Expert: Mark H. Miller - 6/10/2004

Question
Hi.  I am thinking of reupholstering a couch.  I have already reupholstered my car seats and found it very easy.  Is it much harder reupholstering a couch?  It is a reclining couch.  I'll just have to take it apart and copy the patterns, right?  Also, what type of sewing thread should be used?  I'm guessing it should be a very strong thread.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi,

Automobile and furniture upholstering are two different skils.  Automobile upholstering requires more exact fitting and sewing.  Upholstering a reclining couch, if you found upholstering your car seats easy should be no more challenging.  The thread you use is the same as what you should have used for your car,  dacron or cotton thread at least twice the weight as what is used for clothing.

In upholstering furniture most surfaces usually have an extra layer of cotton or dacron batting added to give a little better feel,  this is not done for cars.

From what you said about cars, taking the old pattern appart for the sofa etc, I feel that you will have no problem at all reupholstering your sofa,  and most likely will have a lot of fun doing so.  You will need a staple gun to attach the fabric,  air guns work best,  electric guns not as well.

I hope this answers your questions.  Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have further questions.

Good luck.  Mark.