Custom sofa & couch cushions, hand-stitched.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Sofa cushions, answered.

• Box-edge or knife-edge — which is right for my sofa?

  Box-edge cushions have a flat top, flat bottom and a vertical band (the box) joining them — they sit flatter, hold their shape longer, and read as more tailored. Knife-edge cushions are sewn directly seam-to-seam, so they puff up at the centre like a pillow — softer to lean into, more casual. Most clients pick box-edge for the seat (where structure matters) and knife-edge for the back (where slouch is the point). We will happily make either or both.

• Down vs. high-density foam — what feels best?

  High-density foam is the workhorse: holds its shape under daily use, supports the lower back, lasts 8 to 12 years before it softens noticeably. Down (or feather/down blend) gives that hotel-sofa sink — luxurious, cloud-like, and prone to needing a daily fluff. We often blend the two: a HD foam core wrapped in a down sleeve. Best of both — structure plus softness. Tell us how the sofa is used and we'll match the fill.

• Can you replace just one cushion that has worn out?

  Yes — and it's our most common sofa job. Send us the worn cushion as a template (or precise measurements + photos), tell us the original fabric if you can, and we'll match foam profile and fabric weight as closely as possible. Exact colour matching is hardest with fabrics that have aged in sunlight; if absolute match matters, replacing the whole set in one batch is the safer route.

• My old upholstery has faded — how do I match new cushions to it?

  Honest answer: you can't match faded fabric exactly because the fade itself is the variable. Two practical options: (1) order swatches and choose a colour that complements rather than matches — usually one shade darker than the faded body works well, or (2) re-cover the whole sofa in one go. We can quote both routes. Send a photo of the sofa and we'll suggest fabrics from the library.

• Can the cushion have a hidden zipper down the back?

  Standard practice — every cushion ships with a hidden invisible zipper along the back edge so the cover comes off for cleaning. We use YKK metal-tooth zippers because they outlast the fabric. If you'd prefer a non-zip cushion (sewn closed for a cleaner edge), say so when you order — but you lose washability, so we usually advise against it for everyday sofas.

• Are any of your fabrics pet-friendly?

  About a third of the library is rated for households with cats and dogs. Look for performance weaves (Crypton, Sunbrella, Revolution) — they're tightly woven so claws don't pull, stain-resistant so accidents wipe clean, and rated 50,000+ Martindale rubs for daily life. We'll tag the pet-suitable swatches in your sample box if you mention pets when ordering.