Advice on constructing a bench cushion for the first time and threading a zipper slide onto zipper tape.

It’s been a challenging but exciting past few weeks in the Luluké studio.  I’ve finally made the transition from having just one blog to two.  One simply called “Luluké, Create, Share, inspire” to bring you updates, news on challenges and (dare I say) tutorials, and the other called “The Button” which will continue to seek out, explore and highlight other handcrafters in and around Cleveland, Ohio.  


You may remember that some time (way back) I asked you to challenge me with a new project.  Sooooo... a friend of mine made the call recently.  She challenged me to make not just one, but two large bench cushions (approx. 27” x 42”) with piping for her newly renovated (and seriously gorgeous) basement.  I tell ya that girl’s got an eye for detail and style! 

And because I like to give a shout out to anyone who deserves it for a job well done, and just in case you’re interested in hiring a contractor for renovation work the person responsible for this masterpiece is:  John Siegel, Siegel Construction, Telephone: 440 821 1762.

After I explained to my lovely friend that I've never done such a (big) project, her response was to look me straight in the eyes, smile and say “yes I know, but I want you to make them”.  How could I refuse?  I admit I hesitated a little, took a gulp then felt a flash of electric excitement and got to work immediately.  I had around 10 days (I was granted more time but wanted to meet the deadline of a special party she had planned).  I started by rushing to Schindler's Fabrics on the West Side of Cleveland and collected lots of samples for her to choose from.  Schindler's was the perfect choice due to having an endless supply and fantastic range of high end designer fabrics that come with a reasonable price tag.  Let’s just rewind a bit here… I first conquered my fear of driving in downtown Cleveland and passed from the East to the West (huge conquest - and conquered).  Well… it’s an interesting adventure when you originally learnt to drive on the other side of the road and the rules are different.  I also got to know the “ooooooh so lovely” Gregory at Schindler's, who couldn't have been more of a darling with his help and master upholsterer (and owner) Judy who assured me of the correct ways to approach the task at hand. 

We settled on fabric, trim and design.  Then as the project progressed, it literally grew bigger as it took shape, as you can see below:

I don't approach things halfheartedly (or give up easily) so here’s a quick rundown of what I learned firsthand about the thinking before you construct a bench cushion and how to tackle zips head on - should any of you decide you want to have a go yourself:

• Think about how you want to construct your piece - there’s usually more than one way (i.e. zip or Velcro, piping or no piping, ready made piping or handmade piping etc.).
• Think about how you will take the cover on and off the foam insert.  So if say for example you decide to inert a zipper, take the zipper across the back and at least 5” up the side panels from the rear of the cushion.
• Watch a few upholstery videos to get a good idea of design and construction.  And again.  And again, if needed.  If you lose your direction during construction, revert back to them until you find your way again.  I used this one to help me along Kim's Upholstery, how to make a cushion cover.  My project needed the zipper to end in a different place to what's shown in the video, so I just took the cover off another seat cushion I have already with this feature and figured out how it was constructed.
• If you've never made a bench cushion before and you’re feeling a little nervous, practice on something smaller first before you use expensive materials - especially if your customer has paid for them already.  I opted to making a small cushion first that turned out okay, and it has handmade piping (and I get to keep this one).

• Don’t be afraid to ask the experts.  My experts in this case were Gregory and Judy from Schindler's.  They seemed delighted by my admittedly novice skill with this hand crafting opportunity and my tenacity to get it done.  I think it’s one of those skills that’s at risk of disappearing from our modern, mass produced world.
  
• Take your time and don’t be afraid to change your original construction ideas.  It may just work out better.
  
• Do the math right, to avoid repeated trips to the shops, especially if they are a distance away!  You can tell how I learned this one.
  
• If you feel like you're running out of space, move your machine to a larger table (if you have one) and give yourself plenty of room.  I used our dining room table for this project.
• If you’re using thick or heavy fabric and the project begins to get too heavy and starts to slip off your sewing machine, use an extra table on your left side to support the weight and balance of the fabric.  I used a folding table we use for parties.  And don’t pull too hard on the fabric because it may stretch out of shape. 
  
• Use a heavy duty machine.  Well, I was way overdue for an upgrade and she’s a dream!

• I can say with confidence (now) that zips are not a scary concept, once you know how.  I even mastered the art of a concealed zipper for this project!  Here's my first ever video tutorial on how to thread a zipper pull onto zipper tape from a roll:

Despite my friend's willingness to wait for the final product, I managed to get the bench cushions in place three hours before the party!  I could have tweaked them a little more but my friend was happy with them just the way they were and I've heard through the grape vine already that she is a very happy customer, which makes me feel like ... 

CHALLENGE ACCOMPLISHED!

In addition to creating and selling jewelry and bags in my shop, I'm always seeking out new adventures and experiences when it comes to handmade.  If you would like to challenge me to complete a project, see a new product in the shop, or a particular tutorial get in touch via [email protected].

With love,

Lou xoxox