Although the principle of Measure Twice, Cut Once has been a standard in carpentry, this is always a good piece of advice for most projects albeit making draperies or in the recent case of MDM, upholstery.  MDM is in the process of reupholstering an antique couch.  When the weather is more conducive, the couch will be removed to a larger workspace and the process will begin. 

However, until then just to make the couch less the eyesore that it has become because of kids and kats, MDM purchased a slipcover from Target, reg. $119/on sale for $29.99 to hide the obvious flaws.  The slipcover by Waverly came in 2 pieces, one for the couch and a separate one for the cushion(s). 

MDM has decided to change the cushions from 3 to 1 or 2 and went to buy replacement cushion(s) to be used now, and later when the final decision on the number of cushions will be made.  MDM went to local fabric/upholstery store to purchase high density foam for the couch after taking an initial measurement of 66".  

High density foam comes in various thickness and lengths and the move has been away from carrying the foam in bulk to precut forms.  For a seat cushion for a couch you will want at least a cushion to be 4" thick, they will come in anything from 2"-5". 

The precut piece came in a 72" length, which with the early measurement meant 6" of waste, not wide enough for a decent pillow.  The price was approx. $72–wow, with an additional $2 charged for cutting!  At this price, MDM didn’t want to make a mistake in measurement and decided to take the piece uncut. 

The question arose how do you cut this foam at home?  Many upholsterers have a special cutting device such as a hot wire to cut and sculpt and customize the foam, but for a DIYer this would be an unnecessary costly piece of machinery. 

What to do?  When MDM took Community Education courses in upholstery, the instructor advised her students to use an electric knife to cut the foam.  A perfect solution since the knife can cut through varying thickness including 4"-5" cushions and much like a jigsaw can do inside corners or curves. 

Most everyone in the 70’s and 80’s received an electric knife as a wedding gift or present.  If you don’t own one, they still sell them, but MDM recommends checking at your local thrift stores, rummage or yard sales–sooner or later you will find one extremely reasonable.  However, if you can’t wait check Amazon.com.

Well to make a long story short, when MDM returned home with this large piece of high density foam she tried the cushion prior to cutting it since the slipcover was 72" in length and although it fit snugly, it worked out perfectly and did not require any cutting at this time.  So, the immediate problem was solved and the piece remains intact to be used later when the entire couch is reupholstered!

Related Articles You'll Enjoy!

• Quick 30 Minutes No Sew Slipcover
• Tip of the Week #15 Keeping the Cupboards Not Bare, But Clean
• Wednesday Steal: Home for the Holidays Means Redecorating!
• Tip of the Week #45: Ask Twice, Cut Once
• ▪ A Big Decorating Look for a Small Price
• Chop Salad Makings Like The Pros As Seen On Martha
• Pro Freshional Fridge Mat
• Chop Tomatoes With A Scissors?
• Tip of the Week #33: The Marathon for the Elusive Markdown
• Skip The DVD and Buy The Book

Sign-Up for Daily E-Mail Gems from

(No Ratings Yet)  Loading ...