THE COST of reupholstering chairs is so high that many people might be tempted just to buy new chairs. But, what if you love your old chair too much to throw it on the dump and yet you cannot afford the price tag of $10,000 per chair? With the proper tools, we are told one can make a fair job of reconditioning and refurbishing settees.
These tools include upholstery
needles, tacks, staples, scissors, and
staples guns powerful enough to penetrate hard wood. You may also need:
Pliers
Tacking hammer
Fabric
Upholstery tacks
Padding
Polypropylene webbing
(if needed)
It is likely you will need to replace the padding when reupholstering. You will also need protective coverings. The
needle on an industrial sewing machine is as large as a finishing nail. Use eye protection where appropriate and needle guards if recommended with your sewing machine.
Begin by using the pliers or staple puller to get rid of the staples and tacks and then remove the old fabric from the chair. While you are removing the fabric, note where the tacks or staples are placed. You will want to attempt to replace the new tacks or staples in the same or nearby holes, to mimic the
previous pattern.
Cut the new padding in the same design as the one you are replacing. Glue it to the wood, and tack the ends to the sides. You might have to let the chair sit overnight until the glue dries.
PATTERNS
Cut your fabric, trying to use the
previous pattern and measurements. If you cannot, cut the fabric in the pattern of the seat, leaving about two inches to spare on each end.
Turn the base over and pull the fabric taut, so the ends meet underneath the chair. With tacks or staples attach the fabric to the bottom side of the chair. When you get to corners, cut a notch on the sides. This way you can fold the fabric underneath, and have a flat edge.
Take the flat edge and tack or staple it to the wood. Repeat this pattern at all corners until your chair is covered.
PILLOWS AND CUSHIONS
To make pillows and cushions, measure existing pillow with a tape measure. Most upholstery-weight fabrics are about 54" wide.
Last tip: find a local upholsterer who is willing to allow you to watch him while he does his work or will even permit you to use his machines. You may offer to pay him for this privilege, but overall it should be a more affordable project than giving him all the work to do.
Information sources http://www.upholster.com/
howto, www.bunnings.com, and UPHOLSTER! Magazine Online Home at ://sewing.about.com
