SOFT FURNISHINGS
UPHOLSTERY
The elegant
curves of a regency cushion or a strong outline of a high-backed dining chair demand
tight covering to emphasize their shape. Take in techniques, such as deep
buttoning. The whole spectrum of fabric types can be used for upholstery from
the heaviest velvet and tweeds and the intermediate weight linens and cottons
to more and satin. As fitted upholstery is less easy to clean than removable
covers (slipcovers), pastel weaves and prints on a light background will
benefit from a stain-resistant finish and fitted arm caps will protect fabric
from heavy wear.
Thick, patterned
tapestry in rich colors is a practical and decorative alternative. Basic
principles In its most basic form, upholstery is a panel of fabric fitted over
any tight, calico-covered, padded surface. More advanced upholstery skills take
in the fitting and shaping of the padding as well as the application of the top
cover. Various combinations of stuffing and padding are used.
The most basic
is the padded seat in which a thick layer of foam is cut to fit a seat panel
and then held in place and slightly shaped by a tight calico cover, tacked
under the edge of the seat panel. Formal chair seats are constructed on a base
of webbing stretched across the frame of the seat and covered with a layer of
coarse canvas to support traditional padding, usually horsehair and cotton
wadding, or modern foam and polyester substitutes.
Upholstery may
also contain springs in the seats and arms of chairs and sofas and occasionally
in the seats of traditional upright dining or occasional chairs. A drop-in
dining chair seat is a good initiation into the skills of upholstery because
the work is limited to a small surface. Dining or occasional chairs with fully
upholstered backs are a more advanced task. A tight calico cover is seamed or
cut and shaped to fit around the back, allowing ease at the seat, before it is
tacked in place.
Decorative trimmings covering fabrics are nailed to the
framework of upholstered furniture leaving at least the lower edge visible.
Brass-headed furniture tacks can be used as a decorative disguise, following
early traditions where nails were used in a variety of complex patterns. Braid
or gimp can also be stapled or glued over tack heads, or adopt the more
flamboyant historic practice of using fringing around chair edges or footstools
and tassels on arm ends and bolsters.
UPHOLSTERY TOOLS
You will need some
special tools if you plan to tackle the construction, as well as the finish, of
upholstery. Webbing can be stretched more efficiently if you use a webbing
stretcher which grips the webbing so you can pull it taut over the frame (or
improvise with a block of wood. Use upholstery tacks and a fine hammer to fix
the webbing, canvas and calico in place. The horsehair is held in place with
large, loose stitches (bridle ties); you will need a heavy, straight or curved
upholstery needle to do this. A finer curved needle is useful for slip stitching
fabric in place - both the calico cover and the top cover of the chair.
