Bring the cushion covers to your local foam place
and have them cut the foam-- the savings of cutting it yourself would be minuscule, the real cost is the foam itself.
The foam in my sofa cushions needs to be replaced soon, too-- there's currently polyfill batting basted to the old foam. Does anyone know the purpose of the batting-- LRF? Is it really necessary?
good link
This isn't the exact link I used when I was redoing my Plycraft, but it contains most of the same information.
The Dacron batting helps provide a buffer surface for the foam itself - think about really cheaply made furniture where the cushions are all too-sharp angles. The batting offers a little give, and a little plumpness to the cushions.
Whitespike - I would recommend a professional cut your foam. I had to cut through a foam mattress once. I'm a pretty good craftsman, but it was a mess to get the cuts even (using a long serrated bread knife).
http://www.winterssewing.com/drupal/node/81
I've done a fair amount of reupholstering...
I had to take classes to learn it and I'm a very experienced seamstress. It's a fairly complex thing to learn. I'd definitely get the foam professionally cut. Lucifersum is right it's not a cakewalk. Very easy to torque the bread knife and get non-parallel cuts.
He's also right that you should use the batting for additional 'loft'. If you really want some additional softness you sould consider wrapping the cushions in a bed duvet, that you refit for the cushions. Down or artificial down are both good to use. Adds an extra bit of work but produces really nice 'tush-appeal'. My Neils Bendsten Neo sofa came that way and I've since redone two other chairs using that method cuz it's so gosh-darned comfy. Doing this also gives a bit longer life to the cushions themselves.
the batting question
I'm a self-taught upholster with about a dozen sofas and twenty-plus chairs behind me. I buy the high density foam at Joann Fabrics when it's on sale and I cut it with an electric carving knife. I mark both sides of the foam slab and stand it on its edge and cut downward, checking the line on both sides every inch or two. I've used a regular serrated knife to cut foam, too. The electric knife is way, way easier. I get a straight, clean, square cut every time.
But that still might be too much bother for most people. You'll have to decide for yourself.
As for the batting, yes, it softens the look and feel of the foam slab a bit, but more importantly, it keeps the foam from gripping the fabric. Every time you slide your bum back or forward on the cushion, the fabric moves with you a little bit. If there's no batting, the foam will grip it and keep it there, causing unsightly ripples and creases. Batting doesn't grip, so the fabric can boing back to its rightful position after you slide off the cushion.
Some modern furniture cushions have a very clean, crisp profile but you still need batting for the non-grip factor even if you don't want to soften the profile at all. Fortunately, you can get thin batting for this kind of application. Just be sure to get upholstery batting and not quilt batting, which is much less durable.
The easiest way to apply batting to foam is with spray adhesive like 3M. You can get it at hardware stores and most craft/fabric stores. Wear rubber gloves when spraying because the overspray gets all over everything. I do the spraying outdoors. You have to spray both surfaces lightly and then wait a few minutes before sticking them together. Let it air outside for awhile if possible. The fumes are pretty fierce. It's essentially rubber cement in a spray can.
to answer all your ...
to answer all your questions, yes you can do it your self.
The reason we use a poly wrap is to firm things up with out getting rid of the original, some people like them some hate them my daughter took it out after her sofa was redone, always go to reupholster shop and have them cut the foam. you will not get it right.
It
should not be much more after you have it on , then real important, steam them out. with a steamer, and they will look great, if you need button holes you can do that to with a heavy twine,and long needle
the only part i would not recommend cutting,and sewing and fitting of the sofa really tough work.
Neo Sofa
Oh yes, absolutely taking it with me. It's a wonderful piece of furniture. Very well made, very eco-consciously made and it'll be a cinch to reupholster when the time comes.
The ONLY gripe I've had w/the thing is the shaped cushion for the chaise slides out of position all the time. I finally fixed it's little red wagon by putting some clips on the corners and anchoring it to the back of the seat. Can't see them at all and they helped a lot. I have the matching club chair as well. Also very comfy and a favorite cat lounge.
WARNING ON SPRAY ADHESIVE!!! Be absolutely sure you buy the kind that is compatible with the cushion foam. Otherwise the foam will degrade very quickly!
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com