Materials:
- 2 cm thick foam
- Fabric as needed
- Cotton bias tape
Start by making a pattern for the seat on paper. Make the pattern a few millimeters smaller all around – this way, the chair will be slightly visible from under the seat cushion, even if the cushion compresses a bit with use. Mark the positions of the backrest fastenings or chair legs on the pattern for the placement of the fastening straps.
Measure the fabric consumption: consider the thickness of the foam – when using 2 cm thick foam, 1 cm of the thickness goes to seam allowances and 1.5 cm to sewing, meaning you add 2.5 cm seam allowance all around the piece. And, of course, two pieces are needed for one seat cover. For example, Etola sells foam cut to size according to the pattern, which ensures that the pattern has even edges. Draw the pieces on the wrong side of the fabric with the correct seam allowances, and cut out the pieces. Pin the pieces right sides together.
In the meantime, prepare the ties to secure the seat cushion to the chair. Approximately 2 x 30 cm is needed for each fastening. Cut the bias tape into 30 cm long pieces, iron, and sew the tape folded in half into a strap, finishing the ends by turning them inside the strap. Refer to the pattern for the locations of the chair legs or backrest slats. Pin the straps on both sides of the leg between the pinned cushion pieces so that the lengths point inwards toward the work.
Sew the entire package together approximately 1.5 cm from the edge, leaving an opening of about 20 cm at the back of the cover for turning the work and inserting the cushion. Overlock or zigzag stitch around the work. Turn the work right side out and press the seams open. Insert the foam cushion into the bag and position it snugly. Pin the turning opening closed, turning about 1.5 cm allowance to the wrong side, and sew the opening closed very close to the edge.
The seat cushions shown in the pictures are sewn from Pentik's light brown Jäkälä fabric.
