how to fold corners when upholstering a chair

Upholstering a chair can be a fun and satisfying DIY project for anyone looking to give a piece of furniture a new look. However, when it comes to folding corners, many people can find it tricky and frustrating. In this article, we will show you how to fold corners when upholstering a chair and make it look professional.

Preparing for Upholstering

Before even thinking about folding corners, it is important to prepare the chair correctly for upholstering. Firstly, remove any old fabric or padding from the chair, making sure to remove all staples and tacks. Clean the chair frame thoroughly, making sure it is free from any dirt or debris. It is also important to choose the right fabric for the chair. Make sure you have enough fabric to cover the entire chair surface, and choose a fabric that is appropriate for an upholstery job.

Folding a Corner

To fold a corner, start by pulling the fabric tightly over the corner of the chair frame. Use one hand to hold the fabric down on one side of the corner and the other hand to fold the fabric into a neat and tight fold on the opposite side of the corner. Make sure to hold the fold tightly as you staple it down onto the chair frame. Repeat this process for all corners until the fabric is completely stapled down.

Mitring Corners

When upholstering a chair with squared corners, mitring the corners is a great technique to achieve a neat and professional finish. To mitre a corner, start by folding the fabric over the corner, leaving an even amount of fabric on both sides. Cut the corner excess, leaving 2-3 inches of fabric remaining. Next, fold the remaining fabric at an angle, tucking it under the corner fold and stapling it down. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the corner until both sides are stapled down.

Tips and Tricks

• When folding corners, make sure to keep the tension consistent throughout the whole process, as this will ensure a neat and professional finish.• To achieve a clean and crisp corner, fold the fabric tightly and try not to allow any puckering or bunching of the fabric.• Use the mitring technique on squared corners to achieve a neat and tidy finish.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you will be able to fold corners with ease when upholstering a chair. With a bit of practice, your upholstery skills will soon improve, and you will be creating professional looking pieces of furniture in no time. Remember to take your time, keep the tension consistent, and choose the right fabric for the job. Happy upholstering!