Foam Cushions
Foam Quality & Density
Foam Come in a variety of qualities and densities. By quality, we are generally referring to the density. Density means, how dense is the foam = How much foam material is contained in a given amount of space. For practical purposes, the density of foam is measured by weight. For example, a low quality foam might weigh approximately one pound a specific size, while a high quality foam for upholstery might weight about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds for the same size.
In our shop we don't stock polyfoam, but we do have some foam samples in the various qualities and softnesses. On the sides of the samples, as shown the picture, the grade numbers are marked. The grade number consists of two specifications. the first two digits denote the density. The second two numbers denote firmness. For example, a specific size of the 2535 foam will weigh 2.5 pounds and will have a compression ratio of 35 pounds. (It takes 35 pounds to compress that foam a specific amount.)
A question was asked recently, on another board, about how to create a crown (or crest) on a flat foam cushion. There are probably many ways to do this, here is one way.
Now, about getting a "crown" on the cushions.
Making a little bit of a crown:
After cutting your foam to size, you can just wrap or glue about 1" bonded dacron wrap onto each side of the foam may give you the look you want. It gives a little bit of a crown.
When this is stuffed into the cushion, it will give a rounded effect. (which I use for most of my jobs.)
Getting more of a Crown:
If you want more of a crown than that (see drawing below), to give a higher crown on a foam cushion (see A in Drawing), you can start by cutting a piece of 1/2" foam about 2/3 the size of the foam (B in drawing). Be sure to taper (cut at a slant) the edges of the dacron. Then glue it to the center of the top and bottom of the foam. Then, for the layer of Dacron (C in Drawing), cut 2 pieces the same size as the foam and glue one on each side of the foam, on top of the smaller pieces of Dacron.
Then, as papasage said (on that other board), you can cut the cushion side boxing narrower. For instance, if you are using 5 inch foam, you can also cut the boxing about 5 " wide also. After it is sewn, the boxing will be 4" wide (It will cause the top and bottom of the cushion to come down over the side a little, which, when combined with the dacron wrap, will increase the "appearance" of a higher crown.)
I hope that helps.
Best Wishes,
Stephen
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making a crowned cushion
I am still trying to understand Stephen's technique as I am a beginner and hobbyist redoing a vintage armchair. I want a fat crowned cushion rather than a flatter cushion. When Stephen suggests over on the message board cutting a piece of 1/2" foam about 2/3 the size of the cushion foam, what sort of 1/2" foam does he mean? Would nice, soft latex foam work (I know it costs mopre)? I'd like a really cushy feel, nothing firm. Or, what kind of 1/2" foam is best? Also, some chairs look much more plush than just a 1/2" crown. How do they get it so high? I can't access the photos he describes, so can anyone suggest an llustration I could look at to see the step-by-step process of making a crown cushion?
And finally, when Stephen and Papasage both say you cut the cushion side boxing narrower, I am a bit lost. Do they mean, if I have a 5-inch thick cushion and I am adding a crown, that the upholstered side panels of my cushion should be narrower than the cushion so that it is really tight, like a 4" fabric side (after taking the seams into account?) Won't that really strain the fabric? Thanks for any links to good illustrations or books or any help. I found nothing at Barnes and Noble!
High Crown Cushion
Hi Jill,
There are a number of ways to make a high crown cushion. This article only tells about using foam in cushions. It is not really intended to be an article primarily of making a crown cushion, although it does mention that.
Using foam you can simulate a somewhat high crown cushion, although if you are using firm foam, the cushion will tend to be flatter. Fortunately, you mentioned that you want a softer cushier feel to the cushion. You will be able to make the cushion have a higher crown. More about this later..... (I have to find some pictures or make some drawings.)
Another way to make a soft cushy high crown cushion is to use down/feathers with a foam core. (Not recommended for beginners). The picture on the left shows the ticking cover with the foam insert. The picture on the right shows the finished cushion.
Other types of high crown cushions include inner spring cushions....
cushion cover
margaret cass
I am making new covers for outdoor furniture.
I am haveing trouble making the corners look nice, can anyone help me .
Cushion Covers
What type of help do you need? I would need more information to give you help. Do you have pictures that you could post? What type of cushions are you making? What specific problems are you having?
Stephen
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