Upholstery Tips

When purchasing fabric, keep in mind that many drapery fabrics are suitable for upholstering and are used as much or more than regular upholstery fabric.

Any fabric other than a solid will usually require some matching; this includes florals, stripes, plaids and most geometrics. When purchasing these types of fabrics, remember that the larger the pattern repeat, the more additional fabric that will be required to allow for matching. If the pattern repeat is 3 inches or less, additional fabric is not usually required. The dust catcher is the portion on the very bottom of the chair or sofa. Measure just as for the decking and purchase either a cambric or a medium-weight unbleached muslin.

If you want to add a tailored skirt about 6 inches long, you will need approximately 3/4 yard for chairs, 1 1/4 yards for love seats and 2 yards for sofas up to 96 inches long. Additional yardage will be required to match patterns.

You can save on fabric requirements if your fabric can be railroaded. Some fabrics cannot be railroaded, such as prints with buildings, trees, flowers with stems or any solid or printed velvets or corduroys. These fabrics would look strange when turned sideways because of the pattern or the nap as in the case of velvets and corduroys.

Decking is the portion of the chair or sofa that is under removable seat cushions. You can save money by using a medium-weight unbleached muslin or denim instead of using the outer-cover fabric. To figure yardage, measure the widest part--usually across the front--and add 4 inches (2 inches for tacking each side). The fabric you purchase should be wide enough so that it doesn't need to be pieced.
Don't forget to purchase foam, batting, jute webbing, cording, tacks, gimp, thread and any other supplies you may need for your project.