The Sewing Place

Covering camper van bench seat pads

Emerion

Covering camper van bench seat pads
« on: April 17, 2019, 14:16:33 PM »
Hi everyone, I need some advice on the type of fabric to use to cover 2 large memory foam seat pads for a camper van. We will be sleeping on these cushions as well as sitting, hence the memory foam, for greater comfort. The fabric needs to be hard-wearing, totally non-stretch (old machine), and preferably machine washable. I just don’t know what to search for, or what weight I need. I’m an inexperienced sewer, so don’t know if some fabrics are harder to work with and/or fit onto the pads, and best avoided. Any thoughts?
Machine: Singer 99K 1954
Ability: Plenty of room for improvement

Greybird

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2019, 15:48:45 PM »
Possibly linen union? You might have to pre-wash this to be on the safe side though. I have found that some of Laura Ashley furnishing fabrics wash quite well. They have 50% off at the moment.

Lachica

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2019, 16:10:30 PM »
I recovered boat seat pads (inside the cabin) with 100% polyester furnishing fabric. I had the original covers to copy and reused the zips so they can be removed. I chose polyester as less likely to get mildewed, (the boat was quite damp when we bought it) but we now run a solar powered fan in there & have a dehumidifier so linen/poly mix would have worked. We've slept on them with a sheet & duvet. IKEA do good (well priced) fabric which would work for you, ask advice in store as to which are suitable. There's plenty offered online but I'd want to feel the fabric first. You want something with a firm weave and medium weight.
Mary
2020 stash: not gonna count, not gonna feel guilty.

Ellabella

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2019, 16:43:04 PM »
Ditto to the fabrics mentioned.

If you are unsure how to actually make the box cushions there are some good explanations on YouTube, my favorite is by Peg Baker.

Good luck and have fun.

Surest1tch

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2019, 19:00:57 PM »
I'd go for draylon myself. It's hard wearing, washable on a cool wash and stood up to 2 kids a husband and a dog for around 12 years until we could afford to buy a new suite.

BrendaP

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2019, 22:10:40 PM »
If the covers are going over naked memory foam make some under covers from some cheap slippery polyester; no need for zips or anything fancy.  It will make the proper cover so much easier to get on and off.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Emerion

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2019, 08:27:07 AM »
Hi, thanks for all those helpful suggestions. I’m feeling more optimistic about making a good job of  it now. I take the point about feeling the fabric before I buy, so there will be a delay before I can start as we live in the sticks. I think our nearest ikea is a good 2 hours away, probably not much less for Laura Ashley. Is Dunelm Mill any good for upholstery fabric? There’s one of those quite near to us. I’m thinking I might plan a few projects and do a bulk-buy of fabric in one trip to ikea or Laura Ashley.
Machine: Singer 99K 1954
Ability: Plenty of room for improvement

Efemera

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2019, 08:38:47 AM »
Are you anywhere near Mostyn?

Greybird

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #8 on: April 18, 2019, 09:22:52 AM »
Have a look at Laura Ashley online to see if there's anything you like before making the journey.

SkoutSews

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #9 on: April 18, 2019, 09:33:13 AM »
Our nearest Dunelm Mill has a fair selection of upholstery fabric.  I've had fabric for roman blinds from them and also some PVC tablecloth fabric.  They also have a range of haberdashery too, which can be very useful for picking up bits and bobs when in the vicinity.  If you have one nearby it would be worth a look.

Morgan

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #10 on: April 18, 2019, 11:49:55 AM »


How To - 
https://www.parkedinparadise.com/campervan-mattress/
and
http://www.campervanconversion.co.uk/campervan-cushions.html


Some places to get different types inners and to have the pads cut to the correct size / shape

https://www.gbfoamdirect.co.uk/foam-cut-to-size/caravan-cushions-mattresses-motorhome-foam/


https://www.thefoamshop.co.uk/category/205/CARAVANCAMPERVAN-OWNERS


https://www.foam4u.co.uk/product/campervan-caravan-upholstery/


High Density combo example - https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/152951601399?chn=ps&var=452727258796

The above are just a few of the returns from a google search - plenty more available and several suppliers on ebay.


Covering the pads -
https://campervanconverts.com/2012/03/10/how-to-sew-fabulous-seat-cushions-even-if-youre-a-complete-beginner-part-1/


https://www.thepopupprincess.com/pop-up-camper-remodel/cushions/reupholstering-your-camper-cushions/

Plenty more articles and tutorials on-line.

If you are within striking distance of Immanuels at Burnley - go there for your fabric.  You will be spoilt for choice.
In the £1.00 per metre room you will find upholstery fabric, some with backing and some without.  In the other rooms you'll find even more soft furnishings fabrics as well as a whole aisle of heavy printed cottons.



Emerion

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #11 on: April 18, 2019, 14:03:09 PM »
I’m not near either Mostyn or Burnley unfortunately - very envious of the prices you quoted. I expect there will be local fabric shops somewhere close’ish if I ask around. I think I need to start looking and asking. Thank you all.
Machine: Singer 99K 1954
Ability: Plenty of room for improvement

Bodgeitandscarper

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #12 on: April 18, 2019, 16:20:32 PM »
If you want to be able to remove the covers, definitely think about some sort of permanent cover for the foam to make it easier - putting covers directly on to foam is a nightmare.  I'm pretty sure there is some sort of almost netting type stuff that you can use, but I can't remember what it's called....

Bodgeitandscarper

Re: Covering camper van bench seat pads
« Reply #13 on: April 18, 2019, 16:23:01 PM »
Upholstery stockinette, that's what it's called  0_0