Pillows & Cushions V Embroidery Project

All the way back to the medieval ages, embroidered chair back cushions were a favorite. In some cases, they were simply padded slipcovers that slid down over the chair back. In other cases, they were covered cushions that were more permanently attached to the chair. Typically these would be found in a formal dining room.

Whether you are creating chair back covers or embroidering directly onto the upholstery, you will probably need to team up with a seamstress or an upholsterer to get the job done properly. Be aware that working with such furnishings and accessories can be a daunting, though not impossible task. For example, some chair backs are as tall as three feet, so it may take multiple hoopings to apply the design(s). Therefore, the embroidery should be done on the front panel BEFORE the entire cover is sewn. Otherwise you will have hooping problems.

A more common application of embroidery for chair backs was shown to me by Patricia Bostick of Springbrook Embroidery, Renton, WA. “I embroider names and designs on padded chair back covers, for chairs similar to directors chairs. I have to manually open up the seam and remove the pillow form and then do the embroidery. That’s followed by replacing the cushioning then sewing the seam back up. A bit tedious, but they have been very popular,” says Patricia.

Chair backs, upholstery and chair covers are excellent choices for expanding your list of goods and services. Yes, they can be challenging, but they also bring in higher price points due to the uniqueness of the product. But before you jump in with both feet, create a marketing plan that addresses who you can sell to, product offerings, product limitations, price points, etc. Then start visiting with potential customers to discuss your ideas and concepts, and to verify that indeed that is a demand for your product, keeping in mind that you may actually have to lay groundwork for creating the demand. After all, if people don’t know its available, they probably aren’t asking for it. Therefore, it may be up to you to get things rolling!