When applying the new cover fabric to your DIY upholstery project, you will begin with the inside, or the surfaces you are in contact with when sitting in your chair.

2 views showing first steps in applying upholstery cover fabric

This chair’s cushion will sit atop the deck, which is the first layer to be applied, followed by the inside arms

 

2 views showing first step in applying upholstery cover fabric

This chair’s seat has no cushion – instead of a deck, the ‘tight’ seat is the first layer to be applied

 

A general rule of thumb is to always begin with the seat, following the reverse order of removal of the old fabric. This is a handy time to refer to your notes and photos from Step 4 – Deconstruction if you have them.

 

2 views - applying upholstery cover fabric to inside arms & back

The cover fabric is applied to the inside arms next, then the inside back. Note that part of the inside arm will overlap the inside back as it wraps around to the outside

 

The majority of the fabric attachment will involve stapling the fabric to the frame or wood elements.

 

2 views - back & front showing button attachment to inside back of chair

Covered buttons are attached to your chair after all inside fabric is secured

If there is any machine stitching to do – such as making welt (also known as piping), stitching panels together or sewing a cushion cover, it will be completed in this step or in the next step.

Previous: Step 7 – Fabric Layout & Cutting
Next: Step 9 – Applying Fabric to the Outside Surfaces

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