In this blog, we will be talking about upholstering a chair and telling you step by step how to do things. Before you start buying supplies remove all or any fabric attached to the chair making it bare so that you can now take proper measurements and buy stuff according to your blank canvas. If you are unsure as to how much you should buy then here’s a tip: always buy stuff more than required so that you may not have to make any unexpected trips to the markets. Take pictures before removing the fabric for references.

UPHOLSTERING CHAIR:

• Disassemble the chair, remove the upholstery pieces, and be careful not to tear the fabric. Start by removing the black cloth from the underside, loosen the underside pieces, and mark and remove them. Save pieces of welting and tack for new pieces reference.

• If worn or stained, remove the old batting from the chair back and seat.

• Check the springs and webbing for damage, repair them.

• Sand, prime, and paint the frame or legs.

• Cut 1/2-inch-thick batting to cover the chair back and seat with staples. To prevent indents from forming pull gently on the batting around each staple so the staple moves inside the batting.

• Lay the original upholstery upside down on the downside of the new fabric, watch for the grain, placement of the motifs, and direction of the pattern. Pin in place and cut around the pattern, leaving 2 to 3 inches of fabric other than the stapled edges of the original pieces.

• If you want to, can you combine the chair reupholster pieces as cover for the seat that can be applied together? Place the fabric pieces together inside out and sew, adjust for curves.

• Place the new fabric using your photos as guides. Pin the pieces together, trim excess fabric to make it fit. When done, pull the fabric taut and staple it on the apron of the chair seat. Use as many as required securing the fabric. Place the staples on the chair back where they will be covered by the back panel. Cut excess fabric. Do the same with the new seat cover. Tuck excess fabric under the corners.

• Determine the length of the welting around the seat, at the top and bottom. Cut 2-inch-wide strips of the same length with a few more inches. Join diagonally; trim the seam allowance to 1/2 inch. Fold the strip around the cord and sew in place.

• Pin the side panel to the seat fabric. Mark for the bottom welting. Remove the side fabric and sew the welting where marked, starting and ending at the back. For a finished edge, fold the end of the piping before attaching.

• Position the rear panel and fold the right side over. Apply a tack strip and secure it with a staple. Fold the panel over the strip and pull taut toward the bottom. Fold and staple the bottom edge.

• Cut black breathable fabric for the underside. Flip the chair upside down and staple. Make sure the fabric is tight against the welting and covers all edges of the upholstery fabric. Turn it up and enjoy your chair.

Mark Pereira