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Expert: - 9/17/2008


Question

view of LR with side
I am re-upholstering a pair of side chairs for my LR. They were manufactured in 1972.  The back is curved, as shown in attached photo.  I am nearly done with the project.  I cannot get the top layer of fabric to be flat enough to staple it.  I'm worried that it's because the original chair had buttons.  I skipped the buttons this time. I think if I make some pleats along the bottom edge then I will be fine. Should I sew these pleats? Is there a better way to smooth this final layer? Thanks in advance for your time.

Answer
I'm worried that it's because the original chair had buttons.  

Yes,  you are correct,  the buttons are there to smooth the fabric.

I skipped the buttons this time.

Then you will have some wrinkles,  to have as few as possible stretch the fabric as much as you can bottom to top and then a little sideway.

I think if I make some pleats along the bottom edge then I will be fine.

Yes, there  will be pleats along the bottom because you have eliminated the buttons.

Should I sew these pleats?

No,  doing that will not look good.

Is there a better way to smooth this final layer?

Only if you use a very soft and pliable fabric such as a soft tweed or a chenille.

Thanks in advance for your time.

You are very welcome,  I hope the information is of help.

Mark Miller.

Mark H. Miller

Expertise

custom furniture upholsterery. Became journeyman custom upholsterer in 1969. Certified by Upholsterers Intl. Union. Worked at San Francisco`s most prestigious upholstering shop as senior upholsterer. Am now president of Domar Upholstered Furniture Inc. Have upholstered for Presidents Reagan, Nixon, Clinton and the Queen of England. formerly taught classes in custom upholstering at the San Francisco Community College. Happy to answer all your upholstering questions.

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