
If you're planning a camper van trip, it's important to ensure that your journey is as comfortable as possible. Memory foam cushions are a great option for your camper van as they provide excellent support and comfort. They are also long-lasting and can be easily customised to fit your van's specifications. You can even make them yourself! This involves measuring your van's dimensions, sourcing the right type and amount of foam, and sewing the cushion covers.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Foam type | Memory foam, Lux foam, High Resilience foam, Latex foam, High-density foam, Commercial-grade polyurethane foam |
Foam thickness | 1.5-4 inches |
Fabric type | Cotton, Polyester, Velvet, Muslin |
Fabric colour | Grey, Gray |
Zippers | Dark grey, optional |
Batting | Cushion batting, Dacron polyester fiber |
Foam shape | Custom, rectangle |
Foam dimensions | 30" x 18", 23 3/4" x 17", 48" x 17", 68 1/2" x 24", 30" x 15", varies depending on van |
What You'll Learn
Measuring and cutting the foam
Before you start, it's important to take precise measurements of the space you want to fill with your cushion. This will ensure a snug fit and maximise comfort. Measure the length, width and thickness of the desired cushion area, adding 3/4" to all seam sides to allow for adequate fabric coverage.
For example, if your cushion needs to be 24" wide, the dimension you input when ordering your foam should be 24.75". This extra fabric will also be useful if you want to add a layer of Dacron polyester fibre for an aesthetic finish.
When it comes to the foam itself, you have a variety of options depending on your needs and preferences. Commercial-grade polyurethane foam is a cost-effective solution for cushions that will only see limited use. High-density foam is a step up in terms of quality and is widely used in the furniture industry. Lux foam is another upgrade, offering a firmer feel. High-resilience foam is an excellent quality option that will provide durability and support. Latex foam is a top-of-the-line choice, offering excellent support and longevity, as well as natural resistance to mould and mildew.
Memory foam is a very comfortable option, especially as a topper for a foam mattress or cushion. However, it is not recommended as a solid foam insert for your cushions.
Once you've selected your foam type and taken your measurements, you can order your foam to be cut to your exact specifications.
Now it's time to cut your foam to size. If you've ordered a large piece of foam, lay out your memory foam first and place your high-density foam on top. Cut around the high-density foam with an electric knife to ensure a smooth, jagged-edge-free cut.
If you're cutting multiple pieces of foam, such as for a medium or large cushion, you may need to cut several pieces to size and sew them together.
Remember to cut and sew your foam pieces slightly smaller than your desired cushion size to ensure a tight fit for the fabric. This will help to prevent wrinkles in the fabric once you're finished.
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Choosing the right fabric
The fabric you choose for your camper van cushions will depend on several factors. Firstly, you'll want a fabric that is soft and comfortable to sit and sleep on. Secondly, you'll want to consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance, as fabrics that are machine washable will be more convenient in the long run. Additionally, you may want a fabric that is moisture-resistant or quick-drying, especially if you plan to use your camper van in snowy or rainy conditions.
A blend of cotton and polyester is a popular choice for camper van cushions as it offers a balance between comfort, ease of washing, and moisture management. Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft and breathable, while polyester is durable, quick-drying, and resistant to wrinkles. You can adjust the ratio of the blend to suit your specific needs; a higher percentage of cotton will provide greater softness and breathability, while a higher percentage of polyester will increase durability and moisture resistance.
Other factors to consider when choosing a fabric include its durability, weight, and price. If you plan to use your camper van frequently, investing in a high-quality, durable fabric may be worthwhile. Medium-weight fabrics are a good option as they offer a balance between comfort and longevity. Additionally, consider the colour and pattern of the fabric to ensure it aligns with your aesthetic preferences and the overall design of your camper van.
When purchasing fabric, be sure to buy slightly more than you think you need to account for any mistakes or adjustments. It's always better to have a little extra fabric than to run out halfway through your project. Finally, don't forget to pre-wash the fabric before cutting and sewing to prevent shrinkage and ensure the final product is washable.
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Sewing the cushion covers
Now that you have your memory foam, it's time to make the cushion covers. You will need some basic sewing tools for this step:
- Sewing machine
- Small ruler and long measuring tape
- White pencil to draw on the fabric
- Iron and ironing board
- Zippers
- Fabric (a mix of cotton and polyester is a good option for comfort and ease of washing)
First, take the dimensions of your cushions and cut the fabric accordingly. Add about 0.5 inches to each side to allow for the seam. Cut two pieces for the top and bottom of the cushion, and then cut one long band that will wrap around all four sides and connect the top and bottom pieces. If your cushion is large, you may need to cut the long band into multiple pieces and sew them together.
Next, sew the zipper onto the side band. This will allow you to remove the cover for washing. Sew the zipper onto the long band, and then sew the band to the bottom piece of the cover, starting with the side that has the zipper. Sew along the edge until you reach the corner, then turn the fabric 90 degrees and continue sewing. Do this for all four sides of the cushion.
Once the sides are done, sew the last edge of the side band. Make sure to have a nice 90-degree angle with the bottom piece.
Finally, sew the top piece of the cover, pinning each side first to ensure that all the dimensions align correctly.
Now you can insert the memory foam into the cushion covers. This may be a bit tricky, but with some patience, it can be done. Try to put the corners in first and then adjust as needed.
And there you have it! Custom memory foam cushions for your camper van.
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Adding zippers
Step 1: Measure and Cut Fabric for Zipper
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools, including a sewing machine, small ruler, measuring tape, white pencil for fabric marking, iron and ironing board, zipper foot for your sewing machine, and scissors. Measure and cut the fabric for the zipper panel. For a small cushion, cut two thin bands that will be sewn together to create the zipper panel. The length of these bands will depend on the size of your cushion, so measure accordingly.
Step 2: Sew the Zipper Panel
Sew the two thin bands together to create the zipper panel. Open the sewn piece and iron the seam flat. Install the zipper foot onto your sewing machine. Position the zipper onto the zipper panel, ensuring the zipper head is about 1 inch from the edge of the cushion. Sew one side of the zipper, following the zipper teeth along the length. Then, sew the other side.
Step 3: Secure the Zipper Ends
To prevent too much pressure on the side seams, leave about 1 inch of fabric at each end of the zipper unsewn. Sew over the zipper teeth at both ends to secure them. Use a seam ripper to open the seam where the zipper is, and carefully cut off the extra zipper part at the end.
Step 4: Sew the Zipper to the Side Band
Now, sew the zippered panel to the long side band of the cushion cover. You will have one long band that goes around the perimeter of the cushion, and the zipper will be on one side of this band. Sew the pieces together, leaving the two ends open for now.
Step 5: Sew the Side Band to the Bottom Piece
With the zippered side band ready, it's time to sew it to the bottom piece of the cushion cover. Start with the zippered side, ensuring it is precisely positioned. Sew along the edge until you reach the corner, then turn the fabric 90 degrees and continue sewing. Do this for all four sides of the cushion.
Step 6: Sew the Top Piece
Pin each side of the top piece to ensure that all dimensions align correctly at the end. Keep the zipper open during this step so you can have your hand inside the cushion to work with the fabric more easily. Sew the top piece to the side band, turning at each corner just as you did with the bottom piece.
Step 7: Insert the Foam
Now it's time to insert the memory foam into the cushion cover. As the cover is made slightly smaller, this step might require some patience and maneuvering. Start with the corners, and if needed, have one person compress the foam while the other guides the fabric in place. Ensure that the seams of the cover align with the edges of the foam.
And there you have it! Your memory foam cushion with a zipper for your camper van is now ready for use and easy removal for washing.
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Inserting the foam into the covers
Now that you've cut your foam to size and sewn your cushion covers, it's time to put the two together. This step is a bit tricky, but with some patience, you'll be able to get the foam into the covers without too much trouble. For smaller cushions, you may be able to do this alone, but larger cushions might require an extra pair of hands to help compress the foam as you place it into the cover.
Start by placing the corners of the foam into the cover, then work your way around the edges. Make sure that the seams of the cover are aligned with the edges of the foam for a neat finish. If your cushion has a zipper, make sure it is open to make the process easier.
Once the foam is in place, zip up the cover and admire your handiwork! Your new memory foam cushion is now ready to be placed in your camper van, providing comfort and support for your seating or sleeping arrangements.
If you're happy with the result, you can repeat the process to create additional cushions for your camper van setup. Remember to take accurate measurements for each cushion to ensure a perfect fit, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of foam and fabrics to find the ideal combination for your needs.
With your new memory foam cushions, you'll be able to hit the road in style and comfort, enjoying the benefits of a cosy and functional living space on wheels.
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Frequently asked questions
Memory foam is a very comfortable option when used as a topper for foam mattresses or cushions. It is not recommended to use memory foam as a solid foam insert. Other options include commercial-grade polyurethane foam, high-density foam, lux foam, high-resilience foam, and latex foam.
Camper van cushions are usually thinner than in other settings due to space constraints. Cushions should be a minimum of 2 inches thick, with 3-4 inches providing more comfort if space allows.
Measure the length, width, and thickness of your seat cushions. Add 3/4" to all seam sides for a better fit.
Basic sewing tools such as a sewing machine, small ruler and long measuring tape, a white pencil to draw on the fabric, an iron and ironing board, and a self-healing mat (optional).
A mix of cotton and polyester can provide comfort, ease of washing, and moisture resistance.