How to Recover Camper Cushions

Camper cushions come in a variety of sizes, shapes and coverings.

Camper cushions get a lot of rough treatment. Some spills and stains won't wash out; and after a few years of exposure to heat, the fabric deteriorates. Save money and reupholster your cushions. This project is 24 inches wide by 18 inches long by 4 inches deep. Covered cording is sewn into the top and bottom seams. The zipper, centered on the back side and coming around the two back corners, is 32 inches long.

Things You'll Need

• Upholstery fabric, 2 yards, 54 inches wide
• Zipper, medium duty, 32 inches long
• Cotton cord, 5 yards, 1/4 inch thick
• Sewing machine
• Zipper/cording foot
• Machine needles, size 16 or 18
• Yardstick
• Scissors, heavy duty
• Sewing kit
• Steam iron and board
• Marking pencil

Instructions

1. 

   Mark and cut fabric on a large flat surface free of burrs.

   Cut two pieces 25 1/2 inches wide by 19 1/2 inches long for the top and bottom panels. Cut a strip 5 1/2 inches wide and 60 inches long for the side panel. Cut two strips, each 3 1/2 inches wide and 33 1/2 inches long for the zipper section. All measurements include 3/4 inch seam allowances.

2. 

   Purchase a continuous zipper by the yard at upholstery shops.

   Baste the two zipper strips together and press the seam allowance open. Center and pin the zipper along the seam line. Stitch each side of the zipper 3/8 inch out from the center seam. Double stitch the seam to reinforce. Pin and sew each end of the zipper section to the corresponding end of the side panel, forming a loop. Fold the loop in half, with the zipper centered and pencil-mark the center front and center back on the wrong side of the fabric. Measure 9 3/4 inches out from the center front and mark each side.

3. 

   Yardsticks often measure 2 inches across and make a perfect template for cording cover strips.

   Cut four 2-inch wide strips across the width of the fabric for the cording cover. Stitch the strips end to end. Starting at one end of the strip, center the cotton cord on the wrong side of the fabric and fold the strip over the cord. Position the needle close to the cording and machine baste the layers together.

4. 

   Keep your sewing machine tuned up and use a new needle for every project.

   Fold the top and bottom panels in half and pencil-mark the center front (CF), center back (CB) and center sides (CS) on the wrong side of the fabric. On the top and bottom panels, draw a placement line around the perimeter on the right side of the fabric, 1 inch from the raw edge. Lay the finished edge of the cording along the line. Pin and sew one section at a time, using a medium-length stitch over the basting stitch line. At the joining point, pull out a short length of the cotton cord and cut it away to reduce bulk. Lap the cover ends over each other and bury the ends in the seam allowance.

5. 

   Adding covered cording to a seam strengthens it and protects it from wear.

   Match the CF and CB marks on the top panel to those on the side piece. Match the CS in the same way. Pin and stitch from one side across the front and to the other side. Pin from CB to each end of the zipper section. Pin from each CS toward the back, allowing the excess fabric to fold so that it forms a flap over each end of the zipper panel. Stitch and reinforce. Attach the bottom panel in the same way. Trim and clip the corner seam allowances to reduce bulk. Press all the seams. With the new cover inside out, place the front edge of the cover onto the front edge of the pad. Carefully pull the new cover over the cushion.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the panels according to the fabric design.

• For differently shaped cushions, follow the same techniques but cut the top and bottom panels according to the shape of the pad.

• Choose high-quality sewing thread or medium-weight upholstery thread.

• Choose fabric that is tightly woven and colorfast.

• Start and finish the cording application in the middle of a side for a cleaner finish.

• Round all corners before applying the cording for a smoother look.

• Sew a test swatch to adjust your machine and to test the strength of the thread.

• Carefully estimate yardage and buy extra, if possible.

• Take care not to break the zipper when you stretch the new cover around the pad.

• Keep sewing tools and supplies out of the reach of small children and pets.

Resources

• Fabric.com: upholstery fabrics, images
• Upholster! Magazine: techniques, tools