The Sit-Upon

THE SIT-UPON is a homemade waterproof cushion that makes the perfect seat for around the campfire, near a tent, your backyard, a sporting event, or any use you can imagine.

The Very Simple Sit-Upon

Needed:

Plastic bags, the kind from the grocery store, about 12 inches by 12 inches with the handles cut off. Can be larger if you wish; any size bag will work.

Lots of newspaper for the padding. The more, the comfier; try a pile 1½ to 2 inches high.

Duct tape, or other strong and wide packing tape.

Stack the newspapers neatly. Cut or fold them to fit inside the plastic bag. Place them in the bag. Squeeze the air from the bag and fold it tightly around the newspaper. Use a second bag if necessary, to catch the other side of the newspaper stack. Tape all sides of the bag to keep out water and debris.

The Fancier Sit-Upon

Like most everything, a Sit-Upon can be made fancier and more decorative. The newspapers in the plastic bag can be covered with a waterproof cover.

Needed:

The Very Simple Sit-Upon, as on previous page.

Pieces of old wallpaper make an excellent cover, as do squares cut from a vinyl tablecloth, oilcloth, or a shower curtain. Be as creative as you’d like; the only guideline is that the material should be as waterproof, or water-resistant, as possible. Cut into 15 by 15 inch squares. If you prefer an even larger sit-upon, choose any measurement, cutting the squares 1½-2 inches larger on each side than the newspaper-and-plastic sit-upon that will fit inside.

A hole punch.

Cord, twine, lanyard, or other strong string, measuring six or seven times the length of one side of the cover.

To Construct:

Cut the square covers to size. Punch holes every inch or so around all four edges of the covers, doing both at the same time, so the holes match up. Then place the Very Simple Sit-Upon between the two covers. To sew, string the cord through the holes using an overcast stitch (start on top, enter the hole, pull the cord through and out to the side, take it over to the top, and then sew in from the top of the next hole.) If needed, wrap tape around the end of the string to stiffen it and make it easier to sew. Leave extra cord at start and finish for the square knot at the end.

The Sit-Upon Traveler’s Edition

You might be taking your Sit-Upon with you on a hike, or someplace where it would be handy not to have to hold it while you walk.

To make the fanny-pack carrier, procure a belt or rope that is long enough to tie around your waist. Before you sew the edges of the Sit-Upon, lay the rope or belt along one side. Stitch the rope or belt to the Sit-Upon as you sew that side of the cover. When you tie on the belt, the Sit-Upon will lay behind you as you walk.

For the messenger-bag alternative, attach an even longer piece of rope that will go over your head and over one shoulder, messenger-bag style, with the Sit-Upon resting across your back.