In a private house      06/12/2019

How to make a foam mattress with your own hands. Do-it-yourself mattress repair and reupholstery

If it is not included in the kit, it can be sewn. You can learn how to sew a mattress cover yourself in less than two hours from our article. Step-by-step instruction will help you do this even for those who haven’t sat down at a sewing machine since school. A cover with an elastic band is one of the most popular models. It's easy to sew, put on and take off for washing.

Why do you need a case?

When it appears in the house New furniture, I want to keep it in its original form for as long as possible. Covers help to do this. Since the mattress is a rather expensive item, often upholstered in beautiful jacquard fabric, and difficult to clean, it also needs a cover. It will protect from dust and dirt, moisture, and mechanical damage on all sides.

Ready-made mattress covers are different, they can even correct the shortcomings of the sleeping place due to the filler. The cover can have a zipper and completely cover the product from all sides. And there is also a variant of the cover with an elastic band.

How to sew a mattress cover so it doesn't slip off?

It wraps the mattress from the sides. In all cases, the sheet is laid on top of the mattress pad, so it should be non-slip and not fade.

Many people prefer to buy a ready-made cover, but since sewing a suitable mattress cover with your own hands is quite easy, anyone who knows how to hold a needle and thread in their hands can handle it. There are not many parts in it, and the sewing process does not take much time.

Materials, tools, measurements

Choosing fabric. A cover with an elastic band is unlikely to perform decorative functions; rather, its purpose is to protect the mattress from dirt, dust, and liquids. The fabric should be:

  • Non-slip so that bed linen does not move;
  • Durably dyed so as not to stain the sheet;
  • Non-marking, so you don’t have to wash it too often;
  • Air- and moisture-permeable for comfortable sleeping;
  • Do not shrink after washing.

Give preference to natural materials. Perhaps, best choice thick cotton or linen fabric will become: satin, chintz, calico and others.

Taking measurements

First you need to determine the amount of material. Take measurements for the length (L), width of the mattress (W) and height (H). We calculate the amount of fabric using the formula: L*W*H*1.5. The height is multiplied by one and a half in order to be able to wrap the mattress around the edges. That is, if its dimensions are 200 cm in length, 160 cm in width and 20 cm in height, you need a piece of fabric of at least 200 * 160 * 30 cm. Do not forget about the allowance for the drawstring for the elastic of about 3 cm around the entire perimeter.

The length of the elastic band is calculated as follows: calculate the perimeter of the mattress and subtract approximately 30-50 cm (for a large product we subtract more, for a small product less). For example, if you have a mattress 2 meters long and a meter wide, then the elastic bands will need 200+200+100+100-50=550 cm.

Selecting tools

To sew a mattress cover with your own hands, we will need:

  • A piece of fabric of the required size;
  • Rubber;
  • Threads to match the fabric;
  • Scissors;
  • Chalk or pencil;
  • Sewing centimeter;
  • Sewing machine.

To sew a mattress cover with an elastic band, you do not need any special skills in needlework. Even beginner seamstresses can do this.

We cut and sew a mattress cover with our own hands

Prepare fabric, chalk or pencil, scissors, tape measure. It is best to cut on a large table.

If the width of the fabric is equal to the height and width of the mattress. In this case, you need to cut out a single rectangle according to the above measurements:

  • Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, fasten it at the corners so that the material does not move out;
  • Set aside a segment from the fold to the edge, the length of which is calculated according to the formula w/2+h*1.5+3 cm. With a width and height of 100 cm and 20 cm, the segment should be 83 cm;
  • At this distance from the fold, draw a straight line along the entire piece of fabric, equal to d+h*1.5*2+6 cm. With a length of 200 cm and a height of 20 cm, the line should be 266 cm.

For a product measuring 200*160*20 cm, we got a rectangle of 83*266 cm drawn on the fabric. We cut it out with sharp scissors. Seam allowances have already been taken into account.

You need to sew a mattress cover with an elastic band so that it sticks well. To do this, the cover must wrap around the sides and corners. In each corner you need to cut a square, the sides of which will be equal to the height of the mattress, multiplied by one and a half and minus 1.5 cm. That is, if the height is 20 cm, you need to cut a square with sides of 28.5 cm. Then the sections are ground together and processed. You get a pocket, which will then be put on the corner and cover the sides. We do this on all four corners.

If the fabric is narrower than the width of the mattress. To sew a mattress cover with an elastic band from a narrow fabric, you can do this:

  • Sew two pieces of fabric together along the edge line;
  • Iron the seam;
  • Make a pattern as described above;
  • Form pockets for corners.

In this case, the seam will run exactly in the middle of the cover, and if it is rough, it may interfere with sleeping.

There is another option, with cutting out several parts:

  • Cut out the central part of the cover, equal to the length and width of the mattress;
  • Cut out the sides: two sides equal in height and length, and two sides equal in width and length. The sides must be sewn together to form pockets and sewn to the main panel. In this case, there will be no seam in the middle; it will go along the edge of the mattress.

If you are going to sew a mattress cover with your own hands, choose durable, non-fading, non-staining fabric from natural materials: cotton, linen.

You will need a rectangle equal to the width and length of the mattress, plus the height of the sides multiplied by one and a half, and 3 cm for the drawstring.

Sew in an elastic band

The case is almost ready. Now you need to make a drawstring for the elastic. We process the open cut with an overlock or zig-zag stitch. We bend the cut to the wrong side by 0.5 cm, secure with pins. Then we bend it again, now by 1.5 cm, remove the pins and fasten it manually with a needle and thread. We hem the hem using a machine, leaving a 2 cm section unstitched through which we will thread the elastic.

We put a safety pin (with a clasp) on the end of the elastic and thread it into the finished drawstring. When you have threaded all the elastic through, sew both ends together. Distribute the elastic evenly. The case is ready.

Now you know how to sew a mattress cover yourself. This is not as difficult as it might seem, and for those who have sewing skills, it is even easy.

Having mastered this technique and understood the principle of cutting, you will be able to sew covers on upholstered furniture and chairs.

See also:

Typically, a bed consists of a mattress, sheets, pillow, pillowcase, blanket and duvet cover. Moreover, 3 of the items listed form the conditions for sleep, and 3 are used exclusively for protective purposes: they protect heavier products with fillers from contamination.

How to sew a cover?

Mattress cover: purpose

The mattress cover performs several functions.

  • Protective is the most important.

    If we are talking about a child's bed, then the possibility of contamination is obvious: the baby can spill juice or milk, pee at night, crush a chocolate candy on the bed, or even decorate the bed with a felt-tip pen drawing with his own hands. If the latter is protected by a mattress cover, then to solve the problem it is enough to remove it and wash it.

This kind of trouble also happens to adults: the same juice, coffee, crumbs from a sandwich at night, and so on. Perhaps such contamination will be smaller in size, but it will add trouble. Cleaning and drying the mattress surface, given its thickness and size, is not easy.

  • Hygienic - a person sweats during sleep, although not as intensely as when moving. This moisture is mainly absorbed by the fabric of the sheets, and partially by the material of the mattress. If the sheet or cover is made of non-hygroscopic material, moisture remains on the skin, which causes overheating and, of course, disrupts sleep.

The same function is ensured by another property of the fabric - breathability. No matter how highly porous the filler material may be, if you sew a cover for it from impermeable synthetic fabric, it will useful quality is wasted, as the mattress will lose its ability to ventilate and may become unusable.

  • Aesthetic – a product with stains and marks, even if it has retained its user qualities, causes unpleasant feelings. A mattress cover made of properly selected, easily washable fabric will provide it with a more attractive, neat appearance.

Tools and materials

  • The fabric for the mattress cover should be dense, easy to wash, durable and consist of at least 50% natural fibers. If you need to sew a cover for children's mattress, then the material must be 100% natural. Thick cotton fabrics are most suitable - sateen, calico, flannel. Cotton jersey is a good option: the fleecy surface keeps the sheet from wrinkling.

Ready-made quilted fabric is available for sale. Its cost is higher, but it is ideal as a material for a mattress cover.

  • Sewing machine, needles, scissors, tape measure.
  • Chalk for marking fabrics, threads, zipper, elastic or cord, depending on what model you decided to sew: with a zipper or with an elastic band.

How to sew a cover with an elastic band

Fabric with a large amount of natural fiber in its composition will certainly shrink during the first wash. To prevent this from happening to finished product Before sewing a mattress cover with your own hands, the fabric for it is washed and ironed.

  1. Measure the parameters of the product as accurately as possible.
  2. The cutting of the fabric depends on the width of the roll and the size of the mattress. The pattern includes 5 parts: a rectangle with dimensions equal to the length and width of the product, 2 sides with dimensions equal to width and height, and 2 – length and height. The elastic cover protects the product on one side only.
  3. If the roll width is large, the pattern can be made from one piece of fabric. For example: with a fabric width of 200 cm, a mattress width of 80 cm and a height of 20 cm, the entire piece can be cut out. The fabric is folded in half, a distance equal to the sum of half the width, height and a seam allowance of 1.5 cm is laid off from the fold. A straight line with a length equal to the sum of the length, two heights and a seam allowance is laid along the fold line. A rectangle is drawn with chalk and cut out.
  4. If the width is small, all the parts are cut out separately with seam allowances. All fragments are added to wrong side towards each other and sweep away.

    How to sew a mattress cover yourself?

    If you use only pins, you won’t be able to sew the cover neatly, especially if the fabric is thick.

  5. The product is stitched and tried on.
  6. A drawstring - a strip of fabric 7 mm wide - is basted along the perimeter to the edge and then attached. An elastic band is pulled through the drawstring using a pin. The hole in the drawstring can be left open, or it can be sewn up - it doesn’t matter.

In the photo you can see a mattress cover with an elastic band.

How to sew a cover with a zipper

A mattress cover with a zipper will require not so much more work as more precision. But such a product protects the feather bed on both sides. The zipper can be sewn in both on the short end side and on the long side. The latter option greatly simplifies the process of removing the cover, especially from a high-height mattress.

  1. Dimensions are measured - length, width, height.
  2. 2 large rectangles and side parts are cut out on pre-washed and ironed fabric. In order to reduce the number of seams, you can cut out the sides from one piece of fabric. Its dimensions are the height and perimeter of the product.
  3. Each seam requires an allowance of at least 5 mm.
  4. The parts are cut out of fabric with your own hands, sewn together with the wrong sides facing each other and sewn together.
  5. A zipper is sewn in from the end or side when connecting to the bottom of the mattress cover. The seams are processed with overlock.

The video explains in detail how to sew a zippered cover.

Is it possible to make a mattress for a sofa or bed yourself?

Modern man is so accustomed to comfort and convenience that he cannot even imagine how he can relax comfortably on a hard surface. The surface of the sofa must be relatively soft and comfortable.

We sew a mattress cover with an elastic band with our own hands

This concept usually refers to a mattress. Like all other things in everyday life, they have the ability to wear out and become deformed. Need a new mattress? Do you have golden hands? Is it expensive to buy a mattress for a sofa? You can try to make it yourself, showing your creativity. The eyes are afraid, but the hands do as you know.

In production, you can use natural and artificial materials. You can make a simple version with fillers or foam rubber. But the best product is the product of our time - spring mattress on the sofa. Holidays on it cannot be compared with other options.

In order not to make a mistake in size, the cover and foam rubber must be cut out at the same time. To do this, you need to make markings with a pencil, marker or a piece of soap. When marking the cover, leave a few centimeters for seams and allowance. It is more practical to make a cover for the future mattress similar to a pillowcase, so it can be easily removed and washed if necessary.

To do this, leave 20-30 centimeters along the length.

The next step will be to work with sewing machine. After cutting, you need to sew the cover and wrap the edges. You can finish the work at this stage if foam rubber was used for padding. All that remains is to put the sewn cover on the cut piece of foam rubber. To increase rigidity and elasticity, you can insert several pieces of foam rubber on top of each other, or make one (several) layers of felt.

Should you make your own mattress?

The mattress can be made from other materials. A product made from padding polyester begins with sewing a cover. In this case, it should have a zipper for easy stuffing. Having cut out the required size, we begin to work on sewing machine, they attach the zipper there too. After this, it is filled with filler and leveled. To prevent individual pieces of filler from bunching up, the product is stitched through in several parallel places with thick thread.

The hardest thing to make yourself spring mattress for sofa With wooden frame. Not everyone can handle this labor-intensive task. To do this, you first need to make spring blanks (ideally, purchase ready-made ones). The assembly procedure begins with arranging the springs vertically in rows. The endings must all be strictly on the same level. At the bottom you need to secure the structure wooden planks and tie the springs tightly. To do this, nails are driven in at the ends, connecting the wooden slats to each other.

The springs additionally need to be tied with a cord alternately - along the structure and along its diagonal. It is necessary to lay technical spunbond on top in an even layer, then a layer of foam rubber or batting. Then the resulting structure is covered with fabric, which is secured construction stapler. The manufacturing technology seems complicated at first glance, but if you are confident in your abilities and want to try making a mattress yourself, everything is in your hands.

For production you will need not only quality materials, but also certain skills. In production, technology is strictly followed, numerous studies are carried out and quality is controlled. Modern orthopedic mattresses take the shape of the body, which helps organize proper sleep from a health point of view. It is almost impossible to take into account all the details and make a high-quality, comfortable product on your own, so it is reasonable to consider whether you need it or not.

What you need to make your own mattress for furniture

First you need to figure out what you might need for work, prepare necessary details and tools. It is necessary to think about what materials the new mattress will consist of, choose a cover and insides for padding. For covers, as a rule, dense, wear-resistant fabric is used. The options for padding can be different: foam rubber, synthetic padding, cotton wool, remnants of fabrics and threads, felt - these are made from cheap materials.

Having made your choice, you need to indicate the dimensions and write them down for cutting the cover. The packing is selected according to the dimensions of the future product.

The next stage of production spring mattress for sofa the spring block will be prepared and cut to the required size wooden slats, which will be the frame for the product. For work you will need a hammer, nails, scissors. You need to prepare your sewing machine, threads, needles, and cords in advance.

Benefits of a branded product

If the process self-made turned out to be too complicated or there is simply no time for it, you can turn to traditional methods and purchase a branded product. The Molto Bene company offers options for Italian mattresses for every taste. A wide range of inexpensive and affordable models, original and exclusive options.

And in conclusion, I would like to note that the main advantages of quality mattresses are strong and healthy sleep, adoption of anatomical position for the spinal joints. The design of the mattress is designed in such a way as to relieve tension from the entire body and allow muscles to relax.

To shoot or not to shoot?

Many buyers with
face this dilemma when choosing a mattress. Those manufacturers who make a removable cover with a zipper present this as a plus: after all, the cover can get dirty, and if it is possible to remove and wash, then this is very good. Another plus: such a mattress can be easily repaired, because the hardness changes over the years and the consumer may want to replace the filling. My repair experience shows that when buying an expensive mattress in the 20-30 tr category, the client does not mind paying 20% ​​of the cost every 5 years for repairs: replacing part of the filling, replacing the cover, etc.

I’ll tell you a secret about the disadvantages this technology has for the manufacturer: the cover is sewn by hand on a machine, the quality of sewing depends entirely on the experience of the seamstress, as well as on her mood, on whether the children and grandchildren are fed, whether they have done their homework, etc. I say this because I know, because I myself exploit unfortunate women) for my production of orthopedic mattresses in Yekaterinburg. Sewing a large double cover costs me 1100 rubles and takes 5 hours. But what to do, sewing removable covers for mattresses is the lot of small manufacturers who cannot afford to buy a “helicopter”. However, if sales grow, then you can think about purchasing this shaitan machine, it’s too early to think about it.

The second approach is non-removable covers. At the factory
, where I worked at the beginning of my mattress journey, use exactly this technology. I remember how I was forced to learn by heart the ABCs of the reasons why it is more profitable for clients to buy mattresses with non-removable covers. Like ready-made answers to questions, dealing with objections. As the head of the sales department, I even prepared template CPs for wholesale clients, where the technology of a non-removable cover is presented as an advantage. These are the axioms: 1. a non-removable cover is a more even product; it is sewn directly onto the filling, which eliminates sagging or overstretching of the cover. 2. If you want to protect your mattress from dirt, buy a mattress cover. 3. if you want to see what’s inside, order it observation window with lightning.

After stewing a little in the mattress environment, I figured out what was what. The real reason for using the technology of sewing the cover directly on the filling is that the operator of this machine can be any person, any “sober Tajik” as they say. We showed you a couple of times how and what to do and move on! The quality remains consistent regardless of the operator's whims. This dramatically reduces the cost of sewing a cover, both in monetary terms and in terms of time, it is also faster. It is not for nothing that the Sonreal factory is today a recognized leader in the region in cheap mattresses. And in the expensive segment, identical models of spring mattresses are cheaper than, for example, Concorde or Consul.

So, the two technologies have both pros and cons. In my opinion, it is much more interesting for end customers to buy a mattress that can be repaired, see what’s inside, and wash the cover.

DIY mattress cover - for children and adults

It's like buying a car - why do you need a car whose hood cannot be opened to allow engine repair? Or are the wheels not coming off? It’s wrong to somehow cleverly suggest to people “order six wheels for your car at the factory, in case some of the four come off.” But at the same time, the method of sewing the filling without the participation of a professional arrogant seamstress burdened with family problems is very attractive for an entrepreneur. Equipment costs will still pay off someday.

It remains only to wait until the factories understand the advantages of both methods and start working truly wisely and for people. It would seem that you bought a “helicopter” - well done, you reduced the cost and manufacturing time of the mattress! But keep the ability to remove the cover! Make a full length zipper!

In this world, unfortunately, nothing is eternal. The same applies to mattresses, which over time begin to lose their original characteristics. They sag or bulge in some places. Sleeping on such mattresses is no longer very comfortable. So you decide to buy a new one.

What should those whose financial situation does not allow them to purchase another mattress do? Or for those who love original and unusual things? There is a way out - make a mattress with your own hands.

It is clear that you will not be able to build an orthopedic mattress on your own. But still, you will definitely be able to reconstruct the old one and make it more convenient.

Before you begin this peculiar procedure, you need to prepare. First, set aside free time for work. And secondly - stock up necessary material. You will need:

  • padding - your choice;
  • strong threads
  • sewing machine

If you are going to reconstruct a stationary mattress, then in addition to everything you need to prepare:

  • wooden slats,
  • springs,
  • arm yourself with big nails,
  • hammer,
  • and of course, with a stapler.

First you need to decide on the padding, that is, what kind of material you want to use.

To do this, you need to know exactly how you will use your mattress in the future - whether it will be removable or stationary. As a rule, for removable models they use soft padding (foam rubber, synthetic padding), which allows them to be easily folded during operation.

Step-by-step process of working with a removable mattress

So, spread the foam rubber on work surface, and apply the markings you need. You can use two options: cut the foam rubber lengthwise into two parts or leave it as a whole piece, and also cut the foam rubber into 2-3 squares. This way, it will be easier to fold it, pack it and put it in a secluded place if you do not intend to use it constantly.

This option is very convenient as a spare, for example, for guests. For the procedure of cutting foam rubber, it is better for you to use the help of a friend who will help you stretch the material, and at that time you can carefully cut it according to the markings.

So, the foam rubber is prepared, all that remains is to correctly cut out the blank for the cover. Remember to allow allowance for the seams as well as the thickness of the padding itself. Take the correct measurement of the foam piece and allow a few centimeters on each side.

A good alternative is a removable cover, which can be easily removed for washing during use. To do this, you still need to leave 20 cm along the length of the pattern, which in the future will act as an overlap. You can sew Velcro tape or a zipper to the overlap area - at your discretion.

Let's start sewing the cover. The process must begin with cross sections. After this, sew the cover lengthwise, placing the corners in the middle. Unfold it with the seams in the middle and put it on the prepared foam rubber. If yours is not removable, sew the raw edge with a sewing machine or by hand.

If you prefer soft padding or synthetic padding, then first you need to sew a cover.

In this case, you need to carefully measure the size of the bed and add to this the thickness of the future mattress. Make the pattern according to your measurements, leaving seam allowances. Sew the seams using a sewing machine and the cover is ready.

Fill it with soft upholstery, keeping in mind that it will soon begin to fill and become thinner. To prevent it from getting into clumps, it is recommended to stitch the mattress in several places with strong thread, attaching dense pieces of fabric to both sides. Such mattresses are softer, and their service life is much shorter than their foam rubber counterparts.

How to reconstruct a stationary mattress with your own hands?

Now let's consider the option of creating with my own hands stationary mattress with springs. Let's say your old mattress has worn out. Here and there springs stick out, the cover has already acquired an unkempt appearance, and you decide to dramatic changes– reconstruct the mattress.

Here you can do two things - tighten the old springs with strong twine, replace some of them, change the padding and, if possible, the cover. But you can radically reconstruct your mattress, and ultimately, find a completely new product - one that you made yourself. Such things are most valuable!

To do this, prepare spring blocks, the number of which must correspond to the required size. Place them in a vertical position. Make sure that the outer level of the springs is level. You need to attach their lower part to 2-centimeter slats, the width and thickness of which are no more than 7 cm. Prepare nails and drive them into the end side of your sleeping pad at the level of all spring rows. Start tying the springs.

First of all, the transverse row. Then along the row and finally diagonally. Check the upper level of the springs again - it should be level! At this stage, lay the material prepared in advance on top. Almost any will do thick fabric. Place padding, such as padding polyester. And, the last layer is the upholstery. It is better to fix it with a furniture stapler.

The mattress is ready!

That's all - your homemade mattress is ready! The best part is that you were able to do it yourself, spending a little time on the process, while saving a lot from a financial point of view. In addition, you sewed a mattress cover from a fabric whose colors you and your family like.

You no longer need to run around the shops looking for the color you need - this also has its advantages. And don’t despair if on the first try you didn’t manage to do everything the way you would like. Any business requires practice, and you have already passed the first stage. Now you can offer your help in reconstructing mattresses with your own hands to your loved ones, relatives and friends. Enjoy your holiday.

Prices for orthopedic mattresses may seem quite high - people want to sleep on good-quality and comfortable mattresses, but not everyone is ready to pay a lot of money for it.

What to do in such a difficult situation? There are three options:

  • Purchase a similar mattress from a little-known manufacturer;
  • Buy an inflatable orthopedic mattress;
  • Make an orthopedic mattress with your own hands.

Is it really that profitable?

By purchasing a mattress from a little-known manufacturer, we get a product that is not much different from the products of famous brands. Large manufacturers spend a lot of money on advertising and promotion of their product, including advertising costs in the cost of mattresses. Little-known companies, as a rule, operate in local markets and do not aggressively promote their products - which is why prices for mattresses are lower.

The disadvantage of this method is that some little-known companies produce extremely low-quality mattresses that cannot compete even with the cheapest models from well-known brands.

By making an orthopedic mattress with our own hands, we will receive certain benefits. The raw materials are cheaper than a finished mattress, and we will have virtually no additional costs. Depending on the cost of materials, we we can save up to half the cost of a finished mattress. Let's figure out what we need to make an orthopedic mattress with our own hands.

In order to make an orthopedic mattress ourselves, we will need raw materials - the main budget will be spent on their purchase. We will make a springless mattress, since purchasing blocks of independent springs will be quite problematic, and classic spring blocks will not add orthopedic properties to our mattress.

To make a mattress we will need:

  • Dense polyurethane foam for lateral support;
  • Main filler;
  • Dense material for making a cover.

Dense polyurethane foam laid along the edge of the mattress will act as a holding box. Thanks to it, the mattress will keep its shape well. And in the middle of the mattress there will be filler.

We can choose the same polyurethane foam as a filler. It is advisable to get a solid piece that is suitable both in thickness and side dimensions. If you have the desire and opportunity, you can try to look for coconut fiber, laying it in turn with polyurethane foam. The result is a mattress with increased rigidity that is beneficial for the spine. We can also design a mattress with different hardness of the sides - coconut coir will lie on one side, and polyurethane foam on the other.

Together with polyurethane foam, we can use dense struttofiber material. It has an interesting structure with vertical fibers and provides decent support for the spine. This material should be located at the top and bottom, and in the middle we can lay polyurethane foam or a mixture of polyurethane foam and coconut slabs.

As for the cover, preference should be given to dense natural fabrics. For example, it could be calico or natural linen.

The most difficult part to obtain is the filling materials - this will be the most difficult part of the mattress making process.

Let's start making the mattress


When making an orthopedic mattress with our own hands, we need to prepare the following tools:

  • Sewing machine;
  • Roulette;
  • Scissors and a sharp knife;
  • Glue.

We will need a sewing machine to sew the cover, a tape measure to measure the materials, and we will use scissors and a sharp knife to cut our fillings. As for the glue, it is necessary for gluing individual layers of fillers - here we need some kind of glue that is safe for health and does not emit harmful toxins and odors. Recommendations on this issue can be obtained from a furniture repair shop.

Before starting work, you need to measure the dimensions of your sleeping place- they will be equal to the size of our future mattress. After this, we begin assembling a frame made of dense polyurethane foam, which will provide support for the filler from the sides and help the mattress keep its rectangular shape. To do this, we use dense polyurethane foam with a thickness of 50 to 100 mm. The approximate thickness of the mattress should be 14-15 cm - a smaller thickness will not increase comfort.

The next stage is laying the filler. If you are lucky enough to get a solid piece of polyurethane foam of suitable thickness, measure the dimensions of the free space in the resulting frame, and then cut out the corresponding piece of polyurethane foam - here you will need a sharp knife, for example, a stationery or shoemaker.

If you decide to use a combined filling, then the individual sheets of filling will need to be glued together so that the finished mattress is dense and does not “walk” under the weight of the person lying on top. To do this, we use safe, odorless glue, otherwise it will simply be impossible to sleep on the mattress.

Did you manage to get only thin polyurethane foam? No problem - glue the individual layers into a single structure using glue. But don’t even think about using scraps and small pieces of polyurethane foam for stuffing - the base of the mattress should be closer to a monolith, and not consist of miniature elements, like a cheap foam model.

After the stuffing is ready, we place it in our frame and begin sewing the cover. To do this, we take measurements of the resulting mattress and measure out two pieces of fabric - don’t forget to leave some extra space for the seams and the thickness of the side parts(approximately 3 cm is allocated for the seams on each side). The cover should be quite dense - it should be put on the filling with the frame with some difficulty to make the mattress strong and elastic. The seams of the cover should remain inside.

To sew the cover, only natural fabrics and thick threads are used. Natural fabrics will ensure the absence of allergies and irritations, and strong threads will ensure the durability of the manufactured cover. It is quite possible that you will need someone's help to tighten the cover. After stretching, the cover needs to be sewn up (if necessary, sew in a zipper on one side).

By the way, this will be a permanent cover, non-removable. Therefore, it is recommended to sew a removable cover on top of it, equipped with zippers around the perimeter or on two adjacent sides - at any time this cover can be removed and sent for washing. If you are too lazy to bother with another cover, buy a mattress cover, but in this case you need to be prepared for additional expenses - the cheapest option is to sew the cover yourself.

After the mattress is ready, you need to let it air out a little. outdoors– to do this, you can take it out to the balcony or loggia, where the unpleasant odors will disappear from it.


In conclusion, here are some tips:

  • Accurately measure the dimensions of the components and the dimensions of the sleeping area - the mattress should be dense and not falling apart. Yes and in its place it should lie tightly, without moving to the sides;
  • Do not make mattresses from foam rubber and batting - these materials will not allow you to create a mattress with orthopedic properties and anatomical effect;
  • Do not use synthetic fabrics for sewing covers - they can cause allergic reactions and irritation;
  • Do not use Bonnell spring blocks to make orthopedic mattresses yourself - on their basis it is almost impossible to create normal mattresses with orthopedic properties.

what you dream about: a mattress made of natural fabric, with natural filler, and, apparently, with a cover for easy washing. not spring, not “orthopedic”, but the most ordinary one - a la the old Soviet one with stripes - sleeping on the floor. I just need the right size and, naturally, a little thicker.

What’s not to like about “there’s such a choice everywhere right now!”:
1. “I don’t believe” synthetics and all these fashionable fillers like “very breathable” yet another foam-poly-ultra-propylene-cellophane, coconut flakes and other heresies.
2. the mattress must be the “original” size: if you are 185 cm tall, according to preliminary estimates, the length of the mattress should be at least 220-240 cm, so that you can sleep comfortably on your stomach, and so that the pillow does not fall off. In the same old Ikea, floor mattresses are 200 cm maximum. This is only suitable for not very tall girls, 160-170cm tall. Well, again, I don’t need a monster like 240x240 either - I want to sleep on it, not play football.

In summary, what seems to me at the preliminary investigation stage:
a cloth I don't think it's that hard to find a suitable one. It’s obvious that you still need 100% cotton of decent density (and it’s possible that you also need... what do you call it - like a “napkin” or... so that the fibers from the cotton wool don’t get through the cotton, in short). - sew? and what is special to sew there - top, bottom - two rectangles with slightly rounded edges. and plus "sides". Well, it’s obvious that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to put a thin, longer zipper in the “side” (by the way, where can you buy a really long, fairly thin one, and so that it’s good quality- didn’t it fall apart right there?) - so that it would be possible to access the filler just in case of fire. Well, you also need a “cover”, which will be on top - so that it can be periodically removed and in washing machine wash. The cover can also be with a zipper, or perhaps with buttons...

filler This is where I’m not really into the subject yet; Well, apparently, it’s still the same cotton wool, or cotton with... wool? In theory, there must be offices somewhere that sell such nonsense (by weight?).

Well main question: how to fill it so that it looks like the real thing??? complexities and subtleties are quite possible here, but I still believe that this too can be done... well, plus, again, these are the kind of end-to-end “firmware” that were used all my life on memorable mattresses from the times of the USSR - so that it’s all there it “stood” better and didn’t move too much from the center to the edges.

so these are the pies. Does anyone have any experience or some useful tips, considerations, cautions, etc.? well, in principle, you can even express doubts, like “do you know, good man, what’s the deal with this cotton wool, the stuffing process and everything else?!”...

It is inconvenient to sleep on the sofa all the time: even structures equipped with a “French folding bed” mechanism are inferior in comfort to beds with an orthopedic mattress. If, in addition to organizing a comfortable sleep, you need somewhere to seat guests, you cannot do without a piece of furniture with a backrest that can accommodate several people. Then it’s worth making something like a sofa out of the bed - making soft headboard(back), sew removable covers from suitable furniture fabric.

As you can see, both furniture products are in demand in everyday life; it is difficult to choose between them. It’s good if the size of the apartment allows you to add a sofa and bed, but what if not? In this case, you need to figure out how to sew a mattress for a sofa or make a soft backrest with a bed cover.

Fabric selection

The fabric should not only look stylish, but also be easy to wash. Quite often, even in fabric catalogs, only dry cleaning or dry cleaning is indicated as a method of cleaning textile material. However, as practice shows, this does not mean that washing is contraindicated.

To avoid sewing again, purchase a small piece of fabric you like and wash it in washing machine at a water temperature of 30°C (flocked fabric will not survive washing - it will peel off, don’t even try to use it).

Measure the cut before washing - further comparison will show whether shrinkage has occurred. Assess for discoloration, appearance or absence of lint. If the results of the experiments are positive, this piece of fabric will come in handy: you can use it to reupholster a chair or make a cover for sofa cushion.

  • Since furniture fabric is not cheap, sew the invisible part of the cover from calico.
  • Before cutting, the fabric should be washed, especially calico, which noticeably decreases in size. In addition, the calico must be ironed with steam.
  • To determine the required amount of material, lay out the patterns on a checkered sheet. Don't forget to reserve material for shrinkage when cutting.

Mattresses are different

Annoying misunderstandings happen even in the home of perfectionists, so the sofa and bed need protection from dirt. If you don’t want to do anything, buy a sheet with an elastic band of a suitable size. She can handle minor stains quite well, but any spilled liquid is too much for her. Clean sleeping area It’s quite problematic; changing it every time is too expensive.

What to do? It is best to sew a cover yourself - a purchased one may not fit in size and will sit on your mattress like a “new thing from someone else’s shoulder.” After all, mattresses differ in size and shape of corners (rounded and straight), and covers differ in the way they are sewn.

The ideal cover fits the mattress tightly, protects it as much as possible from dirt and is easy to wash.

Good decision is to protect a sofa or bed with an additional thin mattress about 5 cm thick. It is easy to make it yourself from foam rubber (cheaper option), polyurethane foam, artificial or natural latex (more expensive option). Such a mattress can be washed in the bathroom or simply made a new one. Why? The cost of replacing it is much less than purchasing an orthopedic mattress or reupholstering a sofa.

Making a thin foam mattress

A sheet of foam rubber (density not lower than 25) can be easily cut with a sharp knife. Most often, a construction knife with replaceable blades is used for this operation. This is done like this:

  1. The sheet of foam rubber is marked with a marker (felt-tip pen), and marks are placed.
  2. Using a wooden plank, all marks are connected by a straight line.
  3. Under the place of the future cut we place some unnecessary hard cloth (a scrap of board, a piece of thick cardboard, etc.).
  4. Taking the knife strictly vertically, make the cut with leisurely, precise, strong movements.
  5. We check the depth of the cut: we push the resulting hole apart with our fingers and cut the foam rubber to the bottom.

If there are a lot of burrs at the cut site, the tip of the blade (or the whole thing) should be replaced. Curvilinear cuts are made in a similar way: a pattern is applied, markings are made along it, vertically installed knife excess foam rubber is cut off, the resulting cut will not be ideal, but quite acceptable. If necessary, foam rubber can be easily glued together, the resulting seam will be strong and elastic.

Note! When heated, cyanogen-containing substances that are hazardous to health are released from foam rubber, which even in small doses affects the respiratory and nervous system. Therefore, hot cutting of this material at home is categorically unacceptable.

Cover for a thin mattress made of calico or satin

It is acceptable to use ready-made quilted fabric (the composition is more natural, containing cotton), used for making linings or sewing bedspreads. We begin work by taking dimensions: length, width and height. To avoid creating unnecessary seams, we take the fabric as a single piece. Remember that natural fabrics shrink noticeably; after washing, a piece 2 m long may shrink by 10 centimeters. Therefore, it is best to wash the fabric first.

Leave a 1.5 cm seam allowance. To cut the fabric evenly, we wrap the remainder over the main part and even out the edges. Holding it with your hand, slightly pull the fabric towards you with scissors and make a cut.

We fold the piece of fabric along the fold line, rounding the corners as on a mattress. We sew the cover around the perimeter using a sewing machine, using a zigzag or overlock to go around the edges.

On the shorter side we leave a hole for installing a zipper, a space at the edges of 20 to 30 cm. We iron the fabric in this place, and after preliminary basting we sew in a zipper using a machine.

There is almost no sliding of the fabric on the foam rubber, so carefully, without tugging, we pull the cover onto the mattress. We tighten the fabric, straighten the corners, then pick up the folds and tighten them again, after which we fasten the zipper.

Cover for a thin mattress made of upholstery fabric

To ensure that our fabric covering neatly covers the mattress on all sides, after marking the corners, we mark the auxiliary lines of the detailed pattern. Applying the pattern, we round the corners of the upper part, do the same with the corners of the lower part (hems) and draw a straight line at 45°, following through the intersection points of the lines indicating the height of the mattress.

Cover for orthopedic mattress made of furniture fabric

The side of the cover is essentially a long ribbon. If there is not enough fabric for it, sew it from several pieces. Make sure there are no seams on the visible front, or make the seams symmetrical.

2A+2B is not an exact size (the difference appears due to the presence of rounded corners), the side part will be longer, the excess is simply cut off. To calculate the length more strictly, you can measure the perimeter of the upper part.

We process the edges of the allowances with a zigzag (if the fabric frays), the seam allowances are folded onto the calico and stitched along the edge. It is sewn in front of the top, the sections are processed and stitched, just like the sides. The upper part of the case is ready.