Making outdoor cushions

[issynoho]

I want to keep our old sofa cushions and recover them for the DC's playhouse/shed. They will get chucked around, stuff spilt on them, left outside in the rain and at risk of mildew probably, because the shed hasn't got great ventilation. So they need to be wipe clean.

The PVC oilcloth fabric is a bit stiff and not nice to lie on. What fabric could I use? Or maybe treat fabric with a spray?

I haven't done this yet, but have been given the idea of making them from shower curtain material - waterproof but much lighter and more flexible. No idea what it's like to sew with in reality...

Yes! That's just the kind of sewing hack I'm after.

Cordura or polycotton canvas would be waterproof. I sew lots of outdoor stuff for horses, camping, floats for our canoe, covers for anything that needs doing. DH is good at suggesting things for me to sew!

Point North is a fantastic place for outdoor fabrics. Something like this would work:

www.profabrics.co.uk/products/sale/1000-denier-pu-coated-nylon-special/0001839.html

And yes! again! Very useful expert answer and you know I have lost the rest of my evening poring over that website. to lovely crafty MNers.

Ripstop is great www.facebook.com/littlefabza/photos/a.488266251221569.1073741841.484675458247315/823110224403835/?type=1&theater

Point North is fantastic issy, whatever weight of waterproof fabric you want they have. What I love about them is that they don't rip you off on postage, you pay by weight and can still choose good old second class Royal Mail for most things.

I have been making outdoor things this last month and managed to forget to order some fastenings I wanted - no big deal as the postage was only £2.30.

Very quick despatch too. Thoroughly recommend them - and if you look in the sale section first you might save a few £££.

Ooh, it's just so technical - tear strength and anti-abrasion data. LOVE it! Ideas running ahead of budget and capabilities again... Daren't show DH. Fancy a bit of Danish camo for the DC's den though...

And ripstop! Dog collars! Haven't got a dog, but still... Thank you

Dear me issy - I definitely do not want to be held responsible for introducing you to Point North if you buy a dog collar but you haven't got a dog ponders rash decision of sharing info .

You have opened my eyes to a whole new world of technical sewing - I won't hold you liable for any half-finished projects arising .

I made a canopy for our new tipi tent last week in their 8oz cotton canvas.

You do need to think about what thread and needles (jeans needles of various sizes) you use if you go for the heavy duty stuff. Although I used one that I thought was a bit too big at first last week.

I am making a smaller version just for rain cover at the doorway today in another sort of canvas from there - even thicker which wasn't really required but it was the colour I wanted.

Ooh, gorgeous. I may update our tent groundsheet storage bags from old pillowcases to something more glamorous now I know where to get the fabric.