Reinforcing My Couch Cushions

Add Batting

• If your cushions are just a bit compressed, adding batting is often all that's necessary to plump them back up. Simply remove the foam from the cover, remove existing batting (the strip of cottony stuffing), and use spray adhesive to attach a new piece. This option is flexible in that you can add a single layer or several depending upon your needs, but keep in mind that adding too much batting can keep the cover from fitting back on. Cotton/polyester batting is available at fabric stores.

Add Foam

• If the sag is a bit more severe, to the point where the cushion covers are looking a little loose, you may prefer to add a layer of foam. Fabric stores carry a selection of foam in different thicknesses, but the 1-inch variety is usually sufficient for all but the most advanced cases of sag. Simply cut a piece of foam to the size of your cushion and attach it to the top of the existing foam with spray adhesive. Wrapping a single layer of batting around the joined foam helps smooth transitions and hide separations.

Change Foam

• Sometimes, your cushions are just too mushy. They may not sag, but when you sit down, you sink in to the point where "cushy" goes from comfortable to back-pain-inducing. In these cases, swapping out the foam entirely is the best option. Go to a fabric store and test out the different foam densities until you find one firm enough to support your weight the way you would like. Depending upon your cushion size, you may need anywhere from a 4-inch to a 6-inch thickness, so this can get pricey. Simply cut the foam to the size of your existing foam, wrap in batting and stuff into the cover. Remember that density, not thickness, is the key to support -- using 6-inch-deep foam for 4-inch cushions just results in covers that don't fit.

Reinforce Seams

• While you're at it, it doesn't hurt to reinforce the seams on the cushion covers -- especially if you have small children, big dogs, or anyone else who doesn't exactly treat the couch with respect. Use a seam ripper to remove existing thread and sew along the existing seam line (using the same needle holes) with thicker upholsterers' thread or plastic thread. This is especially important on older couches, because the cotton thread loosens, stretches out and loses tension over time, which adds to the saggy look. If you are at all uncomfortable with a needle and thread, this is best left to a pro.