The process of Re-Upholstery in my opinion.

Allow me to preface this with:

    I have always done “whatever the piece needs”. This has become a lost art and I think that is a shame. What I mean by this is when a piece of furniture or other work comes into my shop and needs frame work, wood touchup, re-spring etc. It gets what it needs to return it to like new condition or better.  I was taught this way and will continue on with that tradition.

    I wish I had pictures of the process but I don't. I will try to elaborate on this as time goes on.

    OK so the sale is made, fabric is picked out, ordered, it comes in, all other materials needed are in the shop, and the piece is either brought in or picked up.

• The piece is measured:
  All sections like the seat, deck, IA, OA, IB, OB etc.

• The piece is stripped:
  All fabric is loosened, some removed some left on loose so the filling does not get disturbed.

• The frame is checked:
  If there any loose joints they will be opened cleaned and re-glued, clamped and reinforced if need be.

• Now we have a solid frame to work with.

• Any exposed woodwork is looked over.
  A wash down is done on the wood work. This may consist of just a polish or if touch up is needed a wash with thinner.

• If there are scratches they are touched up.

• If there is damage to the woodwork it is repaired.

• If repairs or touch up is done a fresh coat of finish is applied.

• Now we have a solid frame and fresh wood trim.

• Any burlap, webbing, or other unseen products are replaced if necessary.

• If springs need to be re-tied this process is done at this stage.

• Now we have a piece ready for a cover.

The cutting begins:

• All sections are laid out to get the best cutting from the least amount of fabric.

• The sections are cut, marked and stacked. Ready to be sewn or put on.

• This cutting process is harder to explain. Suffice to say it is an important part of the process. If fabric is cut and sew well it makes the Upholsterer's job much easier.

The fitting is done:

• All pieces that need to be fitted to the piece of furniture get fitted (patterned) to get ready for sewing.

The Sewing is done:

• The seamster or seamstress is given the pieces that need to be sewn.

• All sections are sewn at this point except the cushion(s) and possibly any other sections that need to be "fitted" after upholstery is done or partially done.

• Now we have a piece of furniture ready for Upholstery, fabric is cut, fitted, and sewn.

The Upholstery begins. General in nature (sofa, chair etc.)

• The seat generally goes in first sewn to the underlying burlap on the seat and upholstered seat and deck.

• Inside arms are usually next. Upholstered, cut around obstructions like frame members.

• Inside back is next. Again cut around frame members.

• All this is done with trained hands that can not only smooth out wrinkles but feel the inconsistencies of any the underlying filling and make alterations as needed.

• Any required buttons are installed.

• At this point the inside of the piece is complete.

• The cushion material is taken and a pattern is made to "fit" the piece. Once this pattern is made it is duplicated on the other seat fabric giving us a top and bottom.

• This cushion pattern is used to make the cushion filling. It may be foam, springs, down or a mix of these. This filling must fit the cushion pattern. If this filling is reused it gets a fresh top layer of filling (Dacron wrap, cotton etc.) whatever it needs.

Back to the sewer.

• The new cushion pattern is sewn together. Zipper is added, pattern is matched to the boxing if needed.

Back to the Upholsterer:

• The new cushion is filled.

• Checked on the piece to be sure of a good fit. Adjustments can be made to the piece if they are minimal.

• When the cushion(s) fit the outsides can then be Upholstered.

• Outside arms generally go first, then the outside back.

• Panels are covered and attached if required.

• Nail or other type of trim is applied if required.

• The piece is flipped over and the bottom cloth (cambric) is applied. Sometimes called a dust cover. This is to finish off the bottom, and catch any dust that may fall down in use.

• The bottom of the legs and domes, are cleaned to wipe off any finish that may have gotten on them in the touchup stage.

• The piece is turned right side up. Checked over for any thread ends, or other things. Basically a final check.

• The piece gets covered with something. Usually a plastic bag or a pad to keep it clean.

Delivery is made.

• Customer smiles (this is best part).

• Sale is complete.

• Oh yea payment is made. (This is the second best part).

If after reading this you are saying to yourself. "I didn't realize all that went into this". That is good. The art of re-upholstery is much different than a factory setting where it is all new, uniformed, and ready. This is a trade that requires experience, and a love of the craft.

I hope it has shed some light on the process of re-upholstery. The process may change for things like automobiles, marine seating etc. but in general it follows the same process.

The above was written by Paul M. Minichillo of Minichillo's Upholstery. This is my process as taught to me through the years. It is my process other Upholsterers may do this differently.

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