My Experience With Recovering Chair Cushions With Piping

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My Experience With Recovering Chair Cushions With Piping

Recently, I decided to give my old dining room chairs a makeover by recovering their worn-out cushions with some new fabric and piping. It was a fun and rewarding project that gave my chairs a fresh look and a new life. In this article, I will share with you my experience and some tips and ideas on how to recover chair cushions with piping.

What is Piping?

Piping is a decorative trim that is used to cover the seam between two pieces of fabric. It is a cord that is encased in a fabric strip, and it can be made in a contrasting or matching color to the main fabric. Piping adds a professional and finished look to any project and is often used in upholstery, pillows, and cushions.

Step-by-Step Guide for Recovering Chair Cushions With Piping

Remove the old cushion covers from the chairs and measure the dimensions of each cushion.
Select your fabric and piping. Make sure to buy enough fabric to cover all the cushions and piping for each cushion.
Cut the fabric, piping, and any other necessary materials according to your measurements.
Sew the piping to the edge of one of the fabric pieces, right sides together. Use a zipper foot to get as close to the cord as possible.
Place the second fabric piece on top of the first, right sides together. Pin the edges and sew around the cushion, leaving a small opening for turning the cover right side out.
Turn the cover right side out and insert the cushion. Hand-stitch the opening closed.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas on Recovering Chair Cushions With Piping

Choose a durable and easy-to-clean fabric that matches your decor.
Use a piping cord that is slightly thicker than the seam allowance to give your cushions a plump and full look.
Consider adding a contrasting piping for a pop of color or a more dramatic effect.
Use a zipper foot to sew the piping as close to the cord as possible.
Iron the fabric and piping before sewing to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Practice sewing piping on a scrap piece of fabric before starting your project to get comfortable with the technique.
Use a walking foot to sew through multiple layers of fabric and batting.
If your cushions are very worn out or flat, consider adding new foam inserts for extra comfort.
Match the thread color to the piping or the fabric for a seamless look.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics, colors, and patterns to create a unique and personalized look.

Pros and Cons of Recovering Chair Cushions With Piping

Like any DIY project, recovering chair cushions with piping has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

It is a cost-effective way to give your chairs a new look without buying new ones.
You can choose the fabric, color, and pattern that matches your decor and personal style.
Piping adds a professional and finished look to your cushions.
You can customize the cushions’ thickness and comfort level by adding more or less foam inserts.

Cons:

It can be a time-consuming and challenging project, especially for beginners.
You need to have some sewing skills and equipment, such as a sewing machine, scissors, and pins.
If you make a mistake, it can be difficult to fix or undo the piping without damaging the fabric.
If your chairs have an unusual or non-standard shape, it might be challenging to find the right size and shape of foam inserts and fabric.

My Personal Review and Suggestion on Recovering Chair Cushions With Piping

Overall, I am very happy with the result of my chair cushion recovering project. The new fabric and piping gave my chairs a fresh and modern look that matches my dining room decor. The cushions are also more comfortable and supportive, thanks to the extra foam inserts. However, I must admit that the project was not easy, and it took me several hours to complete all the cushions. I had to be very patient and careful when sewing the piping, and I had to redo some of the seams to get them right. Therefore, I would suggest that you only attempt this project if you have some sewing experience and patience. It is also a good idea to start with a small and simple cushion, such as a pillow or a bench cushion, before moving on to more complex shapes and sizes.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I use piping on other types of cushions, such as outdoor or patio cushions?

A: Yes, you can use piping on any type of cushion, as long as it is suitable for outdoor use and can withstand moisture and UV rays. Look for outdoor fabric and waterproof piping that can resist fading, mildew, and stains.

Q: Can I wash my chair cushions with piping?

A: It depends on the fabric and piping material. Most fabrics and piping can be washed with mild detergent and cold water, but some may require dry cleaning or spot cleaning. Always check the care label and test a small area before washing the entire cushion.

Q: How much fabric and piping do I need for my chair cushions?

A: It depends on the size and shape of your cushions. Measure the width, length, and thickness of each cushion and add a few inches for seam allowance and piping. Use an online fabric calculator to estimate the yardage needed for your project.