Anyone do their own upholstery?

[myoung]

I don't have the equipment or skill to sew, so (pun intended) I had mine done by a local upholsterer. I bought the soft finish fabric at a discount fabric store for less than $10 a yard and also bought the 5-inch medium density foam there. The store cut the foam for a nominal amount. To add a bit more cushioning, my upholsterer added Dacron wrapping or ticking or whatever it is called around the foam. His price was very reasonable and the quality of the work pleases me and most people who have seen it.

I thought about those heavy-duty fabrics like Sunbrella, but inside a trailer where the ravages of weather are not an issue, the softer homey fabrics are much more pleasant. It all adds to the ambiance. Generally speaking, a TTT has more exposed fabrics than a TD, so (there's that word again) make the cushions as comfortable as possible to your eyes, hands, and other body parts.

[myoung]

Paul,

If you'd like to see what a professional can do when retrofitting a trailer, have a look at this web site:

http://www.tbrich.com/azbambi/decors.html

Click on "decors" and then click on each fabric swatch to see how the fabrics are mixed and matched. I've seen almost every one of these combinations in Terry and Greg's Airstream Bambi.

[parnold]

Paul,

If you'd like to see what a professional can do when retrofitting a trailer, have a look at this web site:

http://www.tbrich.com/azbambi/decors.html

Click on "decors" and then click on each fabric swatch to see how the fabrics are mixed and matched. I've seen almost every one of these combinations in Terry and Greg's Airstream Bambi.

Mike:

Thanks for the link! I was thinking matching cushions and curtains, but after looking at that site, I am rethinking it.

I plan on doing some test sewing before I bite the bullet, so if I find it is beyond what I can do, I will consider a pro.

Gary: Thanks for that link, I printed it out for reference. Wish me luck!

I think I have given up on finding fabric on ebay unless I get samples. I'm just too nervous about getting something that isn't what I want.

Doug: If you're still watching this, once I have my formica picked out, and a sample of the stove color, I may ask to send samples to you, so you could send me some samples of what you might have. I'd rather keep it "in the family" so to speak, and know that what I'm getting is good quality.

[Blotto Bros]

For those of us that are not "sewing talented" I have also had great luck using cushions meant for patio furniture. Durable, millions of fabric choices and this time of year on clearance.

If you are able to adjust your build sizes to the standard sizes these come in you also get a custom look!!

[doug hodder]

Paul...thanks, but I don't have any of the heavier materials. I only have garment/quilt weight cottons. Another reason I had my cushions done. I went with the Sunbrella as the quotes that Steve E got to do up a gaucho and 4 cushions for a Scotty was just out of control. It was in a nicer true RV type fabric however. For me...the sunbrella will clean up really easily and the color was perfect for my trailer. Doug

[Dusty82]

I have another suggestion for a source for upholstery fabric - local upholstery shops. Drop by a couple and talk to them about what you're doing. Well established shops that have been in the same location for several years almost always have a BUNCH of fabric just hanging around that they'll gladly sell cheap just to get rid of it. One shop just give me about 8 yards of fabric that was about 5 years old - again, just to get it out of the shop. If they don't have what you're looking for on hand, most shops will order fabric for you at their cost, plus a small handling fee. Just drop in and ask - the worst they can say is no. It's worth a try, anyway.

If you do find a deal at a shop, they can also help get you the right thread for that fabric, and recommend the right needle size.

[tearhead]

I want to put in a good word for purchasing upholstery fabric on Ebay--the variety is great and not what you can find at Joann's. Watch out for fabrics with backing, though. I'd look at Joann's first, then look to Ebay.

I don't know if anyone has mentioned the electric knife, but that's the best way to cut upholstery foam. I agree as to wrapping the foam with some polyester batting--it plumps out the cushion a little bit so it looks nicer. I'd also like to suggest wrapping the cushion in plastic prior to inserting it into your sewn cover. Then just slip the plastic out and close up the cover. If you're nervous about installing a zipper, do what you can on the machine (like maybe make a tube) and then buy a packet of upholstery needles and whipstitch the ends closed using heavy duty thread (like maybe quilting thread) unless you're planning on entering the cushion in the county fair .