Day 10- How To Upholster the Arms & Sides of the Chair

To me the arms are the most fun to put on. It requires some attention to detail but the outcome is always amazing.



Pay close attention to your creases and make them very sharp. Be sure to make them in even intervals as you will want them to be the same on both sides. Don't force the fabric to crease in a certain spot, you will find that if you just let it happen the fabric knows where it should fold. 



Next roll the remaining fabric around the arm and pull evenly and firmly. Staple along the edge.



Since this is a straight line go ahead and use a cardboard strip to create your straight line. I actually just reused the original strip, I will pretty much re-use anything. Be sure to get it as close to the top as possible.


Staple in your padding. Again this is from the original. Re-use, re-use, re-use.


Fold your fabric down and you should have a lovely seam. 




Pull tightly and staple underneath the chair and behind.

three boys


Once it is stapled in it should be firm and not loose at all.


Getting a professional look is all about the seams and the creases. The is where I spend most of my time fussing. This attention to detail will pay off in the end.


So far so good, now to tackle the pillows.


22 comments:

  1. Pine Tree HomeOctober 11, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Love how that bold red print stands out on the side.

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  2. Jennifer @ Delightfully NotedOctober 11, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Whoa, I love that print! Wish I could sew I swear I'd be an reupholstering fanatic if I did!

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  3. Angie@Echoes of LaughterOctober 11, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    I love, love, love this fabric Sarah! And the new blog banner is fantastic! Angie xo

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  4. Prudently Painted VintageOctober 11, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    That fabric is pure perfection! I can't wait to find the perfect chair so I can go back and re read all your tips. This is a great series!

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  5. UnknownOctober 11, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    It is looking great Sarah! I love the fabric you chose...bold floral prints can't be beat!

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  6. AndreaOctober 13, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    So impressed and that fabric is AMAZING!!!!

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  7. JennyOctober 13, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    So beautiful! Love the fabric - what a great graphic print. Great tutorial too - I'm your newest follower. :-)

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  8. Sunnyside DruOctober 13, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    wow! looking good!

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  9. www.MaisonStGermain.comOctober 14, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Wow! you make it look so easy. And I love the fabric you chose. I posted on redoing an old victorian settee. I'm not a professional so I did it my own way;) But next time......I am your newest follower and will be back to your fabulous blog:)
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens

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  10. mrsbenOctober 14, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    I think this is one of the best if not the best tutorial I have seen on upholstering a chair. Kuddos to you and and thank you for sharing your talent and knowledge. The chair is beautiful BTW. -Brenda-

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  11. Lisa @ Shine Your LightOctober 14, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    Wow Sarah, this is really coming along! Love the fabric you chose!!

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  12. Sweetwater StyleOctober 15, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    What a great tutorial....I have done this....your tips would have made it soooo much easier! What a pro you are!

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  13. RuthOctober 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    This chair is absolutely amazing. I am totally in love with this project. Now I need to find a chair for a good price. The thrift stores in our area are a bit pricey but I'll keep looking. Your fabric choice is so Anthropologie!! They'll be wNting that chair for their stores.

    Ruth

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  14. Redfly ClassroomOctober 18, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Love your tips. I have actually re-upholstered about 5 couches and a few chairs. I also reuse about everything that I can when I tear it apart. Definitely becoming a follower.

    Melissa
    http://redflycreations.blogspot.com

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  15. AbbyOctober 18, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    Super helpful thanks! That fabric is beautiful!

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  16. DIYbyDesignOctober 19, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Love your tutorial. I am off to read the parts I missed. I'm so glad you linked up to DIYbyDesign. I bet you will get lots of hits on this entry. Awesome.

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  17. LindseyOctober 19, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    LOVE the fabric you picked.. and now I'm wondering how you cover the front of the arms?

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  18. MaureenOctober 19, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Thank you for these tips! I want to re-upholster our couch..this will help me get started in the right direction!
    Found you on Tip Junkie!
    -Maureen
    www.releasemecreations.com

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  19. J's momOctober 19, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    Love it! Please post this, and anything else you may have,in my link party at
    http://diycraftstomake.blogspot.com/

    Thanks,

    Peggy

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  20. Good Time CharlieOctober 20, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Great post, great info. Thanks for sharing! Visiting from MMS.

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  21. the funky cottageOctober 21, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    thank you so much for posting upholstery tips on your blog! my business partner and i live in palm springs and the closest weekend course we can find for upholstery is in austin TX, at least now we have a head start on it... thanks

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  22. JessicaOctober 22, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Love this! I have several old chairs that need refurbishing...can't wait to start ~ with your instructions by my side!

    So glad I found your blog.
    Jess

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