Is sewing outdoor cushion covers worth the effort and cost?

[MilliM]

I've been asked to make covers for the cushions on an outdoor sofa.
I'm not hugely skilled at sewing but I think I could rustle up some covers, it just doesn't seem worth it to me. I think you could buy new cushions or at the very least new covers for not much more than the cost of fabric.
I think people who don't sew assume it must be cheaper. It was many years ago, when I was a child in the 60s my mother made all our clothes because she couldn't afford new.

Unless you/they really want a certain fabric or particular style, I think you could be right.

people exist who have no idea about sewing. I love it but only get going occasionally. The fuck would I be sewing someone’s outdoor cushions unless I loved them & wanted to do them a favour. its a lot of time, easy but lots of numbers/maths working it out. Who’s buying the fabric, thread, & zips?

Who has asked you?

Generally the cost of decent fabric is the same, if not more expensive, than buying the product.

Plus if you value your time, what else could you be doing instead that it would cost you.

I mean, I am learning to sew, so if the project would interest you then go for it. The advantage is you can make it how you want it in terms of colour, size, shape, detail. But it is not cheaper.

It's more expensive in my experience. Also there's waterproof and water resistant fabrics to consider. Unless you're a whizz with the sewing machine I wouldn't bother. They're cheap enough in Asda, Home Bargains etc. I have only make them when I wanted a specific fabric design.

I think any kind of craft is only worth it if you enjoy doing it or want something very specific that you can’t buy. Unless you're a pro & charging a realistic amount for materials & time.

I watch a lot of seeing projects on YouTube and TikTok and they make it look so easy and quick. Just cut out the fabric and sew it up, right? In reality, I personally find it really difficult. Even seeing a straight line isn’t as easy as it looks.

I did some practice mini cushion covers. One I got the zip in nicely, but the piping went wonky. The other I did perfect neat piping, but sewed the back on the wrong side up.
Ivd not attempted making actual cushions based on the failed practice.

It's much easier to make envelop cushion covers than the ones you put zips in.