Tips for sewing outdoor pillows, reviving a Berber rug

Q: I have all-weather fabric, and I want to sew pillows. What should I fill them with? Can I make them waterproof?

A: Most outdoor pillows and cushion inserts are not fully waterproof, but most are water-repellent. Water is bound to seep into pillows that are left uncovered and subject to rain. If you are sewing your own covers, construct them with an opening that lets water drain out.

Pillow inserts: When buying inserts, avoid feather and down, which will retain water. Instead, opt for washable polyester inserts. (Sewing an envelope-backed case for your pillow allows you to remove the insert and wash it from time to time.)

Cushion foam: If you're making a cushion for your outdoor couch or chair, certain foams are good to use as inserts: Dryfast foam ($108 for one 3-by-50-by-45-inch sheet, thefoamfactory.com) dries quickly and is less prone to mold and mildew. An alternative is durable, elastic Dacron foam, a synthetic polyester that can be found in most fabric or upholstery shops, and can go through the washer and dryer.

Maintenance: To ensure a fabric's vitality through several summers, it's important to properly care for your outdoor items. The best-quality outdoor fabrics are made of a breathable 100 percent solution-dyed synthetic fabric, such as Sunbrella or Sun N Shade. These cloths can be wiped down (if casing isn't removable) or hand-washed (if casing is removable) with warm water and a mild soap. If mold or mildew becomes an issue, spot-treat with a bleach-and-water solution, and then lay the fabric flat and let it air-dry.

Q: My large Berber rug looks matted down in some areas because of heavy foot traffic. How can I revive it?

A: Many Berber rugs are durable and ideal for busy areas, but their looped style is more susceptible to matting than a cut-pile rug. This is because dirt and soils that lodge in the looped fibers are very difficult to remove, says Mike Reed, president of Austonian Fine Rug and Carpet Care in Austin, Texas. When people walk on the carpet, the entangled particles separate and abrade the threads, crushing them.

Area rugs are normally handled outside the home, at a carpet-cleaning facility, where they can be treated on both sides and dried thoroughly before they are returned to you.

Rugs made from polyester or olefin, a glossy synthetic, are less resilient and might need to be replaced if severely matted.

Before getting rid of a synthetic carpet, though, you could try tackling it yourself with a deep-cleaning machine, available for rent at hardware and home-supply stores. But note that because this equipment is less powerful than what the pros use, it may not fully fluff up the fibers.

Aside from deep-cleaning your carpet, regular vacuuming is your best defense against matting. Do this a couple of times a week, if possible, to prevent grime from implanting in the carpet in the first place.