Replies

1. 
   stillsuesew | Oct 07, 2009 11:03pm | #1

   Do you want a flat side or do you want to have the "knife" edge where the top and bottom are sew together?

1. 
   yuanator | Oct 08, 2009 12:16am | #2

   The cusions will be in a rectangular shape, with a thickness of about 10cm.  I will need to have a seam underneath that will be joined by velcro, as they will need to be washed on a regular basis.  I am not sure of what the knife edge means?

1. 
   stillsuesew | Oct 08, 2009 05:52am | #3

   A knife edge is when you simply sew the top to the bottom. It would compress the 10 cm at the edge to nothing. It is really hard to get that to lay flat. It will fit better, in my opinion, if you have a separate side piece. I think they also look better if you use a cording or welting or piping or whatever you want to call it at the seams. And a zipper along the back side would be easier to put in than velcro.

1. 
   yuanator | Oct 08, 2009 11:46pm | #5

   thank you for that information, I have found a box cushion pattern on the threads site which I am going to use.

2. 
   stillsuesew | Oct 08, 2009 06:05pm | #4

   Sorry, some of us are cm challenged. I was thinking mm instead of cm. Your cushion is about 4 " thick. You will definitely need a side piece. Decide how long you will need your zipper or velcro to be. On some seat cushions that have really stiff foam the zipper opening extends the length of the cushion and about 10 cm around each side of the length of the cushion for ease in putting it on. Cut two 5cm + seam allowances pieces the length of your zip or velcro plus seam allowance at the ends. Put the zipper/ velcro in first while everything is able to lie flat. Cut a top and bottom for your cushion (trace around it and add seam allowances.) Then measure how much more side piece you need to add to the zipper piece to go all the way around and add an extra 10 cm or so to the length. Sew this piece to the bottom of the zipper only . You should now have one long piece that will go all the way around your cushion. Sew this to your cushion top or bottom. I like to start sewing with the zipper piece on top and the cushion top against the machine. I start sewing about an inch below the top of the zipper. You will probably have to make a few little clips at the corners to get the side strip to turn the corners nicely. I also don't try to sew a sharp turn at the corners but round it off a bit. When I get al the way around to within a couple of inches of where I started, I fold the fabric strip back on itself, tucking the fold under the zipper right up against the stitching where I started. Then I continue stitching overlapping where I started. (This gives a little fold that hides
   and holds the zipper pull.) Mark the corners on the strip and pin the second side in place. Again sew with the zipper on top. This time open the zipper a couple of inches and start to sew beyond the fold and sew the other way around the cushion. Always sew over that fold last. I never sew that fold seam. It just looks like a seam and will not pull open.
   I hope this makes sense, It is easier to do than to explain in writing. Sue
   PS If you are using cording, you would sew that on the the cushion top and bottom before adding the side piece. Also, I am wary of the frequent washing idea. Most Home Dec fabric does not hold up well to washing The zipper is in these things to get the cushion in not to make it washable.