Expert: Mark H. Miller - 1/20/2010

Question
Mark,
Thanks for your answer to my previous question on the curved back chair. Your answer was helpful in attaching the welting to the back piece first. We are using a medium weight vinyl and are not sure how to stretch the vinyl while sewing. We probably have to make up and inch on each side. Is there a way to stretch the smaller vinyl piece before we sew?
Alan

Answer
Hi Allan,

With only an inch to stretch over a distance of probably around 18 inches there are several ways to do that.  

One is to sew the corners first and then while a helper holds the vinyl stretching it so the smaller piece stretches to the width of the larger a second person staples the vinyl spaced every few inches - use an ordinary stapler that is used to staple paper sheets.  It's the same as pinning if you were using fabric but staples work better for vinyl,  after the pieces are sewn remove the staples.  In fact, you could staple the whole thing before sewing which will make the sewing easier.

If you have trouble stretching the vinyl heat it with an ordinary hair dryer,  on the hot setting for a few minutes - if you do that it will stretch easily and return to it's original shape after it cools.

Also, if your vinyl has a woven cotton backing it will stretch more in one direction than the other you may consider that when cutting the fabric - you can easily test to see if there is more stretch in one direction than another before you cut the material.

If you are upholstering the seats, heating the vinyl with a hair dryer will make it soft and pliable and make it go on without any wrinkles.

I hope this helps,  have fun.

Mark Miller.