Expert: Mark H. Miller - 9/4/2007

Question
Dear Mark:

This is my first time viewing your site.  It is wonderful and I thank you for efforts!

I have a loveseat and couch set with recliners.  The cushions are a soft swede fabric and the foam lacks the support it once had.  There appears to be a handsewn seam  at the front of each cushion.  If it is a seam and I open it, would it be possible to just extract the foam and replace it? I notice the arms rests have a hidden seam underneath and I am curious if I can also open it enough to repad the armrests and what would you suggest I use?

Thank you again.

Millie

Answer
Hi Millie,

You should also check the back of the cushion to see if the is a zipper there,  if there is it may be possible to open that and replace the filler that way.

It is not likely that the seam in front is a handsewn seam, however, it is very possible that you can open the seam, re-stuff the cushions and then handsew the seam closed.  You will need a curved upholsterer's needle and carpet thread to do that job.  If you use small stitches you should be able to close the cushion having it look as good as new.

When you replace the foam. use H.R. (high resilience) quality foam, which you can buy from an upholstery supply house or Foamorder.com  If there is any Dacron wrapped around the foam be sure and reuse that.

If there are buttons on the cushions it will not be possible to remove the filling unless you also remove the buttons which is more complex.

When you handsew the front of the cushions be cure to insert a large needle on the corner of each cushion,  attach a piece of string to each needle and attach the string to something else so that you stretch the front of the cushion fairly tight, place a temporary pin every 3 or 4 inches and then sew,  doing that will give you the best results.  Use stitches that are less than 1/2 inch and you will be just fine.

I hope this information is helpful to you,  please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.  

Good luck and when you are done you can sit down and relax :-)

Mark Miller.