how to fold corners when upholstering a chair seat

Upholstering a chair seat can be a daunting task for both beginners and experienced upholsterers. One of the essential steps in upholstery is folding corners while ensuring they are neat and professional-looking. Folding corners may seem like a simple task, but if not done correctly, they can ruin the appearance of the chair. In this article, we will discuss how to fold corners when upholstering a chair seat, step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Folding Corners

Step 1: Lay out the fabric

The first step in folding corners when upholstering a chair seat is to lay out the fabric correctly. Ensure that the fabric is flat and clean, and place it over the chair seat. You must ensure that you have enough fabric to fold in the corners and secure it in place.

Step 2: Fold the corners

The next step is to fold the corners inwards. Start by folding one side of the fabric over the chair seat and tuck in the fabric tightly. Then, fold the other side over the first one, creating a triangle. Tuck the triangle under the seat cushion, creating a neat corner. Ensure that the corners are symmetrical and tightly secured under the cushion.

Step 3: Cut the excess fabric

After folding the corners, you may have excess fabric. Use your scissors to cut off any excess fabric, leaving a reasonable margin. Ensure that you cut the fabric evenly, leaving enough fabric to tuck under the cushion and secure the corners.

Step 4: Secure the corners

After folding and cutting the corners, secure them in place using a staple gun. Use the staple gun to staple the corners to the chair seat frame, ensuring that they are tight and neat. Start by stapling from the center of the corner and work your way outwards. Ensure that you do not staple too close to the edge to avoid damaging the fabric.

Tips for Folding Corners Like a Pro

Tip 1: Practice

Upholstering corners takes practice. Before attempting to upholster a chair seat, practice folding corners on a piece of scrap fabric. This will give you an idea of how to fold corners correctly and help you avoid making mistakes on the chair seat fabric.

Tip 2: Use a template

You can create a template from cardboard or poster board to help you fold corners precisely. This will help you achieve symmetrical and neat corners consistently.

Tip 3: Use a fabric pen

Using a fabric pen, mark the folding line on the fabric before folding. This will help you create neat and accurate corners, ensuring that you do not cut off too much fabric.

Mistakes to Avoid when Folding Corners

Mistake 1: Cutting off too much fabric

Cutting off too much fabric when folding corners can ruin the upholstery job. Ensure that you cut off only the necessary amount of fabric to create neat corners.

Mistake 2: Not securing the corners properly

Securing the corners tightly and neatly is essential to create a professional and long-lasting upholstery job. Always ensure that you staple the corners in place and avoid leaving any loose fabric.

Conclusion

Folding corners when upholstering a chair seat is an essential step that requires practice and precision. By following the steps outlined in this article and avoiding the common mistakes, you can achieve neat and professional-looking corners that will enhance the overall appearance of the chair. Keep in mind the tips and tricks to fold corners like a pro and enjoy a fantastic upholstery job.