Pillows for garden furniture - DIY sewing and patterning

Soft seats for the garden

Summer is the best time to spend a weekend or a weekday evening in the garden or country house. To make this vacation as comfortable as possible, you can sew such comfortable seats for hard garden benches.

Soft mattress for garden bench

Materials you will need:

• fabric for external upholstery;
• mattress filler (foam rubber);
• sewing machine;
• zipper on the entire side of the pillow;
• scissors, sewing pins

First, measure the width and depth of each seat.

Select a filler that is of sufficient height. To determine your seat fabric measurements, take your measurements and add 3cm on each side.

These measurements are for the top and bottom of the upholstered seat.

Using fabric scissors, round the edges of the corners along the long edges of the piece.

Attach a long strip to the surface of the pillow and make one small outline around the product, fold the fabric in half, stitch at a distance of 1.5 cm from the edge. Align the edges of the bottom and side parts, attach them with pins. Prepare the corners for sewing. Add some V-cuts around each corner. Using a machine, sew the entire product, leaving 1.5 cm on each edge.

Attach the bottom panel to the side panel in the same way as the top panel. Shape the corners. Before stitching the entire top, you must add a fastener. Attach the snake to the right side of the fabric.

Attach it at a distance of 1.5 cm from the edge. Using the zipper paw, stitch it down. Repeat all the above steps for the other side of the zipper. Stitch the product. Make sure to leave the zipper open. Turn the cover right side out. Using a ruler and marker, measure the required dimensions of the filler.

How to sew a mattress

Cut out the desired shape. Trim the edges with scissors.

Source

Required Tools

To make a chair cushion with your own hands, you will need the following materials:

• pre-selected fabric for the cover;
• filler;
• cord for edging;
• lightning;
• ribbons for ties (or other fastening methods);
• decorative elements.

In addition to materials for sewing soft seats on chairs and stools, you will need the following tools:

• roulette;
• sewing machine;
• needles;
• threads;
• scissors.

When everything is prepared, you can start making the pillow.

How to sew a mattress on a bench with your own hands for 300 rubles

Like many others, I encountered a problem when I needed a mattress for a new bench, but there was nowhere to get it from. Because the furniture was made to my individual measurements, and all they could offer for the top was an oilcloth-covered seat. This upholstery looks cheap, but it’s cold to sit on. Therefore, I decided to take on this task myself, and I will show you how to sew a mattress on a bench with your own hands. The interior looks fresh and interesting, and sitting on it is a pleasure. All materials were purchased at Ikea, the purchase receipt was 300 rubles. Compared to the option that the furniture makers offered me, my mattress cost me less, and it looked better.

By the way, using the same method you can sew a mattress for a window sill, a children's sled, a stroller for a baby, bumpers for a crib, a couch in the hallway or a pet.

Pillow filling

To fill pillows, various materials are used, both natural and artificial.

• Foam rubber is the most commonly used material for such purposes. It is inexpensive and comes in sheets of various thicknesses. Lightweight, soft, but at the same time elastic material that can be washed and cleaned. This filler will not lose its shape for a long time.
• Holofiber is a porous and multilayer material, very elastic and lightweight. It retains heat well and its fibers are strong. A pillow made of such material will not lose its shape for a long time. Available in different versions: holofiber in balls, sheets or rolls. Any of the options is suitable as a filler for garden pillows. Products made from it can be washed by hand and in a washing machine.
• Sintepon is an inexpensive insulating non-woven material familiar to everyone. Used as a filler for blankets, pillows, soft toys, and as insulation for clothing. Available in fabric of various densities and thicknesses. Light, elastic, voluminous material that can be washed at 40 degrees. The only drawback is that over time it cakes (the fibers become denser and the thickness of the material decreases).

• Silicone is the most innovative filler made from lightweight polyester fibers twisted into balls. This material comes in varying degrees of elasticity. It is environmentally friendly and does not cause allergies, is very voluminous and elastic, retains heat well and keeps its shape perfectly. Compared to other fillers, it will last you the longest. The only drawback is the high price.
• Comforel is a filler similar to holofiber and synthetic fluff. Cheap, lightweight, hypoallergenic material. It is washable and very durable.
• Expanded polystyrene beads are often used as filler for soft chairs. Despite their small size, each of the balls is a very elastic, durable and at the same time very light particle.

For a swing with a large mattress consisting of one or more pillows, it is better to choose foam rubber or silicone as a filler. If you decide to make small pillows - dumochki or cushions, then holofiber, padding polyester or comforter will be more suitable.

Filling made from polystyrene foam balls would be appropriate for pillows for a single swing.

How to sew a mattress on a bench with your own hands

01. In order to sew a soft seat for the top of the couch I needed:

• three pillows 35*35 cm. The selected size depends on the width of the seat.
• cotton fabric - 70 cm. Also, the meter of fabric here depends on the width of the seat. If you take larger pillows, you need to multiply the length along the edge of the pillow by two. This will be your fabric consumption. That is, since my pillows are 35 cm in size, I bought 70 cm of fabric.
• Velcro tape, 2 cm wide. - 50 cm.

02. Taking measurements of the bench. The length of my bench is 100 cm, width is 40 cm.

03. I am preparing patterns. These are two parts of a mattress cover measuring 100 * 35 cm. And straps for attaching the mattress to the couch.

How to make a product yourself

Having purchased the necessary materials (textiles, filling, braid for ties), you can begin sewing the cover.

Sewing a mattress on a swing seat is not difficult. To do this, you need to have a sewing machine and some required sewing accessories:

• needle, thread, thimble;
• scissors;
• lightning.

The swing seat can be a single rectangular mattress or consist of 3-5 square pillows laid in one row. We will describe in detail the sewing of a rectangular mattress measuring 50x170 cm.

Depending on the width of the fabric you choose, these pattern details should fit on it:

• 2 large rectangles 55x345 cm (including seam allowances);
• 2 side rectangles measuring 15x345 cm, making up the length of the mattress;
• 2 side rectangles 15x60 cm - the height of the product in width.

The zipper is selected with a length equal to the width or length of the mattress plus 3–5 cm.

Having cut out the necessary parts, we begin sewing. It will consist of several stages:

1. Baste all the corresponding small parts to the large rectangles, except for the one where the snake will be sewn.
2. Sew the product according to the basting.
3. Baste and sew a zipper along the length of the large rectangle.
4. Sew the fastener to the other side in the same way.
5. Remove the basting thread.
6. Sew ribbon for ties at all corners. With their help, the mattress will be held on the swing bars.

If you do not find a zipper of the required length (in our case 175 cm), buy two 90 cm zippers and sew them towards each other. Thus, they will start at the ends of one side of the mattress and, when closed, meet exactly in the middle of the product.

What you will need

Here is a list of materials and tools necessary to create a simple model (but high-quality) mattress. All of the materials listed can be purchased at local furniture and construction stores or on the Internet.

A sheet of polyurethane foam (PPU) according to the size of the bed frame or other desired size (if you are going to sleep on the floor). Choose one of the following markings: EL 3245 - reinforced; HL 4065 - extra hard for very heavy people; HR 5535 - highly elastic; HR* 6030 LL - increased comfort; VE - viscoelastic.

If you want to make a mattress of different hardness (with soft and hard sides), purchase another sheet of coconut coir of the same size as the PU foam block and padding polyester.

You also need a marker or felt-tip pen, a tape measure, a long staff or ruler to apply markings. A sharp knife for cutting polyurethane foam, glue for working with foam rubber (if you are gluing coir), material and accessories for sewing a cover.

Reference! Polyurethane foam (PPU) is an improved, modern foam rubber. Mattresses made from polyurethane foam of the listed brands are manufactured by leading companies in Russia, Italy and the USA!

Cutting out the block

Cut a block of polyurethane foam to the size you need (it is better if the mattress block is solid and not made from pieces). To do this, make markings with a marker. Place a strip of plywood or chipboard under the line along which you will cut. Using a knife with a replaceable blade or a regular, but very sharp one, cut out the block of the desired size. You need to cut with force, exactly along the line, trying to keep the knife vertical. Change the knife blade (or sharpen a regular knife) every time burrs begin to appear on the cutting line.

Pillows for garden furniture: what to sew from and what to stuff with?

In the search for accessories for maximum comfort, many people forget about such an item as an ordinary sofa cushion. Despite its seemingly simple form, it can make your vacation more enjoyable. The use of such items in the country is especially important when it is necessary to adjust the degree of comfort of plastic or wooden furniture.

Case design: dimensions, shape, accessories

Swings installed in gardens, cottages, and recreation areas differ in shape. This means that when choosing protective covers for them, you should know the dimensions of the product itself.

They are usually indicated in the instructions that came with the product. If an important piece of paper is lost, you will have to take a tape measure and go measure the main parameters. The received data is recorded in a notepad. In addition to width and length, height measurements are required.

Most ready-made covers indicate the size and name of the swing for which they are suitable. Some cases are called universal. Most often they are used to cover swings:

• Palermo Premium;
• Sienna;
• Varadero;
• Capri;
• Comfort-M;
• Master Premium;
• Standard 2;
• Rodeo;
• Turin;
• Suite 2;
• Quartet.

Important accessories that make using the case convenient:

• 2 long zippers. Located symmetrically on the front wall, they allow you to partially open and close the cover. If necessary, the protection can not be removed completely, but only open one part and throw it onto the roof.
• Eyelets and ropes. Allows you to secure the cover on a hard surface to additional supports, trees, poles. It is much safer to use a protective product, knowing that it will not fly away during large gusts of wind.
• Pegs. Necessary if the swing is installed on the ground. The pegs are driven into the ground and hold the shelter securely.
• Anti-mosquito net. Convenient to use for protection against insects. When the front is open, the mesh drops down instead and connects to the cover with zippers.

There are a huge number of ready-made covers for swings, but if necessary, you can place an order for individual tailoring of the product, taking into account your own interests.

Accessory requirements

Cushions for garden furniture are somewhat different from ordinary sofa counterparts.

The requirements for them are more stringent; they must:

• be resistant to fading under the sun;
• be resistant to mechanical damage;
• be resistant to deformation;
• have permanent dyes that do not harm clothes;
• differ in the resistance of the filler structure in relation to weight loads.

An important nuance is the absence of small decor that can cause discomfort. There are no buttons or knitted braid that could accidentally get caught on.

The emphasis should be on pleasant colors and original shape. To make the product look as advantageous as possible, several identical pillows are made. The design of all chairs with the same accessories looks especially harmonious.

Sewing details

The design of garden cushions should include the possibility of washing the covers. This is especially important for stools and garden swings. It is better to choose pillows with removable covers. They can be fastened with a zipper, buttons, Velcro or buttons.

When choosing a pillow for the garden, you need to pay attention to the seams. They should be:

In quality pillows, the holes in the seams should be barely noticeable. Through large holes, the filler can be knocked out. This will reduce the service life of the product and cause inconvenience during operation.

It is important that manufacturers use good threads, otherwise the seams may come apart, even if the pillows are handled very carefully. Before purchasing, you can check the quality of the seams by lightly pulling them. A good pillow will easily withstand such tests.

Modern manufacturers offer outdoor pillows with welded seams. Such products are very durable, they are tear-resistant and can withstand heavy loads. Typically, this technology is used in the production of cushions for premium garden furniture.

Material selection

The material for pillows and seats is chosen based on a number of nuances. He must:

• be pleasant to the body, but quite dense and durable;
• if possible, have mixed threads (contain equal parts natural and synthetic fibers);
• differ in special impregnation that ensures moisture resistance;
• be easy to care for;
• approach the landscape composition;
• be hypoallergenic, otherwise the product cannot be used;
• be aesthetically attractive;
• made in the form of a removable cover, allowing the filling to be cleaned and textiles to be washed.

Leather and its synthetic analogues do not meet the requirements. In hot weather they will cause discomfort to vacationers. An important indicator is the purpose of the pillow. If it is placed under the back, greater freedom in choosing the material is allowed. If it is a mattress pillow or seat, it should be made of thick textiles. For covers, you can use impregnated cotton, fleece, microfiber, tapestry, fiber, canvas material or furniture fabric. Silk and linen are not allowed as they wrinkle. Silk disrupts the texture on the very first day of use (the appearance of puffs). It is necessary to exclude materials with long pile and fur: they are quite difficult to wash.

If you have scraps at home, they usually try to use them. In this case, the fragments of the future pillow are selected so that the composition of the flaps is identical: this will prevent deformation of the fabric.

In some cases, old sweaters are used for pillows. Such material no longer shrinks, and not only performs an aesthetic function, but can also maintain heat.

What materials to choose for pillows

First of all, a number of points are taken into account that determine the choice of material and filler. The intensity of use of the swing, is there a shelter above it. If they are used frequently, the family has children who can climb on them in shoes, or pets, then it would be better to use synthetic, easily washable fabrics. They are affordable, easy to clean, and washable.

Fabric coloring options for use in the yard

For swings with a shelter, a tent and a mosquito net, mixed fabrics are often chosen, with a combination of synthetic and natural fibers. The former provide practicality and extend the service life of accessories, the latter provide comfort in terms of tactile sensations, they are pleasant to the touch.

Use of fabrics of different colors in the manufacture of pillows

Those who like to take a nap in the fresh air on a swing prefer natural materials and recommend a combined option for the soft part of the structure. Replaceable mattress cover and pillows are made from natural fabric. They come with a cover made of waterproof fabric.

New types of fabrics have been developed specifically for outdoor furniture. They are distinguished by:

• resistance to moisture, fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation; UV resistant fabric colors
• practicality, good performance properties;
• the material is easy to clean from contamination and washable;
• The fabric and filling do not deform and do not fade when washed.

Leatherette is a durable material, but it is not recommended for use as covers for country upholstered furniture. In the hot season, it is not comfortable, since it does not absorb sweat and fat, and the surface of the leatherette is poorly ventilated.

Types of fabrics for garden cushions

When choosing material for pillow covers, you need to know their composition and characteristics.

Pattern drawing for pillowcases

Main types:

• fabrics made of synthetic fibers;
• combined, natural and polymer components are combined in proportion;
• canvases made from natural materials with a protective polymer coating;
• impregnated natural fibers.

Fully synthetic fabrics are specially designed for outdoor furniture. They are used to make covers for mattresses, pillows, and swing covers (awnings, tents).

This is what synthetic fabric for sewing pillows looks like

These include canvases made of acrylic and polypropylene. Their main advantages are that they are inert to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, and have a prolonged service life. Synthetics can be washed in a regular machine. Acrylic fabrics are the most resistant to UV radiation, since they are dyed throughout the entire fiber mass. Manufacturers offer many colors and textures.

Color options for acrylic fabrics

The main disadvantage is that from the point of view of tactile sensations, when resting, they are not entirely comfortable and are inferior to natural materials. A more profitable option is combined materials. Natural components make them pleasant to the touch and “breathable,” and polymer fibers make them practical and resistant to stains. Impregnated natural fibers have the same properties.

Materials with a synthetic polymer coating, most often Teflon, are distinguished by the fact that the polymer layer protects the canvas from dust, dirt, and moisture.

Those who still love purely natural materials are recommended to sew spare replacement kits. Cover with a protective cover made of moisture-proof materials.

Form

Often, pillows and seats for furniture are made in the shape of a square or rectangle. When choosing the shape of accessories for garden furniture, you can start from the shape of the furniture. For the seats of chairs it is often a square, for the backs of benches - two or three square modules, for a lounger - a rectangle. Cushions are often made in the shape of a circle for seats. Turkish pillows look interesting.

Along with classic forms, bolsters are made to complement models with armrests or mattresses. Such accessories allow you to sit more comfortably outdoors if you want, for example, to sunbathe or take a nap. Children are not ignored either. For them, pillows are made in the shape of hearts, letters, flowers, sweets and even toys made on the principle of a tilde or cushion.

Filler

For garden pillows, mattresses and bolsters, different types of padding are used. Typically, padding polyester is used: it has an acceptable cost, is commercially available, and creates volume with a small amount of raw materials. If the store has holofiber, you can use that too. These pillows will be light. However, they are not suitable for seat modules and especially mattresses, as they quickly become compressed with regular use.

It is not advisable to use polystyrene balls to stuff a pillow. They are quite specific, because when loaded with weight, the balls move, creating a sinking effect.

This type of padding cannot be called pleasant to the touch. Even if you fill the pillowcase with this composition, you will not be able to use it for sitting or lying down.

The ideal material is latex. Since the natural version is not so easy to purchase, you can buy an artificial one. This filler is used for stuffing mattresses, including orthopedic models. It does not sag under significant and regular weight loads, is durable, will not rot over time and can be cleaned.

If such material is not available in the store, you can buy regular foam rubber. However, its properties will be slightly worse. Its service life is shorter, but it will cope with its task for at least several years. If you have an old children's mattress with orthopedic properties, you can use its filler. For example, if you use coconut coir for a mattress, you can make outdoor recreation not only pleasant, but also useful.

Popular sizes

There are various models of garden swings from different manufacturers on the market. You can also buy spare covers, a mosquito net, and a swing awning separately. When purchasing such accessories, please pay attention to the indicated product dimensions. Products from different companies have some differences from the standard. Therefore, when purchasing, it’s easier to focus either on the brand, or we advise you to measure the mattress and pillows in advance so as not to make a mistake in the sizes.

Standard ready-made dimensions of accessories that you can find on sale:

• 170x50 cm;
• 170x60 cm;
• 175x55 cm;
• 178x65 cm;
• 180x60 cm.

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Many models of such swings are designed to use a mosquito net. It is stretched along the perimeter over the awning and is equipped with a zipper for ease of use. Protective covers for swings are also available. They will protect from any bad weather and can be stored during the winter.