If there is a swing at your summer cottage, then it probably never has to be empty for a day. Where else can children play and adults relax with such pleasure? Usually, from the moment of its appearance, garden swings become the most “popular” place in the country house. This means that you should think about how to decorate them attractively, so that both guests can admire them and the owners themselves can enjoy their holiday aesthetically. The easiest way to decorate a swing is to add accessories such as pillows, throws, and decorative ornaments. If you don’t want to spend money on buying ready-made ones, you can make them yourself. We will now tell you how and from what materials to make this.
Awning - a reliable roof for a garden swing
Usually the awning comes complete with a swing, but if you made the swing yourself or you want to change it, pay attention to the following points:
- It is advisable to make the awning from waterproof fabric. Then you won’t have to cover the entire structure with a rain cover in case of bad weather; it will be enough to cover the seat, and you won’t need any additional protection from light drizzle.
Provide an awning for sun protection
- Since the swing is constantly placed outside, the fabric must be resistant to fading.
- When choosing an awning, pay attention to models with a sewn-in mosquito net, this way you will also get rid of problems with insects.
Important! When buying seats, an awning, or a mosquito net for a swing, be sure to pay attention to whether they are the right size for your model.
Pillow filling
To fill pillows, various materials are used, both natural and artificial.
- Foam rubber is the most commonly used material for such purposes. It is inexpensive and comes in sheets of various thicknesses. Lightweight, soft, but at the same time elastic material that can be washed and cleaned. This filler will not lose its shape for a long time.
- Holofiber is a porous and multilayer material, very elastic and lightweight. It retains heat well and its fibers are strong. A pillow made of such material will not lose its shape for a long time. Available in different versions: holofiber in balls, sheets or rolls. Any of the options is suitable as a filler for garden pillows. Products made from it can be washed by hand and in a washing machine.
- Sintepon is an inexpensive insulating non-woven material familiar to everyone. Used as a filler for blankets, pillows, soft toys, and as insulation for clothing. Available in fabric of various densities and thicknesses. Light, elastic, voluminous material that can be washed at 40 degrees. The only drawback is that over time it cakes (the fibers become denser and the thickness of the material decreases).
- Silicone is the most innovative filler made from lightweight polyester fibers twisted into balls. This material comes in varying degrees of elasticity. It is environmentally friendly and does not cause allergies, is very voluminous and elastic, retains heat well and keeps its shape perfectly. Compared to other fillers, it will last you the longest. The only drawback is the high price.
- Comforel is a filler similar to holofiber and synthetic fluff. Cheap, lightweight, hypoallergenic material. It is washable and very durable.
- Expanded polystyrene beads are often used as filler for soft chairs. Despite their small size, each of the balls is a very elastic, durable and at the same time very light particle.
For a swing with a large mattress consisting of one or more pillows, it is better to choose foam rubber or silicone as a filler. If you decide to make small pillows - dumochki or cushions, then holofiber, padding polyester or comforter will be more suitable.
Filling made from polystyrene foam balls would be appropriate for pillows for a single swing.
Mosquito net - for a comfortable stay
Sit outside in the evening reading a book or doing some handicrafts without fear of becoming a prey to mosquitoes? Put a swing in your flower garden without worrying about bees hovering nearby? Easy if you have a mosquito net. It will also slightly muffle the sun's rays in the midday heat, protect from dust raised by the wind, and even save from light drizzle.
There are several types of mesh:
- with one zipper in the center (which opens like curtains), with two zippers on the sides (where the front part folds up) and a solid one (which needs to be lifted to go inside);
Garden swing with mosquito net
- stretched over the roof under the awning, thrown over the awning, sewn into the awning;
- white or colored.
Types of fillers
There are many mattress fillings. They are divided into soft, medium and hard.
Relax after work in a soft swing on your site
Among the soft fillers, we especially note natural latex. It is made from rubber plants. The material is waterproof, does not mold, does not rot, and is hypoallergenic. It is a leader among other comfortable fillers.
The most popular medium fillers:
- Polyurethane foam. In everyday life it is known as furniture foam rubber. It is characterized by wear resistance and durability. This artificial porous material is not susceptible to mold and does not pose a danger to allergy sufferers. It has different thicknesses and is easy to cut when cutting. The price is quite affordable for people of average income.
- Sintepon is a lightweight artificial filler for pillows and mattresses. Soft, light, springy fabric that has the ability to quickly recover from deformation, does not absorb moisture, and is non-toxic. Small items can be washed even without removing the covers.
- Polystyrene is another representative of the new generation of artificial materials. They are small, light granules. Environmentally friendly filler, does not absorb odors, does not allow water to pass through. Harmful microorganisms do not grow inside polystyrene, the material does not burn or ignite.
Fans of hard fillers can use natural materials such as coconut (coir) or seaweed.
Saving a garden swing from bad weather: protective cover
To protect the swing and especially its textile elements from bad weather, be sure to purchase a cover made of waterproof material. There are two types of models on sale:
- covering only the seat,
- covering the swing completely, along with the awning.
The second option is more practical, especially if the swing is in an open place and not under a roof, if you do not have the opportunity to remove it in case of rain or if you visit the dacha on short visits.
The cover will protect the swing from moisture, dust, bird marks, and traces of your own or neighbor’s animals walking around the area. On hot days, a cover thrown over a swing with an open front will create a pleasant shade.
Advice. It is most practical to have several removable seat covers so that you can change them as needed.
What details will make shelters more convenient?
Useful accessories include the following:
- The presence of two symmetrical zippers in the foreground of the cover for a garden swing is very welcome. They allow, if necessary, to open only one side of the shelter.
- stakes will allow you to fix the covering material to the ground surface;
- ropes and eyelets are also very desirable for attaching covers to nearby trees or supports;
- an anti-mosquito net will ensure a calm and pleasant leisure time, not marred by the bites of annoying insects.
The design feature of the case also matters . It is very convenient when one product performs several functions: it is protection and serves as a roof. It is enough to open the zipper on the roof of the swing, and the cover material appears from its hiding place. It is very convenient to use such a thing on a windy day, when, due to worsening weather, you do not want to leave your favorite place in the garden.
It is worth choosing a high-quality case even if it has the Oeko-Tex Standard-100 quality and safety certificate.
Pillows and decorative textiles for garden swings
Textile elements are the most vulnerable part of the swing. Rain, sun, accidentally spilled coffee, a dog jumping up on the seat with dirty paws... it is almost impossible to completely protect a swing standing outside from pollution and exposure to external factors. As a result, the fabric of the pillows loses its neat appearance, fades, and permanent stains appear, while the frame of the swing is still as good as new. However, replacing the pillows may not be a necessary measure, but a way to give the swing a more original look, make the seat more comfortable and softer.
Advice. If standard cushions for garden swings do not suit you in color, design, or do not seem soft and comfortable enough, you can make new ones yourself.
Making pillows with your own hands is not so difficult: standard seats usually consist of two components: a textile cover and a filling. But the choice of materials must be taken responsibly - this is the key to their long service and your comfort. The textile requirements are as follows:
- resistance to fading in the sun;
- strength and wear resistance;
- The fabric should be easy to wash, dry quickly, not fade or shrink when washed.
Pillows will make your rest more comfortable.
Of course, synthetic materials are more practical, and especially leatherette - it seems that if you wipe it with a cloth, the surface will look like new. But sitting on such pillows in the heat is very uncomfortable. The golden mean is mixed fabrics made of cotton and synthetics or natural, high-strength fabrics, such as tapestry. Another option is natural fabrics with special treatment to increase their wear resistance (for example, with water- and dirt-repellent impregnation).
The filling for pillows can be:
- foam;
- holofiber;
- padding polyester;
- comfort, polystyrene foam (synthetic balls).
The seats of multi-seat swings can consist of either several pillows or two rectangular mattresses, connected or not connected to each other. In addition to the seats themselves, the swings are equipped with textile soft armrests, decorative “thought” pillows and capes. You can easily make them yourself.
To make your relaxation not only comfortable, but also aesthetically pleasing, surround the swing with flower beds or tubs with plants, and install a decorative fountain nearby. If you have small children, build a sandbox or children's playhouse nearby - this way you can not lose sight of the kids.
If you wish, you can turn even the simplest budget or home-made model of a garden swing into a luxurious place to relax, you just need to show your imagination and a certain amount of skill.
How to make a suitable mattress yourself
As already noted, a self-sewn mattress for a swing will cost much less. True, you will need to set aside time for purchasing material and sewing. For production you will need:
- Filler;
- Fabric for the cover;
- Zipper;
- Ribbon for ties.
Sewing a mattress consists of the following steps:
- Taking measurements from the swing seat.
- Cutting out the corresponding elements of the cover from the selected material.
- Sewing the cover: the fabric folded in half is stitched along adjacent sides, and a zipper is sewn into the remaining open side.
- Cutting out a rectangular piece of foam rubber according to existing standards.
Finally, the foam rubber is placed in a cover, ties are sewn along the edges and the finished mattress is fixed to the swing seat.
Accessories for garden swings: photos
Tips for choosing the right finished copy
In the manufacture of the main structure of the swing, various materials are used - from plastic (lightweight) to metal, more stable. Plastic swing supports are lightweight and inexpensive, and are designed for children. They present no difficulties during transportation and assembly.
Choose the softest material for greater relaxation pleasure
The metal supports are strong and reliable even when used by adults.
When choosing a finished product, you should take into account such important criteria as:
- what kind of load is expected for this structure (children or several adults);
- how often this swing model will be used (permanently or occasionally).
In accordance with these requirements and the instructions for the model you like (the maximum load is not indicated), make your choice.
Mounting options
You can attach a cushion to a chair with your own hands in different ways. The most popular option is lace-style ties. But there are other methods.
Type of fastening | Peculiarities | How to do it |
Ties (ropes) | The ties must be made from the same fabric as the product itself; in some cases (if the seat is plain), it is possible to choose a contrasting option | A pair of thin ropes are attached to the corners. They are tied in a knot under the seat of the stool |
Velcro | Over time, they become dirty and cease to perform their function, so they require periodic cleaning. | Four Velcro strips are sewn to the edges by hand or machine |
Elastic bands at the corners | The fastening should not be too tight | A drawstring with an elastic band is sewn to the seat, then the product is put on the chair and aligned around the perimeter |
Distinctive features of growing chairs, important selection criteria
Any fastening is sewn only after the seat itself is sewn. After this, the product must be tried on and aligned. The cover should not cover the seat. An option that is too spacious is also bad, it will slide.
You can use colored ribbons made of any synthetic material as ties. Before working, you need to singe the ends so that the fabric does not fray.
Ties
Velcro
Rubber bands
A DIY mattress is a comfortable thing
Handmade furniture made from pallets with beautiful covers has become very popular in our country and abroad. By creating something with your own hands, you endow things with your positive energy. They may not be as easy to make as they seem at first glance, but such crafts are unique and will become loved by your entire family. They are suitable not only for a small hallway, but also for the kitchen, bedroom, and children's room. They will perfectly decorate a loggia or balcony. These sofas are ideal for summer cottages and summer terraces. The covers can be easily removed and cleaned at any time of the year.
By making furniture and accessories for it, we not only delight ourselves and our friends with the created comfort and good atmosphere, but also protect nature from environmental pollution by using recyclable materials for new things.
Banquette
How to sew covers
First, choose the shape and size of the pillow if you are sewing new ones. When replacing covers, take measurements.
Drawing with dimensions of a pillow cover pattern for a swing
According to the form they are distinguished:
- rectangular: equilateral, elongated (European standard);
- cushion cushions in oriental style;
- curly.
The sizes of the covers are selected individually when planning to make new pillows. For sewing you will need:
- meter;
- chalk or pencil;
- scissors;
- threads;
- pins;
- sewing machine;
- iron.
Using fabric ties in making a soft pillow
Also needed: fabric for the cover, filling. And also spare parts: zipper or buttons, buttons. You can make covers with fabric ties.
Stages of work:
- First they make a pattern. Rectangular pillows can be drawn directly on the fabric. Don't forget to add a seam allowance of 1.5 to 2 cm.
- Then I turn the elements of the cover inside out.
- A zipper is inserted into the side seam. To do this, fold the fabric at the seam, attach the zipper with pins, and stitch it.
The device of the case with a sewn-in zipper - All side seams are sewn inside out. Additionally, they are overlaid and a double seam is made.
- Insert the filling, shake the filled pillow, straighten the corners.
For pillow covers with latex or wide foam filling, side inserts are additionally made (according to the height of the material). You can see how to sew a pillow cover in the video.
What types of swings are there?
Soft swing chair
Before building a swing, you should think about its purpose (for children or adults to ride), location (excessively large models are inappropriate in small areas), seasonality (not in all dachas it is appropriate to leave the swing outdoors for the winter). It is also important to choose a model that fits well into the overall picture of the country landscape.
The swing can be mobile (collapsible) or stationary.
In turn, mobile swings can be suspended or equipped with a prefabricated frame that is installed on the ground.
Do you want to make a children's swing at the dacha for a child?
A children's swing is a great idea on how to entertain a child at the dacha, and the portal website also offers you information on. If you already have a sandbox, then read the article about building a playground with your own hands -.
You can make your own swing-balancer, swing-hammock, swing-sofa. Designs that are far from the classical representation of a swing design deserve special attention. Unusual swings can be:
And just recently, swings for disabled children appeared. The design with a platform for a wheelchair allows you to ride even for those who, unfortunately, cannot move independently.
Prices for garden swings
Garden swing