Upholstering your own furniture is a great way to save money while creating the custom look you want. Adding piping will give your chair a finished, professional look that you can’t achieve with just fabric alone. Piping can be used to define lines and create beautiful shapes in the upholstery of any piece of furniture. However, remember that reupholstering with piping is more difficult than simply using fabric.
Piping also adds a classic, tailored look to the chair that can make it stand out from the crowd.
The added detailing elevates your upholstery to a higher level of sophistication and charm. It is a relatively simple technique requiring minimal sewing skills, so you can easily achieve a professional-looking outcome without spending too much time or effort. Another advantage of reupholstering a chair with piping is that it makes it more durable and protects against wear and tear. In this blog post, You will learn in detail how to reupholster a chair with piping.
Tools You Will Need
- Fabric scissors
- Chalk
- Hammer or staple gun
- Upholstery Needles
- Piping cord
- Pins
- Needle-nose pliers.
Step-by-Step Processes for How to Reupholster a Chair With Piping
Step 1: Inspect the Chair
Before beginning the re-upholstering process, take a look at the chair and decide how much work needs to be done. Check for any damage to the frame or legs of the chair that may need to be repaired. Carefully remove all staples and fabric from the chair using pliers. Take care when removing the fabric to preserve any piping that may have been used, as this can be reused.
Step 2: Measure the Chair
You’ll need to measure the chair to know how much fabric you will need. Start by measuring the seat length and back, and then add five inches for a seam allowance. Then measure around the chair’s perimeter, adding five inches for a seam allowance. This measurement will determine how much fabric you need for the entire chair.
Step 3: Cut and Sew the Fabric
Cut two pieces of fabric that are slightly larger than the measurements you took in step 2. Pin the piping to one piece of fabric, then sew it onto the fabric using a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Step 4: Attach the Fabric to the Chair Frame
Place the fabric over the frame, and secure it with staples or upholstery tacks. Take care when stapling to ensure the fabric is pulled tightly across the chair. Use an upholstery hammer to make sure the tacks are secure.
Step 5: Finish the Chair
Once the fabric is attached, you can add any additional details to complete your project. Consider adding piping along the edges or buttons in the center of the chair for a unique touch. Reattach the legs of the chair to ensure it is sturdy and secure. Take your time when attaching the legs so that they are even and level.
Step 6: Add a Finishing Touch
You can finish your project with a few coats of varnish or paint to protect and seal the chair. When your project is complete, you can sit back and enjoy your newly reupholstered chair.
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8 Safety Tips for How to Reupholster a Chair With Piping
- Wear safety goggles and protective gloves while working with piping, staples, and other sharp tools.
- Make sure to place a drop cloth or tarp under the chair before starting to reupholster it to catch any debris or fabric pieces that may fall off during the process.
- Use a staple gun instead of pins when attaching fabric and piping to ensure that the materials are securely held in place.
- Use an electric drill with a countersink bit to create holes for the screws to be inserted into the chair’s frame.
- Test out different colors and fabrics before starting your project so you can decide on the best options for your chair.
- Be sure to measure twice and cut once to avoid any unnecessary mistakes.
- Always pre-wash and iron the fabric so that it fits properly over the chair when you’re reupholstering it.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a professional upholsterer or experienced friend if you’re having trouble with the reupholstery process.
Following these safety tips can help ensure that your chair reupholstery project is successful and looks great.
How Can You Clean and Care for Your Newly Reupholstered Chair With Piping?
Once you’ve finished reupholstering your chair with piping, it’s important to know how to care for it properly. Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep your newly upholstered chair looking fresh and help it last longer. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain a reupholstered chair with piping:
- Vacuum Regularly: Make sure to vacuum your upholstered chair with piping at least once a week. This will help keep the fabric clean and free of dust and dirt.
- Spot-clean any Spills Immediately: If you have any spills on the upholstery, make sure to spot-clean them right away using a mild cleaning solution designed for upholstery.
- Regularly Check the Piping: Inspect the piping on your reupholstered chair regularly to ensure there are no signs of wear and tear or fraying, as this can weaken the chair’s structure over time.
- Deep Clean Yearly: For more thorough cleaning, use a professional upholstery cleaning service once a year to deep clean your chair’s fabric. This will help remove any built-up dirt and debris that regular vacuuming may have missed.
- Protect from Direct Sunlight: To help keep your reupholstered chair looking its best, make sure to position it away from direct sunlight to avoid fading and premature wear.
By following these tips, you can keep your newly reupholstered chair with piping looking great for years to come.
How Long Will It Take to Reupholster a Chair With Piping?
Reupholstering a chair with piping is a time-consuming process that may take anywhere from one to several days, depending on the size and condition of the chair. It typically involves stripping down the existing upholstery, sanding and priming the frame, cutting new upholstery pieces for each section of fabric, attaching trimming, and sewing the piping onto the chair. As such, it is important to allow plenty of time for this project and plan accordingly.
If you are performing the reupholstery yourself, be sure to go slowly and pay attention to detail. Check your work often to prevent mistakes from occurring that would require additional time and effort. Additionally, if you are tackling a particularly large or complex chair, it might be wise to enlist the help of a professional upholsterer who can assist with the project. With their expertise and experience, they can complete the task more efficiently.
How Much Will It Cost to Reupholster a Chair With Piping?
The cost of reupholstering a chair with piping will vary greatly depending on the fabric and materials used and the complexity of the task. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $80-200 for simple labor and supplies such as webbing, foam, batting, and piping. The cost will be higher if you choose higher quality fabrics or specialty items like nailhead trim. Labor costs will also vary based on your location; in some cases, you may need to hire an experienced professional to do the job. Additionally, if you choose an eco-friendly or designer fabric, expect to pay more than with a basic upholstery fabric. Ultimately, the best way to determine how much it will cost to reupholster a chair with piping is to get a professional estimate.
When you’re ready to begin, gather all the necessary supplies, and be sure to measure twice before cutting fabric or foam. Remember that when upholstering a chair with piping, it’s important to create clean lines and symmetrical shapes. This will help ensure that the finished product looks professional and polished. Once you’ve done your due diligence, remove any existing fabric and foam from the chair frame.
Conclusion
One of the main disadvantages of reupholstering a chair with piping is that it can be challenging and time-consuming. It requires special tools and knowledge in order to create an even, professional-looking finish. Additionally, there is a greater chance of making mistakes due to the intricate details involved in this process. This means that if mistakes are made, it could cost more to fix them than if the chair had been reupholstered without piping.
The process of reupholstering a chair with piping can be daunting at first, but with the right materials, tools, and instructions, it is an achievable task. It may take some time and effort, but in the end, the beautiful and unique upholstery will make a great statement piece for your room. Gather all the necessary materials and tools, find a tutorial that best fits your needs, and take the time to create a stunning chair. I hope this article has been beneficial for learning how to reupholster a chair with piping. Make Sure the precautionary measures are followed chronologically.
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