Expert: Mark H. Miller - 3/12/2008

Question
Hi,
I have already done the seats w/o problem but how do I do the backs of my dining room chairs?  The back pops out of the frame and I was able to pull the old material off it is kind of like a pillow case.  It is sewn on the sides and it is rounded on the top.  I have six chairs and have already purchased the material.  I have someone willing to do the backs for $25 each chair but wanted to try myself.  I am concerned about getting it taught to the foam/frame and the top curve.  Suggestions???

Answer
Hi,  this is a fun question,  there are two things here,  one; for someone to do the job for you for $ 25 is very inexpensive, and the reason for that is that the job is simple.  If you have already done the seats you have already done the most difficult part.  

The backs on the chair have what we call an envelope type of upholstery, it is almost like putting a letter into an envelope.  The easy way would be if you still have the old fabric, take that apart very carefully, iron it and use that for a pattern.  It is possible, but but no likely that the front and the back are slightly different size, the front being a little larger since it has more padding.  

If you have thrown away your old fabric you need to make a new pattern,  do that with muslin fabric, or an old bed sheet.  Lay the chair back on the muslin and trace it with a marking pen,  hold the pen straight down and trace the sides and the top.  leave about 3 extra inches for the bottom.  Then allowing an extra half inch for seam cut your pattern,  sew the two sides together, now you may have to do that a few times if it does not fit right away.  You can also drape the muslin over the back and then trace right down the middle of the side edge and trace that, then add your 1/2 inch for seam.  

When you have a good pattern take that apart, iron it and use that to cut your fabric.  

To slip the fabric onto the chair back go to a hardware store and see if you can buy some plain silicone spray, spray the back with the silicone, spray the inside of the cover and just slip it on.  If you can't find silicone spray or don't like the smell of it turn the fabric inside out and roll it down sort of like putting stockings on.  

Take the bottom and staple it on the wood by turning the excess inside or just whip stitch it.  

If the cover is too small getting it on will be extremely difficult.  Too large and it will have the wrinkles you don't want.  If you have a few wrinkles and you are not using a vinyl material you can just iron it using a steam iron and lots and lots and lots of steam, that will shrink the fabric tight when the steam cools.  If you have velvet don't touch the velvet with the iron, just let the steam touch it.  If you have vinyl sew the pieces, and then let steam in on the inside that will soften the vinyl and you can easily slip it on, it will shrink as it cools down.

That's it,  it is like making pasta, harder to describe than to actually do.  I hope this helps and answers your question.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need more advice.  Have fun and happy sitting.

Mark Miller.