The amount of fabric you need to upholster a chair will depend largely on the size and shape of the piece of furniture. Generally speaking, you should allow for approximately one yard of fabric for every 18 square inches of chair surface area.
This would mean that a chair with a back measuring 17 inches wide and 20 inches high would require about four and a half yards of fabric. Additionally, you should also provide for various additional measurements such as the seat cushion, arms, sides and other details.
Allow an extra half yard or so in your calculations in case extra fabric is needed due to any irregularities. Be sure to measure the chair several times before purchasing the fabric to ensure that you have an accurate depiction of its measurements.
How do I measure a chair for reupholstering?
Measuring a chair for reupholstering involves taking and recording several dimensions to ensure the new upholstery fits correctly.
Begin by measuring the perimeter of the chair’s frame. This is the length of fabric needed to cover the circumference of the chair. If the chair features arms, the measurements should include them. Next, measure the width and depth of the seat, including any piping detail.
This measurement is important for determining the amount of foam required for the new upholstery, as well as the size of fabric needed to cover it.
Lastly, the height of the existing back can be taken. The measurements associated with the upholstery pieces should be within an inch or two of the existing chair’s measurements.
When taking measurements of the chair frame, use a cloth measuring tape and measure twice to ensure accuracy. The measurements should also be taken in several places because the fit may vary depending on where the seat and back connect with the frame.
Writing down the measurements and exact measurements should accompany each piece of upholstery and be included in the reinstallation of the chair parts. When all the measures have been taken and the original upholstery is removed, the chair is ready for reupholstering.
What does it cost to have a chair reupholstered?
The cost to have a chair reupholstered depends on a range of factors, such as the type of fabric used, the size of the chair, the complexity of the reupholstering job, and even the location of the service.
In general, the prices charged by professional reupholsterers range from the low hundreds to several thousand dollars. The costs will also depend on whether you are bringing your chair to their business or they are taking it on site.
Additionally, it’s important to factor in the time spent by the professionals on the job as some pieces are more complex than others and require a greater degree of labor.
The quality of the fabric used to reupholster the chair is another key factor in determining the total cost. Not all fabric costs the same and some materials, such as high-grade leather, are going to be significantly more expensive than fabrics like Poly Cotton or linen.
You may also want to consider adding extra cushioning for comfort, which can cost extra as well.
You should also factor in things like special hardware and accessories (e.g. handles, tassels, buttons). All of these combined will round out the approximate cost of reupholstering a chair.
In short, the cost to have a chair reupholstered will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the fabric and complexity of the job, as well as any additional features you may want to add.
The price ranges can vary significantly, so it’s important to get a few estimates from different professionals for the best deal.
How do you calculate yards of fabric?
Calculating the yardage of fabric needed for a project will depend on many factors, including the size, shape, and design of the project. Generally, measurements should be taken to determine the length and width of the project and then multiplied together to determine the total area.
The result can then be divided by a fabric’s linear width, which can be found on the end of the bolt. This will give the number of yards needed to cover the project. For example, if the area of a project is 20 square feet, and the fabric width is 45 inches, you would need 2.
5 yards of fabric to cover the project (20 ft² / (45″ / 3ft) = 2.5 yd).
Can you DIY upholstery?
Yes, it is possible to do DIY upholstery. Depending on what type of upholstery you are looking to do, you may need to purchase special tools and materials such as a special upholstery needle, staples and other necessary supplies.
Additionally, it is important to also have a good understanding of the specific upholstery techniques and techniques for special fabrics.
It is helpful to take a look at tutorials and manuals before attempting to do DIY upholstery. It is also important to have patience and time to complete upholstery projects, as they can be time consuming and complicated.
Additionally, you may be able to find help from online communities, forums and local furniture repair services who can offer advice and tips.
How do you upholster a seat?
Upholstering a seat is a process that involves the selection of fabric, measuring, cutting, and finally the assembly and application of the trim. It is not a difficult process but it does require some time and attention to detail.
First, take the existing fabric off the seat. Removing existing staples and other fasteners may be necessary. Once the fabric is removed, you can use the old material as a pattern to trace onto your new fabric.
Make sure to trace the shape of the chair, any pleats or tucks, and the pattern of the fabric. Use a sharp pair of scissors for cutting the fabric.
Next, mark the area where the fabric will be tacked or glued in place. Use the pattern you created to determine desired pleats or tucks. Carefully mark where to place them.
Once the fabric is ready, place the new material over the seat, and begin to apply an adhesive, basting or tacking the material to the seat. You must use a strong, durable adhesive to ensure that your fabric stays in place.
If you are using staples, use a staple gun to fasten the fabric to the seat base.
Once that is completed, you may add trim, buttons, bows, or other decorative features. Check the pattern to be sure these features are placed correctly and in their proper locations. Finish attaching any trim and add any desired accessories.
Finally, finish up by sanding, painting, staining or spraying finish to protect your newly upholstered seat and make sure the chair looks beautiful and inviting for years to come.
What materials are needed to reupholster chairs?
Reupholstering chairs requires a variety of materials to complete the job. Depending on the type and condition of the chair, some of the materials you may need include fabric, padding, webbing or burlap, upholstery nails or tacks, batting, cardboard, thread, glue, and scissors, among other supplies.
If you’re going to use fabric for the job, it’s best to go with something durable and easy to clean. It’s also important to make sure there’s enough fabric for the entire chair. The type of padding you use is also important.
Foam is a popular choice as it’s typically lightweight and offers good cushioning. However, if your chair’s padding is in good condition, you may be able to reuse it.
Webbing and burlap act as a foundation for the chair’s frame and provide a layer of protection. Upholstery nails, tacks, and staples can also be used to reupholster. They provide a secure attachment and can help your chair look great.
If your chair’s frame is wooden, consider using glides or wheels to protect the floors.
Batting and cardboard can help keep the edges of your chair’s padding in place. You can also use a thin layer of batting to wrap around the frame of the chair. Thread and scissors can be used to sew the fabric around the padding, while a water- resistant adhesive can help keep the fabric in place.
For a professional-looking finish, consider investing in an upholstery tool set. It should include tools such as pliers, tack lifters, and awls for removing old tacks and nails.
What is the easiest way to reupholster a seat?
The easiest way to reupholster a seat is to first measure the seat to determine how much new upholstery fabric you will need. You will also need some cushion filling, heavy-duty staple gun, thin batting, and upholstery tacks.
Once you have all of the supplies on hand, you will need to follow the following steps:
1. Remove existing upholstery from the seat.
2. Cut the batting to fit onto the seat, making sure to leave 2-3 inches of extra fabric around the surface of the seat.
3. Using the upholstery tacks and the staple gun, secure the batting to the seat.
4. Place the cushion filling onto the seat and spread it out evenly.
5. Place the new upholstery fabric onto the seat, making sure to leave extra fabric allowance around the seat.
6. Secure the fabric to the seat using the upholstery tacks and the staple gun.
7. Trim any excess fabric and finish the project by using a steam iron to give the fabric a smooth, crisp finish.
Reupholstering a seat can be an easy task if you have the right supplies and follow these easy steps.
Can I reupholster without a staple gun?
Yes, it is possible to reupholster without a staple gun. Although a staple gun is considered to be the traditional tool for reupholstery, there are a variety of methods to complete this task without one.
The most popular alternative is craft glue, which allows you to adhere the fabric to the frame of the furniture. Glue is particularly useful for fabrics like leather, velvet, and suede that are too thick for staples.
You can purchase special types of glue that specifically designed for upholstery, or use a heavy-duty craft glue available at most craft stores.
Another way to reupholster without a staple gun is to use sewing. Although hand-sewing is time-consuming, it is a great option for finer fabrics like silk and lightweight cotton. However, depending on the complexity of the job, you might need access to a heavy-duty sewing machine to make the stitching strong enough.
Lastly, you can use decorative upholstery tacks to secure the fabric to the frame. This method is great for homes with a vintage aesthetic, but will require some extra time as the tacks need to be applied one by one.
Can you reupholster a chair without removing old fabric?
Yes, you can reupholster a chair without removing the old fabric. This process begins with ensuring the chair is clean and free from dirt, dust, and mess. Next, use a staple remover to remove any loose fabric from the chair, making sure not to damage the wood from underneath.
Once the old fabric has been removed, you can use foam padding to build up any sagging areas of the chair. Once the padding is in place and firmly secured, use a fabric of your choice to cover the upholstery material and staple it into place.
Finally, use a screwdriver to secure any nails that may need to be replaced in order to ensure the fabric remains in perfect condition.
How do you cover rounded corners with fabric?
Covering rounded corners with fabric can be a bit tricky, but it is certainly possible. The process mainly entails cutting the fabric to the appropriate size, folding it correctly, and tucking it into the corners.
The first step is to measure the dimensions of the corners you intend on covering. This will help you determine the size of fabric you need. If you are covering multiple corners, make sure to measure out each one and add up the individual dimensions; cutting the fabric too small could lead to unevenness or bunching in the final project.
Once you have the appropriate fabric piece, fold the edges at 45-degree angles and place the fabric over the corner. This creates a sharp corner instead of a rounded one, making it easier to tuck the fabric.
Make sure to clip the fabric in place while you tuck it into the corner. You may need to use a needle and thread to attach the fabric in some areas if the corner is too deep.
When you’ve tucked the fabric into the corner and secured it, you’re done! If needed, you can also use a heat iron to iron out any wrinkles in the fabric.
How do you sew curved seam upholstery?
Sewing curved seams in upholstery is a challenging, but rewarding task which requires some patience and precision. Start by cutting out the fabric pieces you need, making sure the grain line of the fabric runs in the same direction on all cutouts, and they are the same size.
When preparing the fabric, you’ll also need to double-seam, which involves folding and ironing the fabric before sewing.
Once the fabric pieces are cut out, quilt all the pieces both horizontally and vertically, ensuring each intersection of the quilted fabric lines up in a neat manner. Make sure to keep an equal distance at every intersection.
This will help prevent puckering or stretching of the seam.
Next, align the seam edges of the fabric. Make sure to pay attention to the edges- ensuring that the two pieces fit snugly against one another when stitching the curve. Once the seams are aligned, draw a curved line and use an upholstery needle to baste a stitch along it.
Remove the basting stitches and use a small zipper foot to guide the needle. Sew the curved seam upholstery carefully, making sure to stop and adjust it as needed to keep it as uniform as possible. Finally, top stitch the seam close to the edges and trim off any excess fabric.
