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So you are ready to recover your camper’s cushions but don’t know where to start. Well you have come to the right place! When it comes to making your sofa or dinette cushions, the durability of the material is key! It will also depend on several key factors: camping style, décor preferences, DIY abilities, and budget. Let’s break them down and help you decide what is best for you and your camper.
Camping style-
Camping styles are determined by how you and your family camp. It is also important to note that your camping style will improve your assessment of fabric materials, for durability and color choices.
For instances:
- Dry Camping (boondocking)
- Glamping
- Group Camping
- Kayak/Canoe Camping
- Overlanding (a fusion between camping and off-roading)
- Primitive Camping
- RV or Van Camping
- Winter Camping
- Workamping (blends the words “work” and “camping”)
These forms of camping referred above, offer different ways to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. in addition, improve your decision on the type of material you will need for your cushions. for example: If you are a fisherman/ hunter choosing light-colored fabrics would be something, you would want to deter from. Mud, gun grease, etc. can ruin and stain your materials. It is also a good choice to think about who will be joining you on your adventures. Children and pets will need a durable surface, one that can withstand jumping, mud, food, and drinks just to name a few.
Décor Preferences-
Depending on your style choice, picking the right materials will make or break your design aspect. You can pick fabric materials that mimic textiles like leather or fabric colors that are effortless with any design element.
A few décor ideas for popup campers:
- Art deco
- Asian Zen
- Bohemian
- Coastal
- Contemporary
- Eclectic
- French Country
- Hollywood Regency
- Modern Farmhouse
- Rustic
- Shabby Chic
- Urban Modern
DIY Abilities-
DIY cushions don’t have to be hard and time-consuming. You can do a no-sew method to completely recreating new cushions from scratch using piping and box corners. There are several projects out there that fit anyone’s DIY skills.
Budget-
For some, this is an important area to talk about. You can go over budget with redoing your sofa cushions, but it is realistic to stick to a budget. Selecting items that are on sale or clearance is one way to do that. Another way to buy bulk or think out of the box.
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What I use in my current popup
I used blackout curtains that I purchased at Big Lots. They were cut to the size I needed, and I had enough to make a few 12” x 12” cushions. I choose a lite-sew method, in which I just needed to sew the edges and I made box corners for a tailored look. Then I used Velcro to attach the fabric in the back.
Click “How to Make Sofa Cushions for your PUP Camper” View the post here!
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Below is a list of materials or products that can create any type of cushions. Just make sure you get enough because if they run out then you might be stuck using another color or brand.
Fabric Material List
Window Curtains-
Blackout
Drapes
Valances
Panels
Outdoor
Shower Curtains
Fabrics-
Cotton
Denim
Terrycloth
Corduroy
Flannel
Twill
Upholstery fabric
Suede
Microfibers
Polyesters
Polyamides
Polypropylene (outdoor fabric)
Linen
Table clothes
Bedsheets
Velvet
Burlap
Synthetic
Canvas
Nylon
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The fabric I choose for my popup camper
The fabric was an interwoven design called tonal basketweave fabric. It is made from 100% polyester fabric but looked like cotton. The color was called Anya Linen, a linen hue crossed between tan and gray. The curtain fabric felt heavy and looked like authentic sofa material, but way cheaper. Each box had 2 panels in them with the dimensions 37” x 84” each. They used innovative foam backing to the fabric and allows you to enjoy noise reducing and energy saving benefits within the camper. The back of the box states that they could be washed in the dryer when needed with no shrinkage.
Anya Linen Blackout Rod Pocket Curtain Panel Pair, (84″)
All in all, you can use various types of materials to make your sofa cushions. I have seen people use shower curtains, jean fabric, flannel to velvet.
If you want to go for a budget material burlap is a way to go, it can come in different colors or can be stained to painted to match your décor.
Using stores like Big Lots, T.J. Maxx, or Burlington to find high-end steals on fabrics like sheets, window curtains, or shower curtains.
Idea!!!
If you want more of a durable waterproof fabric, use a waterproof spray, onto your cushions when they are completed. Do this at the begging of every camping season and they will stay dry and dirt free.