Preparing the Chair
Before you start upholstering, it’s essential to prepare your chair for a successful project. This involves gathering the right tools and materials, removing the old fabric, cleaning the frame, and inspecting for any damage.
Tools and Materials
A well-equipped workshop will make the upholstery process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Screwdriver: A standard screwdriver is essential for removing and reattaching the chair’s upholstery tacks or staples.
- Pliers: Pliers come in handy for pulling out old staples or tacks and can also help with adjusting fabric tension.
- Hammer: A hammer is used for driving in new staples or tacks securely.
- Staple Gun: A staple gun is a valuable tool for attaching the new fabric to the chair frame. Choose a staple gun with appropriate staple sizes for your upholstery project.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are crucial for cutting fabric and foam to the correct sizes.
- Measuring Tape: A measuring tape ensures accurate measurements for the fabric and foam needed for the upholstery.
- Utility Knife: A utility knife is helpful for trimming excess fabric and foam and making precise cuts.
- Sewing Machine: A sewing machine is essential for sewing the fabric pieces together, particularly for creating a custom-fitted cover.
- Fabric: Choose fabric that is durable and suitable for upholstery, considering the chair’s style and intended use.
- Foam: Foam provides padding and comfort to the chair. Choose the appropriate density and thickness based on the chair’s design and desired level of firmness.
- Upholstery Tacks or Staples: These are used to secure the fabric to the chair frame. Opt for upholstery-specific tacks or staples for durability.
- Fabric Glue: Fabric glue can help reinforce the fabric seams and provide additional stability to the upholstery.
- Cleaning Supplies: Cleaning supplies are necessary for removing dirt and grime from the chair frame before upholstery.
Preparing the Chair
The first step is to remove the old fabric and assess the chair’s condition.
- Remove the Old Fabric: Carefully detach the old fabric from the chair frame using a screwdriver, pliers, or a staple gun. Take note of how the fabric was attached and the placement of any tacks or staples.
- Clean the Frame: Once the old fabric is removed, thoroughly clean the chair frame using a damp cloth and mild soap. Pay attention to any crevices or corners where dirt may accumulate. Allow the frame to dry completely before proceeding.
- Inspect for Damage: Examine the chair frame for any signs of damage, such as cracks, splinters, or loose joints. Repair any damage before proceeding with upholstery.
Chair Preparation Checklist
- Gather all necessary tools and materials.
- Remove the old fabric from the chair frame.
- Clean the chair frame thoroughly.
- Inspect the chair frame for any damage and repair as needed.
- Ensure the chair frame is dry before proceeding.
Choosing and Cutting Fabric
Now that your chair is ready, it’s time to select the fabric that will bring your vision to life. The fabric you choose will significantly impact the look, feel, and durability of your reupholstered chair.
Types of Upholstery Fabrics
Upholstery fabrics come in a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique properties.
- Cotton: A natural and breathable fabric, cotton is comfortable and easy to clean. However, it can wrinkle easily and is not as durable as other options.
- Linen: Similar to cotton, linen is also natural and breathable, but it’s known for its durability and resistance to wrinkles. It’s a good choice for chairs that will see frequent use.
- Velvet: A luxurious fabric with a soft, plush feel, velvet adds elegance and sophistication to any chair. It’s not as durable as some other options, but it’s perfect for chairs that are primarily for show.
- Leather: A classic upholstery material, leather is durable, long-lasting, and adds a touch of timeless style. However, it can be expensive and requires regular cleaning and conditioning.
- Microfiber: A synthetic fabric that is soft, durable, and stain-resistant, microfiber is a popular choice for upholstery. It’s also relatively affordable and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
- Polyester: Another synthetic fabric, polyester is known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and ease of cleaning. It’s a good option for high-traffic areas.
Choosing the Right Fabric
When choosing fabric for your chair, consider the following factors:
- Style: The fabric should complement the style of your chair and the overall decor of your room.
- Durability: If the chair will be used frequently, choose a durable fabric that can withstand wear and tear. For example, a high-traffic chair might benefit from a durable fabric like leather or microfiber.
- Comfort: Consider the feel of the fabric against your skin. A soft, plush fabric like velvet is comfortable for lounging, while a more textured fabric like linen might be better suited for a dining chair.
- Cleaning: Think about how easy the fabric will be to clean. Some fabrics are stain-resistant, while others require special cleaning techniques.
- Budget: Fabric prices can vary widely, so set a budget before you start shopping.
Calculating and Cutting Fabric
- Measure: Measure the width, depth, and height of your chair’s seat, back, and arms. Add a few extra inches to each measurement to allow for seams and pleats.
- Calculate: Multiply the measurements to determine the total fabric needed for each piece. For example, if the seat is 20 inches wide and 18 inches deep, you’ll need 360 square inches of fabric for the seat (20 inches x 18 inches). Add an additional 10% to 20% to account for waste during cutting.
- Cut: Use sharp fabric shears to cut the fabric according to your measurements. Cut along the grain of the fabric for best results.
Important: Always cut your fabric on a flat, stable surface. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure accuracy.
Upholstering the Chair: How To Upholster A Wooden Chair With Arms
Now that your chair is prepped and your fabric is cut, it’s time to start upholstering! This is where the real fun begins, as you transform your chair from a bare frame to a beautiful, finished piece. We’ll cover upholstering the seat, back, and arms, and provide tips for creating a smooth, even finish.
Upholstering the Seat
Upholstering the seat is a great place to start because it’s the largest surface and gives you a good feel for the process.
- Position the fabric: Center the seat fabric on the seat frame, ensuring it’s smooth and wrinkle-free. The fabric should extend beyond the edges of the frame.
- Secure the fabric: Start by stapling the fabric to the underside of the seat frame, working your way around the perimeter. Use a staple gun and staple every 2-3 inches. Aim for even tension as you staple, pulling the fabric taut to avoid sagging.
- Trim excess fabric: Once the fabric is securely stapled, trim any excess fabric that extends beyond the frame. Use a sharp utility knife to cut along the edge of the frame.
Upholstering the Back, How to upholster a wooden chair with arms
Upholstering the back requires a bit more care due to its shape.
- Positioning the fabric: Center the back fabric on the back frame, ensuring it’s smooth and wrinkle-free. The fabric should extend beyond the edges of the frame.
- Securing the fabric: Begin by stapling the fabric at the top center of the back frame. Then, work your way down each side, stapling every 2-3 inches. Keep the fabric taut to avoid wrinkles.
- Corners and curves: When reaching the corners, fold the fabric tightly and staple it to the frame. For curves, use a small piece of wood or a tool called a “corner tool” to help you create a smooth, even fold.
- Finishing the back: Once the fabric is stapled on both sides, trim any excess fabric.
Upholstering the Arms
The arms of the chair often have a curved shape, which can present a challenge.
- Positioning the fabric: Center the arm fabric on the arm frame, ensuring it’s smooth and wrinkle-free. The fabric should extend beyond the edges of the frame.
- Securing the fabric: Start by stapling the fabric at the center of the arm frame. Then, work your way out to each end, stapling every 2-3 inches. Keep the fabric taut to avoid wrinkles.
- Corners and curves: When reaching the corners, fold the fabric tightly and staple it to the frame. For curves, use a small piece of wood or a “corner tool” to help you create a smooth, even fold.
- Finishing the arms: Once the fabric is stapled on both sides, trim any excess fabric.
