fabric. I also covered the back frame of the sofa. I carefully removed the old fabric and used it as a pattern, then sewed and stapled on the new fabric. I'm not going to attempt making the box cushions for the back of the sofa. I plan to use very firm bed pillows and make covers. Lastly I recovered a piece that is on the step up into the forward sleeping area, which I think turned out well. I still have the headboard in the aft sleeping area, and a few other miscellaneous trim pieces. But, they're still on the boat, and it's off limits until Tuesday.
 
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Woodonglass

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Dec 29, 2009
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Re: This weekend I'm taking on upholstery

Use Photobucket for your Pics. Then click your user name at the upper right and click user settings. then click Albums in the upper left. Then click Customize upload options and select 1024x768. Once the pics are uploade use the IMG Code to copy and paste the pics into your iBoats thread.
 
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jenn_8675309

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Jul 11, 2013
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Re: This weekend I'm taking on upholstery

I was able to edit the photo size, then it worked. I will try your suggestion next time, seems easier;-) Thanks!
 

redstrat

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Dec 29, 2011
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Re: This weekend I'm taking on upholstery

Nicely done :thumb:
 

83mulligan

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Feb 7, 2009
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687
Re: This weekend I'm taking on upholstery

Looks great. I have some of that kind of work in my future.
 

WillyS86

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 28, 2012
Messages
31
Re: This weekend I'm taking on upholstery

If you have really old foam you can use a steamer to revitalize it. It will pop the corners out so it fits better
 

jenn_8675309

Cadet
Joined
Jul 11, 2013
Messages
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Re: This weekend I'm taking on upholstery

Thanks for the tip Willy, I just happen to have a steamer:)
 
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