Sewing Question

[shabbychick]

I have just refinished a chair and am now making cushions for it. The cushion that goes on the back is supposed to have four loops so the cushion can hang from the four chair posts (the back is shaped sort of like a half-circle). I'm also supposed to make ties for the seat cushion, but I don't really have to do that since the original cushion didn't have ties. I did try to make some, but they looked like they'd been done by a kindergartner. My question is, is there some kind of ribbon or trim I can buy to sew into the cushions to use as ties/loops instead of sewing my own fabric ones? It needs to be something that won't tear out with use. My sewing skills are minimal, at best, and having ten thumbs and the eyesight of an elderly mole doesn't help, either. Any ideas?

[mac78]

Have you went to Jo Ann Fabrics and asked them. The ladies are usually good at helping with questions. I am sure there is some type of strong ribbon/trim that will work that won't fray. Beyond a straight stitch, my sewing skills arn't very good either.

[cheapdiva]

a good cotton ribbon should not fray. there are many types of ribbon and trims you could use and asking at your local fabric store for help is a good idea.

[Gigi]

Crossgrain ribbon may work also. You would just have to sew the end (folded over-easy!) I agree with asking someone at JoAnn fabrics... ;)

[annielinz]

Maybe thick binding tape will work.

[yarborough house]

They make a heavy canvas ribbon now. It comes in many colors. The ladies at JoAnn's would know it would be more appropriate for upholstery and hold up better. A lot of ribbon off of rolls if any pressure or tugging of the cushion would happen would probably rip or stretch.

I love sewing...and have spent years in fabric stores. I am in the process of making new covers for my screen room furniture..fun fun. Well will make them when POLLEN week ends :)

tammy

[Gigi]

Me too! Meaning I LOVE a fabric store-it's like a candy shop to me. What fabrics do you love the best???? What do you like sewing? I could spend all day sewing if I had time! :eek:

[shabbychick]

Thanks, everyone. I selected some 5/8 inch green grosgrain ribbon for the ties. I sewed it in wrong the first time around (I knew I would) then pulled it out and did it right the next time. I have trouble with my visual-spatial skills. Learning to recover a chair, even a simple one like this one, is a challenge for me, and I seem to make every mistake it's possible to make, but I will persevere and finish this if it kills me. It won't look professional, but it'll do.

I have almost no sewing skills. Really. I can almost sew a straight seam, and that's about it. I can't read a pattern, visualize how parts go together, or manipulate fabric in any configuration that isn't a straight line. And I'm not kidding about my bad eyesight, either. Even with glasses, it's not that good. I like beautiful fabrics and ribbon and would like to be able to make things like slipcovers, but that's not really one of my skills. I have nothing but respect for those of you who can turn a length of fabric into anything at all.

[cheapdiva]

I have been sewing since I was eight and used to make everything except my underwear up until my second child came along. Then I started sewing things for the house only - window treatments, pillow, slipcovers. Have even considered doing it for a living at one point but feared if I had to do it, it wouldn't be for the sheer joy of sewing.

I have had a chair seat cover taken apart for months now trying to get a new slipcover made. Maybe this weekend - yeah, right! We'll be tearing down walls getting ready for the contractors to come in.

We have a Calico Corners here and an independent fabric store called "Manhattan Textiles". I prefer to shop at these places (and one in the Chicago area) because they are fabric stores and not craft stores. I used to do the big chain stores - Joann and the like - but they sell more craft items than fabrics. And Manhattan in particular, has fabrics that you won't find anywhere else. They have a back room sale area and last summer I got 10 yards of beautiful fabric for $33. It originally sold for $16 a yard!

I have an online store link I will go find and post here - they have some wonderful, reasonably priced. I could spend hours looking at fabric and trim!!

[cheapdiva]

http://fabricguru.com

Here is the link for the online store.