Would I be crazy to try to reupholster a wingback chair with no experience or knack for such things?
Aug 15, 2007 by jackiedoubleu | Posted in Do It Yourself (DIY)
Also, does anyone have some specific tips for the process? I can look up the basic process online or in a book but some extra tips might help.
I have done some upholstering, but I would not do a wingback chair. Also I made slipcovers for a couch once and it was very time consuming and hard work. If you value the chair, let a professional do it. If you want to play, try something simple like a footstool or chair seat. There are books available and if you read them first you will discover how complicated it is. Two tips:
When taking off the old upholstry start from the bottom and go up. When putting the new fabric on start from the top down. This I got from a professional. Oh, one more thing, take the old pieces off carefully so you can use them as a pattern for cutting the new fabric. Also use new fabric that is the same weight as the old or it won't work right.
misslilly | Aug 15, 2007
yes...the fabric is quite expensive (if you buy good stuff, that is), it's intensively detailed work, and it's best left to the pros.
Rotney | Aug 15, 2007
A wingback, with its curves, is a pretty daunting first project. If it has a seat cushion, you'd have to know how to sew, too. I'm not that adventurous, but maybe you are!
Consider taking an upholstery class, so you have the expertise of an instructor when you need it.
At the very least, as you take it apart, photograph every step, so you can get some feel for how it was originally done. Good luck!
Maryn Bittner | Aug 15, 2007
If I was brave enough, good for you, I would buy a cheap chair at a yardsale etc, and get some cheap fabric and play with it. If it seems to involved then let the pros do it.
Lollie 123 | Aug 15, 2007
You won't be crazy, but you might get awful frusterated. It's ok to try. Just don't expect miracles.
Tex S | Aug 15, 2007
I made a fitted slip cover for my brother's wingback chair once, so it looks like it's been professionally done! I had no idea what I was doing but it came out real good, however I DO have a knack for things like that. All you really need is the ability to sew and get accurate measurements.... and lots of patience. Make sure you cover the seat cushion separate, although you probably already knew that! Just don't take the chair apart, and you can be pretty safe with whatever you try. good luck.
Now that I think about it, it was pretty hard to do...
earthlover7 | Aug 15, 2007
i wouldn't do it myself....not if i liked the chair and planned to use it in an open area of the house.
mups mom | Aug 15, 2007
One can never learn without venturing into unknown waters. If it is something you really want to learn, by all means, give it a try.
However, if the chair has some sentimental value, you might be better served inaugurating yourself on something less important.
To find information on how to do it, just go to Google's Advance Search page and in the box beside "Exact Phrase," type in "reupholster techniques," "reupholster how-to" or something similar and check out the results.
mrlathwell | Aug 15, 2007