Need help covering foam to make a pillow cushion for a hope chest

[coffeebreak]

I have a hope chest that is the kind with the top that has the back and sides of the lid having a higher edge to them to accommodate a seat cushion (If I have said that right!) IT measures 44x14. I bought 2" foam rubber sections that are 22x22x2. I need to cut then to 15" x 22 and then lay the two side by side and they will make the cushion on the lid. I then intend to roll a thick batting around them and then make a casing for them and then make a nice colorful (to match my comforter) case for them and secure them with buttons around to hold the fabric and batting and all in place.. I might put a ruffle on the front edge to kind of hang down...for looks.

Now for the questions:
1. Any ideas on how to cut that 2" foam? I had some awhile back and cut it for an outside chair and I just drew a line and cut with scissors. It cut, but it was crooked and uneven. I didn't care as It was just a chair out side and covered with duck canvas. But this time, I want it to be better looking. Also, other than just a whip stitch, whast a good idea to sew the two peices together where they meet to make it 44 long?

2. I have been searching and looking at Utube for instructions on how to make a cushion like this as far as cutting the fabric and doing the corners etc. Haven't found much help...has anyone ever done anything like this before? Have any tips or suggestions? I am thinking once i have the fabric cut 44x14 and the foam cut 44x15, I'd have that extra inch to use to make a curved edge instead of a square one and make a tube of the fabric and slide the foam pieces into the tube with the seam on the bottom. And I assume I'd do a box corner for the ends. And if I do decide to add a ruffle, I'd have to add that to the seam and then I'd just have a tube to slide the foam into. Just thinking as I type!
Any suggestions for how to make this? I have never done anything like this before...I dont' care to much for upholstery...pillows are as far as I have gone! Thanks for any helps - and if you happen to know of a Utube or other video or blog that gives instructions....I'd love to have the link!

[kensington]

I've cut foam many times, I always, always use my electric knife. That is how I saw them do it at Jo Ann's once too. I had to laugh, cause I had already thought of that! Use a straight edge, mark your cut line with marker or pencil and cut it.

When doing a bench, I pull the side tight and staple, then pull the end tight and staple, then back and forth back and forth, pulling tight as I go. I do the corners last.... and cut off the extra.

When you started talking about the back and sides, I immediately thought that I would do what you said, with the foam and batting, etc, and then make it a pillow style cushion that can be taken off and put back.

[Claire Hallman]

If you don't have an electric knife you can use a straight edge and a box cutter/razor knife. Just score it several times until you are through the foam. Be sure to do this where the razor won't harm what is underneath. The best thing to attach the two pieces of foam together is spray contact adhesive. Follow the directions on the can to spray, let it dry, then put the two together. As far as attaching the batting, you can spray glue it as well. Covering it could be as varied as the looks you could want. I personally like boxed cushions with welting and a zipper but anything goes.

[Pandabear]

If you are trying to make a rectangle (square?) with sides. I'd try searching for making pet beds. I know there is one out there by a lady named Whitney. I'm on my iPad and it gives me fits if I try to link videos.

[Sharyn J]

I use an electric carving knife to cut the foam. I'm sure there are other ways. Here are some videos that may help you.
how to cut foam for bench cushion - YouTube

[coffeebreak]

I've cut foam many times, I always, always use my electric knife. That is how I saw them do it at Jo Ann's once too. I had to laugh, cause I had already thought of that! Use a straight edge, mark your cut line with marker or pencil and cut it.

When doing a bench, I pull the side tight and staple, then pull the end tight and staple, then back and forth back and forth, pulling tight as I go. I do the corners last.... and cut off the extra.

When you started talking about the back and sides, I immediately thought that I would do what you said, with the foam and batting, etc, and then make it a pillow style cushion that can be taken off and put back.

Don't have an electric knife but that is a good idea.

[coffeebreak]

If you don't have an electric knife you can use a straight edge and a box cutter/razor knife. Just score it several times until you are through the foam. Be sure to do this where the razor won't harm what is underneath. The best thing to attach the two pieces of foam together is spray contact adhesive. Follow the directions on the can to spray, let it dry, then put the two together. As far as attaching the batting, you can spray glue it as well. Covering it could be as varied as the looks you could want. I personally like boxed cushions with welting and a zipper but anything goes.

Never thought about the spray adhesive.... I have that for the quilt assembly. I'll use that. Forgot about a zipper too. Need to have that. I won't be sitting on it that much, but sure as I don't make a zipper, something will happen and it will need washed! Thanks for that reminder.I don't know about the welting...never done that before

[Hulamoon]

Do you have a jig saw in the garage?

[coffeebreak]

If you are trying to make a rectangle (square?) with sides. I'd try searching for making pet beds. I know there is one out there by a lady named Whitney. I'm on my iPad and it gives me fits if I try to link videos.

That might work! I'll give it a try. Yes, it is a rectangle....44x14.

[coffeebreak]

Do you have a jig saw in the garage?

No jig saw. Guess I am just going to have to use the box cutter and just slice at it enough times to cut through it.