Before you begin chair reupholstery, there’s one important thing to note: Because you are using the old upholstery as a guide for the new pattern pieces, you might want to complete the first step, which involves removing all the old fabric, before you shop for supplies. Measuring all the pieces and cord lengths will help you determine how much fabric you need to reupholster a chair. When in doubt, err on the side of too much fabric so you don’t come up short. Disassemble the chair as needed and remove the upholstery pieces, taking care not to tear any of the old pieces of fabric—you will need them as patterns. Begin by removing the black cloth from the underside of the chair, then loosen the pieces attached to the frame. Remove the pieces and mark each with its location on the chair with a marking pen. For example, label the pieces as outside back, right side back, left side back, inside back, seat, and seat sides. Mark “T” for top or “F” for front to indicate the direction of the piece on the chair. Note on each piece the location of welting and where pieces are sewn together. Save pieces of welting and tack strips to use as a measure for new pieces. Cut a piece of 1/2-inch-thick batting to cover the chair back and seat, if needed. Cover the chair back first, stapling it down. To prevent visible indents from the staples, pull gently on the batting around each staple so the staple is inside the batting. Next, cover the seat with batting in the same way, folding neatly around the corners. If preferred, combine the chair reupholstery pieces into covers for the seat and back that can be applied all at once. Place the fabric sections together inside out and sew together, adjusting for curves as needed. If using a cover, apply the new cover to the seat base and adjust as needed. Pull the fabric taut and staple to the frame where the old cover was previously attached, starting at the front edge and working toward the back. Tuck excess fabric under at the corners. If using a cover for the back, slip it over the chair back. Pull the fabric tight and staple to the frame where previously attached. Tuck under raw edges where visible. Reassemble the chair if needed. Trim any excess string or fabric. Editor’s Tip: Use fabric glue or decorative upholstery tacks to secure excess fabric to the back of the reupholstered chair.
