Help! Need cushions for hard to fit kitchen chairs - can't find anything! Is it worth it to try to sew my own? Ideas? Help!

[Macaela25]

I think the title says it all .

They are ladderback chairs with large seats that have to have cushions. Standard cushions don't come anywhere close to working. I've found large patio type cushions that will "do" - (i.e. we'll hate them sooner or later and they really don't fit). They are $25/each x 6 chairs = $150. Not nice!!

I've been searching for oversized/odd sized cushions online without success. I could try to sew them myself...but I can't sew and I don't have a machine = disaster waiting to happen. It would be $75-$100 for even a cheap machine, plus materials...still pushing $150.

I don't know anyone that can or would be willing to sew. Who know what they would charge anyway.

I'm at a loss, and you ladies are SO super creative - help a sister out!!!

[hburnette3]

I just found your 4 mouth old dilemma. What did you end up doing?

[Macaela25]

Nothing, other than sitting half-sideways in the chair. We've tried several options and nothing has worked :(.

[aimeebee]

I think making the cushions would be an expensive endeavor. I have seen people purchase foam with a coupon at JoAnn's. That stuff is unbelievably expensive!! I have even seen some that was $20-$30 per yard!

[motherofmolly]

okay...can you do this?

1. if the cushion part comes off, take it off.
2. fabric. you will need to get enough fabric to cover the part that shows.
3. staple gun.
4. cut the fabric so it is center in the square of the cushion part. you will want enough to gather on the underside of the cushion so you can make it pretty and staple it down. you might need two more hands for this...or the use of duct tape to help you keep the fabric where you want it.

now...with that said...i am assuming this here is the type of chair you are talking about. if you dont want staples you can try apolstery (that is definately spelled wrong lol) tacks. but these might not work if you dont have a thick area to work with.

and, if you feel your "tush" hurts sitting on what you have. go to joann's (suggested above) and find the cushion you want. they will cut them for you to the size you need. you can cut them in half too (to make them not so bulky) with a razor and a ruler. if you are adding cushion to the chair, i would use some duct tape to hold it in place while you put the fabric around it.

you do not want a cotton based quilt fabric...you want something thicker. to withstand tushy time. joann's has plenty of this type of fabric that you can get.

[susysnshn]

Sewing cushions is truly expensive. The poster who tried to tell you how to reupholster them had the best idea.

Can you post a picture? I reupholstered my dining room chairs with no problem. I priced the stuff to sew patio furniture cushions, and I couldn't afford them. Even at $25 a chair, it was cheaper just to buy them ready made. When they someday get faded to the point I can't stand them, I will slipcover them. But that will still be pricey.

A sewing machine itself is a good investment. I make rather sophisticated valances, some that actually got written into the contract when I sold my last house. I make pillow covers, table covers, and stuff like that. I made clothes including flower girl dresses when my kids were young. My Walmart seems to be restarting its fabric dept., which thrills me. It is a great source of cheap fabric.

Sewing, especially sewing for the home, is relatively easy. Sewing clothing is a lot harder and a lot less cost effective. There is so much cheap clothing out there if you shop major markdowns and even the thrift store. But sewing for the home can really pay off.

[Abbybob]

Try Craigslist. There are usually home sewers looking to make some extra $$ by picking up projects in your area. Post a wanted ad or look through the Services- Creative and see what you can find.

[Chrysalis101]

I agree with MotherofMolly. I redid my dinning room chairs 30 years after my mom redid them...30 years after her mom redid them...get the idea?

You can use JoAnn's coupons to make it cheaper. You've been living with it this long...just use the coupons as they come out (usually about one every 2-4 weeks) for the foam. But you'll want to get the fabric all at once so they don't sell out of it (unless you're going for a miss match look).

Do as MotherofMolly says with turning the whole thing over and stapling on the bottom. BUt make sure it's TIGHT! I had DH sit on it on the floor so that it was as tight as it could be. Do your corners last so that you can fold the fabric and make it look nice on the outside/right side.

[Chrysalis101]

Just read this on another forum...You can also buy sheets instead of fabric for your chairs. Twin size sheets should do it....and no one will ever know!