Expert: Mark H. Miller - 10/6/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Mark - glad you are still doing this on All Experts! I just obtained an almost new bergere chair and ottoman on eBay and want to reupholster it. You helped me when I was learning on my wing chair and it turned out quite well. It seems the bergere chair would be easier. Can you confirm this for me? Do you have any tips? From what I have read, I would glue the piping directly onto the fabric, is that correct? I would love to send you a picture, but I don't think that I can via All Experts.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

thank you
Carolyn

ANSWER: Hi Carolyn,

I just typed you an answer and it disappeared,  I may have sent it,  please let me know,  if you did not receive my reply I will send it again.

Mark.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Mark - no, I haven't received it.
I am leaving pretty soon for thanksgiving weekend, so I may not be able to respond until Tuesday. Looking forward to hearing from you.

sincerely
carolyn

Answer
Hi Carolyn

A bergere chair should be easier to do than a wing chair.  Since there will be some curves, be sure to start at the bottom of the back and work you way up starting in the center,  do not pull the fabric side to side, until all is very much in place pulling the fabric top to bottom.  It is extremely important that you do that.

Also be sure you select a fabric that is very soft and pliable,  nothing that is thin and stiff.  

Piping is called welting in upholstering,  single welt can not be glued on,  double welt is glued on but requires a special foot on the sewing machine.  Also double welt on furniture styles before 1920 is wrong since double welt was not invented until then.  I suggest you choose braid or gimp instead which is easier to work with and is glued on.

It is probably a good idea to use the old fabric as a pattern.

I hope this helps,  if you get stuck or have a problem let me know.

Good luck and I hope you have fun doing this chair.

Mark Miller.