by Nicole Neder
A beautifully upholstered piece is only as good as what’s inside it.
For our September NUA educational webinar, Eric Weiland, co-founder of American Down & Feather, joined us from the company’s Henderson, Colorado facility to talk about what goes into a great cushion—and why those choices matter.
With more than 36 years of experience in the down, feather, textile and upholstery industries, Eric gave our members an easy way to think about cushion construction: the four F’s—fabric, fiber, foam and feathers.
We learned why down-proof ticking matters, explored natural and synthetic fill options, and discussed different types of foam and cushion construction. Eric also shared considerations for outdoor applications and demonstrated spring-down construction using individual pocketed coils surrounded by foam.
Measuring Matters
One of the most practical parts of the webinar focused on measuring and ordering custom cushions.
- Should you measure the furniture or the finished cover?
- How much should a cushion be oversized?
- What happens when you’re dealing with a T-cushion, L-cushion or an unusual shape?
- And when should you skip the measurements altogether and send a pattern?
Eric walked us through all of it—and shared examples that showed just how “custom” a custom cushion can get.
Come Inside the Factory
Eric provided a live tour of American Down & Feather’s approximately 10,000-square-foot facility. He took us from the cutting tables through sewing, filling and shipping, giving us a firsthand look at how cushions move from raw materials to finished products.
About Eric:
Eric has over 36 years of experience in the down & feather and upholstery industry, as well as the textile industry.
He is co-founder of American Down & Feather, a dedicated father and husband, and lover of the outdoors.
Missed the National Upholstery Association’s September Webinar? Click here to watch it!
Stay tuned for upcoming NUA webinars and educational opportunities by visiting our Events Calendar and subscribing to our newsletter.
