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Post by Redwings on Jun 6, 2012 19:28:30 GMT -5
I am at a loss to figure out how to sew the classic "hinged" or "jack-knife" style cushions found in the Shastas. I've tried just sewing them together after each box cushion is sewn and stuffed...but there's got to be an easier way!?? Anyone successfully sew a set of these?? If so, would you please share? Diane Attachments:
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Post by 65callie on Jun 6, 2012 20:24:10 GMT -5
I took the easy way out and made slipcovers ;D
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Post by lopo on Jun 6, 2012 21:11:38 GMT -5
So you take them to an upholsterer for a quote, finding out how he/she would do it, and then you will know - and then you will tell us!  |
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jun 6, 2012 21:25:00 GMT -5
Actually, your sewing them together after they were stuffed is exactly how to do it. We just aren't as used to hand sewing as our moms were. Callie's suggestion of slipcovers is close to the same thing. Instead of hand sewing the cushion closed, put a zipper in instead. It's the same concept, only you don't have to rip out your hand-sewn seam and re-sew it every time the cover needs washing.
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Post by Redwings on Jun 6, 2012 22:11:11 GMT -5
All GREAT suggestions. I got brave and took the originals apart to use the old coverings as a pattern. Then I saw the awful yuk of 50 years of trailer life (!!) settled into the original foam that they all went out to the dumpster. So I will start at square one tomorrow. As much as I hate the extra work of putting in zippers I think that's what I will do.
The previous upholsterer basically sewed up tubes, slipped the foam inside the casings, closed up each end like you were wrapping a gift package, then hand-sewed the package ends closed. It looks like that held up just fine since ugly gold and green floral upholstery fabric was popular!
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boandsusan
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Christmas parade 2012
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Post by boandsusan on Jun 6, 2012 22:54:28 GMT -5
Google "slip stitch" somepeople call it "blind stitch". It really pretty simple to make the hinged cushion covers. Machine sew them, where they join before inserting the foam. If you insert the foam from the short sides and not the long sides, you only have 3 short lengths to "slip stitch". It also means that all three covers stay joined together for washing. Hope I made this clear. Its hard without pictures to explain.
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vikx
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Post by vikx on Jun 7, 2012 0:44:05 GMT -5
Oh man, I'm lucky to do curtains and welting...
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cowcharge
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I suffer from Shastasomiasis.
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Post by cowcharge on Jun 7, 2012 5:27:08 GMT -5
I'm no seamstress, but wouldn't it be easier to make the two cushions share one long "bottom" so there's no need to sew them together?
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Post by RanchoNotorious on Jun 8, 2012 0:35:15 GMT -5
Cowcharge, that's what I was wondering. Our couch cushion has one big single piece that holds together the three cushions that fold out into the "double" bed.
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Post by dragonfly on Jun 8, 2012 6:07:31 GMT -5
The one long piece idea sounds good, what about the big snaps that you use a snap tool to put into place? I may experiment with belting-strapping from the fabric store and snaps. If I win the lottery, I will pay someone to do it right.
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Post by Redwings on Jun 8, 2012 9:51:20 GMT -5
I've used the one single piece for the back or bottom of the cushion which held the smaller cushions together...it was a much smaller set of cushions and easier to wield around in my sewing machine.
I'm also liking dragonfly's idea of snapping using belts.
What it comes down to is I am NOT looking forward to upholstering. Procrastination is my friend here!
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Post by RanchoNotorious on Jun 8, 2012 15:56:54 GMT -5
Ha ha, Redwings! I'd hit the "like" button if there were one.
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Post by '59PinkDeluxe on Jun 8, 2012 21:56:12 GMT -5
Alas... my poor original gaucho went to the dump! After 8 years being used as a bunkhouse in the PO's yard, I wasn't about to attempt to de-cootie it!! So, futon for me as a temporary measure with new, awesome cover. I'd love to have an original style gaucho though sometime in the future. I like dragonfly's idea as well. Good thinking  |
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cropper2
100 Post Member
"Trixie"
Posts: 184
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Post by cropper2 on Jun 26, 2012 4:48:07 GMT -5
EXACTLY the question I was about to ask. I was so hoping to find here a pattern for this thing. Will it work if I just create the two narrow cushions and stack one in front of the other on top of the larger one? Is there a need to connect all three together for them to work as a bed? Your original photo shows them from the top. This one shows them from the bottom (with Tilly demonstrating their use). Attachments:
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Post by Redwings on Jun 26, 2012 9:56:50 GMT -5
I think the reason they are attached is to keep them from sliding and separating when you're sleeping on them. As well as keeping them together when in the couch position.
I am contemplating making mine in just two sections and using a snap/belt strap doo-hickie to keep them together.
That's my job for this week.......blech.
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Post by LittleVintageTrailer on Jun 26, 2012 11:35:04 GMT -5
I'm getting ready to tackle trying to make slip covers for dinette seats. I think these will be a challenge as they are hinged together as well. But we'll see if I can pull it off. Also going to add piping. Wish me luck!  |
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cowcharge
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I suffer from Shastasomiasis.
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Post by cowcharge on Jun 26, 2012 12:58:06 GMT -5
How about sewing them separately with an extra flap along one long edge each, and using velcro?
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Post by 65callie on Jun 26, 2012 14:29:48 GMT -5
How about sewing them separately with an extra flap along one long edge each, and using velcro? Excellent idea! Velcro is my second favorite fix-it thing. Number 1 fav is duck tape - in every color ;D My life is held together with duck tape and Velcro  |
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Gone Kayaking
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long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
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Post by Gone Kayaking on Jun 26, 2012 14:52:03 GMT -5
You are basically making a clamshell with a hinge.
1. I would make one piece for the top (the part you are going to sit/sleep on). On the wrong side, down the center (where it will fold) sew in a wide piece of velcro (fuzzy side) put the seam right down the center. fold this in half (like a V).
2. Sew the bottom pieces to the side around all four sides. Sew a piece of teeth side velcro (1/2 width or your other piece) down the side of your cushion that will attach to the center. Sew the other three sides to the top panel.
3. Cut your foam so that it is a snug fit. Wrap your cushion foam with dacron batting and stuff into the shells. This should be difficult.
4. Attach the side piece velcro to the center piece velcro and you are good to go. The covers can be removed for cleaning if needed. I hope this makes sense.
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Post by bretso on Jun 26, 2012 15:35:50 GMT -5
Will it work if I just create the two narrow cushions and stack one in front of the other on top of the larger one? When we (read "my wife") reupholstered, we decided to make them all separate pieces instead of sewing them together. We did this for the gauchos as well as the couch. It was a simple (lazy) solution that just happened to have added benefit for us. We are enjoying the flexibility to move the cushions around as we see fit. The sleeping area now has more options than it did when all of the cushions were sewn together. We've come up with about 4 different configurations we like for different sleeping situations. Sometimes we use a memory-foam mattress and line the walls with cushions, sometimes we use all of the cushions as the mattress and sometimes only some of the cushions, and the remainders are stored above in the bunk. So far we haven't had any problems with the cushions moving around while sleeping or sitting on the couch. Depending on the configuration we use, they are held in place by blankets, sheets, egg crate foam, sleeping pads or bags or etc. etc. Attached: not the best photo ever but you can see the couch cushions are separate. The seat material we used is something like the micro-fiber you find on couches and recliners. It doesn't slide much on the painted plywood beneath. (it's also stain resistant and durable!) The cloth with the dot pattern on it somewhat rough like canvas and does not slide much either. /2cents Attachments:
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Post by Redwings on Jun 26, 2012 18:14:43 GMT -5
They look great! And your girl is adorable!!!
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cropper2
100 Post Member
"Trixie"
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Post by cropper2 on Jun 26, 2012 19:45:36 GMT -5
I think that I'll go with the "three separate cushions" approach as well. If, for some reason, it causes a problem, I can always hand sew on Velcro or the one large piece of fabric onto the back of the hole shebang. I've really enjoyed this series. Very creative suggestions!!! |
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jswan
New Member
1964 Shasta Compact
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Post by jswan on Jul 16, 2012 0:26:58 GMT -5
Yes, great suggestions - I have enjoyed myself - thank you |
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Post by reefdiver77 on Mar 17, 2013 23:16:20 GMT -5
I am about to make new cushions for our 1974 XL 2000 and have a question. Why is there vinyl on the backs of the cushions for the dinette? I took one of these apart today to use as a guide. Do I need to replace the bottom of these cushions with vinyl like the original ones?
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boandsusan
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Christmas parade 2012
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Post by boandsusan on Mar 18, 2013 22:40:12 GMT -5
I`m not sure what camper you have but I can`t think of any reason why you would have to use vinyl on the bottom half of your cushions. I prefer vinyl on one side so that I can flip them should the grand babies visit lol. Its a personal choice. Some folks use all fabric and some use only vinyl. Its what you prefer.
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