The Why
As we prepped the boat we knew that the “expensive" cushion fabric would't last long on a full time cruising yacht. We needed covers that protected them and were washable. They needed to be reasonable and durable. We added to them mattress
pads often used in bedding. Those mattress pads would further protect the cushion fabric.
Our first set was like a bag with a string on the bottom to hold the covers in place.
We had a going away party. Winding down we were sitting below having a wine and a chat. Our dear friend Barb was
politely lambasting us for covering up the beautiful fabric. As the evening wore on, we were getting more animated. Then,
in one brief moment Nothing Faster than Disataer (NFD) struck. Barb knocked over her wine. Right on our cushions! The light went off.
She understood why we have wanted covers.
It was an easy remedy, remove and wash it.
The first sets lasted about 2 years. Two years until we tired of them. We had two sets. Living on a boat 24/7 it is easy to tire of the surroundings. The inside of the boat must be pleasant and warm in cold climates and cool in summer climates. To redo cushions each time would cost a fortune. With the crew covers we get a different look in a
matter of minutes. Over the years we have had 6 sets. They do wear out, and if they don't it is easy to get tired of them.
In Trinidad Carlos made us a new set. They locked in place and had no draw strings. A laundry In Antigua complained once when they washed our originals. The strings ended up in a knotted ball. With no strings, laundering them is much easier.
Since Trinidad all our covers now lock in. On this page I will give you details on making a set to keep your boat livable and looking good..
The new top with the mattress pad and cushion
Removing the elastic skirt on the mattress pad
Sizing the fabric Cover
Sewing order for the cover
Fitting the cover
Measure twice, cut once!
Cut out the corners
Time to Sew
Measure for final fitting
Original cushion fabric
Finished Yacht Crew Cover
Finished Crew cover sets
Finished Crew Cover Set
The How
(1) For each cushion Length or width + thickness + 3” for Lock + 1” for finished hem
(2) Lay the fabric on the cushion for orientation and to align any design. Mark the corners. From there I’m able to add the width of the cushion, the locking seam and the 1” for the finished hem.
(3) Next I cut the corners out. Semstress know that working with fabric is not like working with wood or metal. It is not an exact science. Thus don’t get too carried away on perfect measurements
(4) Sew up two corners on the narrow side and then fit it on the cushion. Now it the time to make an adjustment for a snug fit. Resew one corner a little tigher if need be.
(5) Stitch up the remaining two corners and check the fit. Adjust as needed.
(6) Do the hem now
(7) Once satisfied, cut the angle for the lock and stitch it in.
(8) When putting the cover on the cushion bend the cushion on the long side. After it is in slap the cushion a few times to get all the fabric laying down nice and snug.
