A popular bedding choice is mattress foam.If you want to cut mattress foam, the process is very simple and fast.A sharp knife and some basic tools are all you need.
Step 1: The zip cover needs to be removed from the mattress foam.
There is an outer covering on most mattress foam.Pull the cover off to remove it.Use a pair of scissors to remove the additional lining underneath the zip cover.If you cut into the mattress foam with the scissors, be careful.Since the zip cover won't fit your mattress foam after you cut it, you can either dispose of it or try sewing it back together.If you throw out the old zip cover, you will need to buy a new one.
Step 2: Measure tape to figure out where to cut the foam.
Measure from one side of the foam to the other and divide it in half to figure out where you want to cut.If you know how wide or long you want the piece of foam you are cutting to be, you can use the measuring tape and marker to reference it later.You don't want to distort the size and shape of the foam when you measure it.You should measure 2 or 3 times to make sure your measurement is accurate.
Step 3: You should mark the line with a marker.
Measure the point on the mattress with a ruler or straight edge.Carefully draw a straight line along the edge of the ruler.Depending on the shape and size of the piece, you may need to draw multiple lines.Measure the distance from the ruler to the edge of the mattress to make sure the straight edge isn't slanted.The ruler is slanted if the distance is not the same from both ends.You should draw a straight line from one end of the mattress foam to the other if you want to fit a smaller bed frame.If you don't want to cut a straight line, you can draw a curve on a large piece of paper, cut it out, and then trace it onto the mattress foam with marker.You can either trace the object on the paper or freehand the curve.
Step 4: The marked line does not have anything under the mattress foam.
Since you will be cutting through the foam with a knife, you don't want the line to be on a solid surface or you could end up chipping and scratching it.The space under the marked line can be opened by resting the foam on a elevated surface.If you want the marked line to hang off the edge, you could rest the mattress foam on a table.If you want to cut a large mattress foam in half, try resting it on 2 box springs that have some space between them.The line in the center of the foam will sit over the open space.
Step 5: If you want a clean edge, cut the foam with an electric carving knife.
You can cut your mattress foam with an electric carving knife.You can get a cleaner, straighter edge when the knife is plugged in.If you don't have an electric carving knife, you can find one at your local department store.
Step 6: If you don't want to get an electric knife, try a regular one.
A kitchen knife will do the trick if the cut is not as clean and straight as it would be with an electric carving knife.If you plan on putting a new cover over the cut piece of mattress foam that will hide the edge, a kitchen knife is an easy, cheap option.If you decide to use a kitchen knife, make sure it has serrated edges.The longer the blade, the easier it will be to cut through foam.If you don't have a kitchen knife that will work, you may be able to use a pair of heavy-duty scissors if the mattress foam is 8 inch (0.32 cm) or less thick.Keep in mind that the cut may not be as clean as if you were using a knife.
Step 7: The knife should be held at a 90-degree angle.
It will be easier to cut into the foam.The sharp edge of the knife should be lined up with the line you marked on the foam.
Step 8: Use an up-and-down motion to cut along the marked line.
If you use an electric carving knife, you don't need to move the knife up and down since it will be moving on its own.Pull out the knife and separate the piece of foam at the end of the line.Make sure you follow along with the line so your edge is straight.You should cut along the line you marked if you are using scissors.
Step 9: If the knife does not go all the way through, repeat on the other side.
If you use a knife with a short blade, it might not be able to cut through your mattress foam.If that is the case, mark another line on the opposite side with the foam.Cut through that line the same way you did on the other side, so that the foam separates into 2 pieces.Measure carefully so the lines on the foam match up.
Step 10: Measure using measuring tape.
Measure from the edge to the opposite side of the foam.You are all set if it is the right size.If you need to cut off more foam, you can repeat the process.You won't be able to add foam back on if your measurement is too short.If you will be covering your mattress foam with a zip cover, you could try cutting a strip of foam that makes up the difference and placing it next to the larger piece inside the cover.
Step 11: If you have jagged edges, smooth them out with a knife.
If your mattress foam is going to be exposed, you may want to fix the edges if they are jagged.If you want to smooth out the edges, take a kitchen knife and cut off any jagged bits that are sticking out.You might end up altering the size of the foam if you cut off too much.
Step 12: If you will be using a zip cover, put it over the foam.
If you don't want to alter or sew the old zip cover to fit your cut mattress foam, you can order a custom cover online using the dimensions of your foam.Once you have a cover, you can put your mattress foam inside and then zip the cover up again.