Instructions For Recovering Pews
- 1). Measure the pew seats. Whether planning to add cushions, replacing damaged cushions, or fixing a wooden pew, the measurements are important. Measure the length of the pew, the width and the back of the pew. Take the measurements in inches for simplicity.
- 2). Cut the foam to the measurements of the pew seat. In the case of adding cushions, the foam makes up the padding. When replacing the old cushions, it is sized to fit into the old cushion material. Avoid the use of cushions on pews that are smaller than 15 inches in the seat to prevent making the pew feel small and cramped. According to Christianity Today, two inch thick polyfoam is the appropriate cushion material for pew seats.
- 3). Measure the fabric. The fabric needs to cover the foam completely on all sides. The exact sewing and shaping methods will differ based on the preferred end result. Cut the material to an appropriate size to cover the foam either by using a single piece of fabric or two pieces of fabric to sew together for a seam on all sides.
- 4). Turn the fabric inside out and sew the fabric so that all the sides but one of the smaller sides is sewn closed. Use the sewing machine to sew it quickly and smoothly. Leave one side open. Flip the fabric so that the fabric is no longer inside out. Slide the polyfoam into the fabric at the one side. Fold the last side so that the edges are on the inside and then sew the side shut with the sewing machine. This creates a cushion for the pew.
- 5). Put the cushion into place on the pew. There are two options available for pew cushions. Either leave it unattached for easy removal and cleaning, in which case it is set on the pew, or attach it to the pew using an adhesive material like a tough glue.
- 6). Sand a wooden pew. If the pew is not receiving cushions and needs repairs, the wooden material is instead sanded with a fine grit sandpaper until it is completely smooth. Use a 600 grit paper or so for the smoothest results.
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