Expert: Mark H. Miller - 5/10/2007

Question
When I bought our couch, the three cushions fit very well. Over time, they have compacted such that a gap opens up between them when sitting. I have stuffed small pillows into the sides of the couch to take up this space, but I don't like this solution. Also, the couch is less comfortable than it was, because the edges of the cushions are narrower now than the middle of the cushions, and one tends to slide off the cushion.

Assuming that an upholsterer would solve this, can you give me a ballpark estimate of what it would cost? Is there anything I could do myself that would cost less? I love the fabric of this couch, I bought it secondhand, but I can't really afford to spend much on it.

Answer
Hi,  I think to solve your problem you should replace the cushion fillers.  Most likely they currently have some kind of filler that has springs in the center which causes the cushion to become very flat on the edges and very thick in the center giving the appearance that they are shrinking, which they are not.

Assuming there are zippers on the covers I suggest you remove the filler.  There are two ways to proceed after that,  one (better) would be to remove the filler and then remove the center spring unit - replace the spring unit with foam about 1 inch thicker than the springs and 1 inch smaller than the outline size of the cushion.  Put the padding material that was around the spring unit around the foam and replace it into the cushion, to hold it together you can use an ordinary stapler or a few whip stitches.  

If I am mistaken and there is no spring unit or if the padding material around the spring unit is no longer usable then replace the entire inside with a piece of foam that is 1 inch thicker than the height of the boxing or thickness of the cushion - seam to seam.  And exactly the same size as the outline of the cushion as determined by the piping.

Assuming that you buy your foam in a yardage shop also buy enough "bonded Dacron" to wrap the foam, use an ordinary hand stapler on the edges to hold it together,  if the bonded Dacron is thin wrap with two layers.  If you use foam only without the padding the cushion could become too big and will look cheap.

Push the whole thing into the cover and then before you close the cover be sure to do this step,  run your hand along the entire perimeter of the cushion on the inside of the cover and push the edge of the piping or the loose part that is the inside of the seam so that is lays along the side of the cushion,  it wants to lay flat on the top,  running your hand around the inside will make the cushion look much better.

If the cushion does not have a zipper then you need to open the seam at the back and close it using a curved needle and carpet thread.

Writing the instructions is more difficult than the job.  You can do it,  and if you need more guidance feel free to ask.

Depending on your budget and location you may want to check Foamorder.com for pricing.  

I can't guess what it would cost to replace the filler using an upholsterer since prices vary by where you are located.

I hope this helps.  Good luck.

Mark Miller.