Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: smessier
Date: 03-02-2007, 01:23 PM (1 of 12)
|
Hello everyone, I'm about ready to take the plunge and reupholster my living room furniture.  I'd really like to use leather, or a good imitation. Does anyone know where to buy reasonably priced upholstery leather/imitation? AND since I've never done anything like this before, does anyone have any tips for me? I need all the help I can get!Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: jessie s
Date: 03-02-2007, 06:34 PM (2 of 12)
| I have done some upholstery. First go underneath the furniture and take the arms off if possible. The sofa I did had big bolts holding it together. Then I lay front of arms on newspaper and make a pattern. I add 1 inch seams. I just keep fitting and sewing until looks good. Get a good stapler. Staple where you can and have lots of uholstery tacks. I live in southern Ontario and we have Lens Mill Stores from Hamilton to London. Reasonably priced leather is available there. Main thing is take your time and have someone with muscles to help to stretch the material. You don't need special abilities just lots and lots of patience and expect to ruin some material so buy extra. jessie s |
User: jessie s
Member since: 02-26-2007 Total posts: 46 |
From: VenusElaine
Date: 03-03-2007, 05:59 PM (3 of 12)
|
Tandy Leather has reasonable prices and great sales. You can browse and request a catalog online. My dad got an entire hide for $99.00 on sale to reupholster his car seats. Speaking of which, one thing to consider is leather comes in hides, not yards. Square footage determines whole, half and quarter hides. Allowances must be made for their irregular shape, avoiding scars, etc. I would check your local library for a good upholstery reference book, or invest in purchasing one online to have instructions and pictures in hand when you begin. They will also help you judge which tools are necessary as opposed to desirable only. Be sure you have a machine that can handle sewing leather, most home machines can with leather needles, but they often cannot tolerate upholstery thread as well. VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
|
User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: Upholsteress
Date: 03-04-2007, 12:02 AM (4 of 12)
|
VenusElaine has some very good advice. Please know that I would not recommend your FIRST foray into upholstery be such a huge project and with leather. Many professionals often steer away from leather for very good reasons. (But if you insist.. I will help you all I can.) Can you post some pics of your furniture? I would love to see the style you have and perhaps I can be of more assistance. There are many faux leathers available and much more economical than leather, and they tailor better too. "Magnificent" is brand new to the market and it is wonderful. There are others too. Hope this helps some. I look forward to hearing more on your project! Cheryl Cheryl
|
User: Upholsteress
Member since: 01-21-2007 Total posts: 35 
|
From: smessier
Date: 03-05-2007, 12:48 PM (5 of 12)
|
Thanks so much to all of you for the tips! Cheryl, where would I buy the faux leather you mentioned? If it's easier to tailor, I will use that instead of leather. I like the idea of saving some money, too. I've got a couple of books on the subject, and my husband and I upholstered a very basic old sofa with wooden arms. This will be MUCH harder! I'll post pics of my furniture a little later. I really appreciate the help, guys! Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: Upholsteress
Date: 03-05-2007, 10:44 PM (6 of 12)
|
The vinyl I mentioned is available through your local upholstery shop... if they carry Burch fabrics. Check out a couple of upholstery shops near you and see what they can offer you. I'm glad to hear you have already gotten your feet wet! *smile* I look forward to seeing your pics. Cheryl Cheryl
|
User: Upholsteress
Member since: 01-21-2007 Total posts: 35
|
From: smessier
Date: 03-12-2007, 12:51 PM (7 of 12)
|
I'm finally posting pics of my furniture. As you can see, the red lounge (I have two.) is fairly simple, but the overstuffed chair and loveseat seem like they will be quite difficult to upholster. Oh, don't pay any attention to silly young man in one of the pics. It's just my son fooling around.  Sandy http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sandymess618/album?.dir=1be5re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: Upholsteress
Date: 03-14-2007, 09:01 AM (8 of 12)
|
Hello Sandy, Beautiful home and family.  May I ask a few questions? How old is this set? What are the dimensions? What are your reasons for wanting it done in leather/vinyl? Have you shopped for a new set in leather for comparison pricing? That may sound like an odd question... but when it comes to recovering contemporary pieces, the yardage requirements (and associated costs thereof) make replacing it a wiser option in most cases. Plus... if you don't get the right weight of a faux leather -- changing from a fabric to a vinyl often makes a piece look "klunky". Still... I think if you can find the right vinyl and take your time... you will be just fine. Please note --- Cushions need special attention too when done in vinyl... you will need to make the under panel of a breathable fabric.. that way -- when you sit on it and the foam compresses.. the air can escape quickly and easily...and it will also resume its normal shape just as quickly when you rise. This also helps keep the cushion on the sofa... but it will not be reversible. Just a few things to think about. I am sorry if I have confused you... feel free to ask any questions. Cheryl Cheryl
|
User: Upholsteress
Member since: 01-21-2007 Total posts: 35
|
From: smessier
Date: 03-19-2007, 12:14 PM (9 of 12)
|
Hmmm...you've given me a lot to think about, Cheryl. I really appreciate your help with this. Perhaps I should wait and price new furniture as you suggested. I'm having trouble finding an upholstery shop around here, anyway. I live in a very rural area. Thanks so much! (And thanks for the compliments on my home and family )Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: smessier
Date: 03-19-2007, 12:17 PM (10 of 12)
| Forgot to answer your questions! The set is only about 4 1/2 years old, but my cats have ruined the corners. The reason I want leather or vinyl is also pet related...less fur on the seats! The fabric on this set has been a magnet for cat and dog fur. It drives me crazy. Before this, I had a leather sofa for years, and I loved that the hair did not stick to it. Love the pets, hate the furry mess they make! |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: breezy2560
Date: 03-20-2007, 08:46 AM (11 of 12)
|
Here is a website that offers a lot of instructions and tools for upholstering. Hope this helps. Good Luck Debbie http://www.upholster.com/toolkits/?gclid=CKeZmZj3gYsCFRfOggodQRddKg |
User: breezy2560
Member since: 11-11-2006 Total posts: 26 |
From: smessier
Date: 03-20-2007, 12:27 PM (12 of 12)
|
Thanks, Debbie! What a great site. I'm off to explore! Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-21659.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft