Date: 10/22/09 8:59 PM

I just got a request for outdoor pillows and the lady sounds a bit particular. I replied that I haven't a source for outdoor pillow forms so shipping will cost an arm and a leg. I don't see why she doesn't just buy the forms herself and have me do the pillow covers, but it appears she has the money to spend.

Is there a special way to make outdoor pillows? Do I just get regular pillow forms and cover them with vinyl before proceeding? Do I need special forms? I've made a lot of pillows, but never had a request for "special" outdoor pillows...

Where can I buy outdoor pillowforms?

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"ACK! I'm having withdrawals! Get me to a sewing machine... NOW!"

Stash used for January 2012: 26 yards
February: 7.5 yards

http://ryuunohikari.etsy.com
http://justsewit.blogspot.com

Date: 10/23/09 8:37 AM

If it's a good outdoor fabric, I don't see why you couldn't just use regular forms.

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Pfaff 138-6
Brother PQ1500S
Necchi 4795
US Blindstitch 718-9
Kenmore 16644
Janome CoverPro 1000

Date: 10/23/09 4:30 PM

Have you used any of the densified batting products? Fairfield makes densified batting under the name Nu-Foam. Hancock's carries it.

Fairfield Densified Batting

I used this for a chair cushion. Interesting stuff. Water does not collect in it because the spaces between the "densified" batting fibers are large enough to allow water to drain out. It's a polyester product, so it doesn't disintegrate polyurethane.

CMC

Reply to Dale C
Date: 10/25/09 5:23 PM

Dale
Check out www.batt-mart.com. They have great products. Also, I would use Sunbrella or a fabric like it instead of vinyl for outdoor pillows. This will give a more natural feel to the pillows and the product is mold and mildew resistant. It will not fade in the sunlight and is very sturdy. It also comes in a great selection of colors and patterns. You can just Google Sunbrella for sellers. I am pretty sure fabric.com sells some.

I think you are going to need a heavier sized needle for the fabric as it is pretty dense to work with, as well as a heavier thread. Check the home dec departments for threads.

I hope this helps.
Karen

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Karen

Date: 10/26/09 8:36 AM

I have seen Sunbrella brand thread out door elements resistant for use with Sunbrella fabric on different websites. Might be worth looking for.

Regular thread I fear would not be up to the task if any longevity is desired...

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... cleverly disguised as a responsible adult!

Reply to Nancy Rhodes
Date: 10/26/09 2:01 PM

Quote: Nancy Rhodes

Regular thread I fear would not be up to the task if any longevity is desired...

Any nylon wrapped thread would do the (outdoor) job. You don't have to pay extra for Sunbrella brand thread, as I'm sure they charge a extra premium for the brand name. The nylon wrapped thread is 2-3x as thick as regular garment thread (and a bit pricey on its own, without a brand name) so yes, you'll need to use a larger gauge needle.

If your client balks at paying more for the nylon wrapped thread, assure her that it is necessary. Sun, rain, dampness and fluctuating temperatures can destroy regular or upholstery/regular thread in one short season. --Lily

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Lily

Date: 10/26/09 2:21 PM

Thanks everyone. I haven't sewn outdoor pillows before so this is all news to me. I'll look into all those sources and see what I can find.
I love PR... it's such a great community with so many friends willing to share their sewing knowledge.

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"ACK! I'm having withdrawals! Get me to a sewing machine... NOW!"

Stash used for January 2012: 26 yards
February: 7.5 yards

http://ryuunohikari.etsy.com
http://justsewit.blogspot.com

Date: 11/1/09 8:13 PM

Check out www.rochford.com for outdoor fabrics and etc. (No connection, of course.) They have a $50 minimum for internet orders, but I've been a satisfied customer.

Have fun!

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A sewing machine is just a welder for textiles.