Sitting on a wooden or metal structure can be pretty uncomfortable. The hard surfaces aren’t helpful when you have back problems. Hard patterned surfaces can also place markings on your skin, which does not look flattering. Your savior for this dilemma is to create a futon.

Thin Foldable Cushion

The futon is a thin cushion placed on hard surfaces like floors, wooden couches, and beds. Although some versions come with straps to be tied on to other furniture, the cushion is often sewn on a surface to provide more comfort. It can be folded and is generally lightweight for easy storage.

Creating the Futon

Creating a futon has two stages.

• Making the futon
• Attaching the futon to a surface

Upon creating the futon, you have the option of turning it into a ready-to-use cushion or attaching it to an existing fixture. Each option has its share of advantages, so determine your needs for the Japanese cushion before you get started.

Stage 1: Making the Futon

When creating the futon, think of it as a thinner version of a bed bunk cushion. The layer of foam used is obviously thin, but at the same time thick enough to provide comfort. Once the foam layer has been arranged, you will then sew a comfy cushion cover. You can use soft fabrics like cotton, linen and satin. You can also use more durable fabrics if you plan to permanently attach the futon to a couch or bench.

Materials Used:

• fabric
• cushion foam
• rubber cement
• measuring tape
• pen
• paper
• pins
• sewing needle
• thread
• scissors
• snaps
• sewing machine (optional)

Procedure:

Measure the dimensions of your futon. If you are using the futon as a bed cushion, you can base its dimensions on your height and heft. For futons sewn on surfaces, measure the dimensions of the structure then base the measurements of the futon on them.

With the dimensions ready, go to an upholstery supply store and purchase all of the necessary materials. Stop by a hardware store for the rubber cement.

Assemble the foam according to the dimensions of your futon. Line and layer the pieces of foam until you form the cushion.

Attach the pieces of foam using the rubber cement. Leave the cushion for now to let the cement dry. If you do not want to go through the trouble of assembling the cushion yourself, you can always order a customized ready-made cushion from an upholstery store. Just allocate more cash for the extra charges.

Cut the fabric according to the futon’s dimensions. Make sure that the cover’s measurements are at least 1cm greater than the cushion’s dimensions for an easy fit.

Cut a second layer of fabric that is two to three inches longer than the first one.

Cover the cushion with the fabric layers.

Connect both layers by pinning their edges together, then check how the cover fits the cushion.

When you’re satisfied with the fit, create a slit on the top middle portion of the longer fabric layer.

Sew snaps on the outer edge of the slit’s bottom portion. As for the snap clips, sew them two to three inches from the outer edge of the upper portion.

Connect both sides of the slit together.

Remove the pins from the layers of fabric, then sew them together to form the cover.

Unhook the snaps then insert the cushion inside the cover through the slit.

Reconnect the snaps.

Using a sewing machine will speed up the creation process of the cover. You can even create hemlines and attach cording with ease if you have one at home. Creating the futon using only a sewing needle and thread can be tiring, given the cushion’s large size.

Stage 2: Attaching the Futon to a Surface

For futons used for making fixtures more comfortable, you must attach the covers to the fixtures’ surfaces. You need to do a little carpentry, especially if you plan to attach the futon to a wooden or metal structure.

Materials Used:

• futon
• uncushioned structure (bench, bed, couch, etc)
• power drill
• nuts and bolts
• scissors

Procedure:

Drill holes, which will serve as connection points, on the uncushioned structure.

Use a pair of scissors to create holes on your fabric. The location of the holes on the futon cover should match the holes that you drilled on the structure.

One by one, match the holes on the fabric with the ones on the structure, then connect them using a set of nuts and bolts.

With the nuts and bolts connected, you can finally get much comfort from your couch or bed. The nuts and bolts’ durability assures you that the futon will stay connected to the structure for long periods.

Alternate Method to Attach the Futon

Carpentry can be such a chore for some people. One critical mistake in using the drill can wreck the appearance of your couch or bench. If you are not really adept at carpentry, you can simply sew straps on your futon cover. The futon will be connected by tying the straps at the back of your uncushioned item.

Materials Used:

• fabric
• scissors
• sewing needle
• thread
• measuring tape

Procedure:

Measure the length of the uncushioned structure’s seating surface.

Cut two thin pieces of fabric that bears the same measurement as the surface’s length.

Sew the fabric pieces on opposite sides of the futon.

Place the futon on the surface.

Tie the straps at the back of the now-cushioned structure.

The straps will provide a weaker connection, as compared to nuts and bolts, but they make the futon usable for other uncushioned structures. You can simply untie the straps and place the futon on a different structure. You can even turn it into a makeshift bed after using it on your couch.

The futon is a versatile option when your home furnishings fail to meet your standards for relaxation. Simply place your futon on any surface and you will have a dandy time resting on its soft cushion. Of course, why should you purchase a pricey item on the market, when you can just make one yourself?

Watch The Video

Making The Futon

 

Making A Japanese Futon

 

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