Expert: Mark H. Miller - 6/20/2008

Question
I've a nice leather sofa I'd like to keep. The leather is still great but the attached seat cushions are getting pretty flat, especially the middle one. Althoug they're attached I guess I could easy open them at the front seam. Is it possible to put some new material in and what kind would it be. Thank you so much in advance

Answer
HI,

It is also possible that there is a zipper on the back and that you can add filler material from the back, doing that will require a lot of pushing but would be the preferable way to go.  reach around the back and pull the cushions way forward and see if you can locate a zipper.  If there are buttons they may have to be removed and replaced after adding filling material - since the twines holding the buttons go completely through the cushion.  

Your idea of opening the front seam is good but it would be my least preferred way of getting into the cushions.  To sew them closed without looking patched is extremely difficult if not impossible.

If there is no zipper on the back consider opening a seam on the side rather than on the front,  that way if the sewing isn't perfect when you close the cushions it won't show as much.

For the filling material to add go to a fabric yardage shop and buy plain polyester fiber, also called Dacron, or buy that on-line from an upholstery supply site.  

When you add the filling material add it underneath the present filling material and push the present material up toward the top.  don't add the new filling material on top,  that way if there are any lumps you won't feel them.  

I hope this helps.

Mark Miller.