I'm wondering if a lighter weight fabric would be both easier to work with, and perhaps give me a wider selection.
parnold wrote:Thanks to all for chiming in.
My plans are to make 4 seat cushions and perhaps curtains, but I don't know without having the material in my hands whether it would work for both. I only know of one quality textile store near me, they have been in the same location for 50 years, and my mother used to go there weekly. I estimate needing 3 yards for the cushions, so whatever I choose I'll get 5 yards.
I saw the word piping mentioned a couple times.. is that when you have the material wrapped around a little ropey thing? That would certainly give it a nice look.
I don't know if my cheap little sewing machine will be enough for all this, I guess I'll find out when I start. If not, I can always borrow my mothers ancient singer.
Paul, if you're planning on making cushions to sit and lay on, lightweight fabrics might be easier to sew; but, they won't hold up well. Everything is somewhat relative. You should use a fabric that is strong enough to be used to make slacks out of or else a lightweight upholstery fabric. However, don’t go any heavier than your machine can handle or you could ruin either your machine or the material or both. Personally, I would not go any lighter than a twill or denim weight.
If the fabric that you choose doesn't come with instructions, take a sample to a local fabric shop (not a Walmart or department store) and ask for help in choosing your thread and needles, etc. You will also need to know what the material is made from; because, choosing the wrong thread will give you no end to trouble. You want thread that is made from something that will work with your material and not be at odds with it. If the thread is at odds with the material, missed stitches, breaking threads, constant re-threading and re-starting, and even puckering are possible. As long as you use the right size and type of thread and needle for the sturdy fabric that you choose; and the fabric can be easily sewn with your machine, you should be okay.
Yes, piping is material with the rope inside that is sewn into the seam. Besides being extra effort, there is a possibility that you would feel the rope when you try to sleep on it. From what I have seen, when piping is used, they quite often pad the foam cushion to prevent that feel of the piping when sitting on it. If you know of a sofa that has these features, try laying on it and see how it feels to you. (I tried that and quickly decided against piping.)
Whether you can use the same fabric for curtains as you do for cushions is not only questionable but might be more expensive. For the curtains, you can use a lighter weight fabric because all they do is hang there. You don't sit or lay on those. Buying a lighter weight fabric for your curtains might cost you less; plus they could be easier to sew. That said, if you use a twill fabric or something like that, you could probably get away with using it for both.
I don't know how much experience you've had in sewing; so, I may have given you more information than you need. However, I hope this helps. Maybe Doug will chime in again.
Although pictures and descriptions can be deceiving, it looks like it would work....
