How to Upholster

---Practice By Making A Throw Pillow. Measure existing pillow with a tape measure, between the welts. The first measurement is up and down. Second is side to side. We'll be using 1/2" seams on most articles in our series, so, add 1" to your measurements to get the cut size. Figure the length of the welt cord. It can be 1 1/2-2" wide, it doesn't have to be exact. Cut the welt material on the bias, ... click link above for more.

Learn to cover a zipper so it doesn't show. It's a similiar technique to installing a zipper in a boxed cushion as we show later.

Learn to handsew with a curved needle. Use can use this skill to close cushions and pillows, to make repairs anywhere a seam has pulled or rotted out. You can also handsew the sides of outside backs or the front of outside arms insteads of using nail strips. Done right even contrasting thread won't be visible.

Practice By Covering A Dining Chair Slip Seat: Remove seat. Most are screwed on, a cordless driver makes the job much faster. If you are working on a set of antique chairs it's a good idea to number the seats and the chairs so the holes line up when you reinstall them. Mark the front of the seat. click link for more.

When you can make a boxed cushion with piping you've learned at least 25% what you need to know to become an upholsterer. Really! You'll be able to sew boxed inside backs and envelope arms and bar stool tops and boat seats and much more. We even show you how to sew the cording and boxing to the plate (main piece of fabric) at the same time along with the zipper boxing. You can save 20 minutes on every cushion you ever sew.
Tips For Sewing Large Cushions (Such As Bay Windows And Boat Cushions)

What other trade can you learn at home besides upholstery work? Plumber? Electrician? No, you'll have to apprentice for those. No certification or degree required-just do good work! Managing your finances and cash flow. Get a website for your business-they're cheap advertising. Pricing upholstery jobs (more opinions on our Discussion Board).

by Jack Carr "If a sofa or chair is in good shape on the inside and all it needs is a fresh new fabric on the outside, that's recovering. When a piece needs work on the inside, either partially or totally (new webbing, re-tied springs, new fillings, re-cushioning) that's reupholstering. Both are the province of the upholsterer, marine fabricator or auto trimmer."

by Jack Carr. Webbing, coil springs, zig zag springs, filling, fabrics etc.

Furniture yardage estimates-sofas, chairs sectionals and ottomans. See our cutting info diagram under How to Upholster a Chair. Chart courtesy of C.S. Osborne Co.