NO STUPID QUESTIONS
The Professional Upholstry Industry hasn’t always been welcoming to the DIY Community and New Comers. Though there are many supportive professionals out there sharing their knowledge with future generations, by and far, the culture of welcoming just isn’t obvious to an outsider looking in. Not knowing where to start, or even stop, can be intimidating enough to give up all together. You won’t experience that here.
Though I have no formal training (self taught!), I have been working professionally in this industry restoring, reimagining, and fabricating furniture for the better part of a decade. I’m more than happy to share my advice based on my lived personal and professional experiences. Ask away, and take a look at some of your peers questions below. Maybe someone has already asked! Your questions are always confidential.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
I have four arm chairs with springs in the seats. Odd thing is the original has “no-sag” springs without clips under coil springs, no webbing. They are tied together. Have you ever seen this done? should I put webbing under it all?
That is strange! I have never opened a piece of furniture and seen anything like that before, but I did find this video to see what it looks like... Is this what yours looks like? I'd love to see pics so I can better assist you. If you are a member of the LullCo...
My name is olufunmi shittu am a Nigerian I am a furniture maker how can I Join your students
Hiya olufunmi! So glad you asked! I teach my in-person classes 4 days a week at my local Maker Space here in Ann Arbor, MI You can see my schedule here: https://lullco.co/collections/in-person-upholstery-workshopsI also teach virtual classes through Zoom 2 days a week...
Where are you located?
I teach my classes at my local Maker Space, Maker Works here in Ann Arbor, MI.
I have a LazBoy recliner that needs the seat reupholstered. Do you think this is something I could do DIY? Or if not do you know where I might be able to get it fixed?
That does look like a LOT of work! For the record, I think anyone can attempt just about any upholstery project as a newcomer, so long as you have time and patience. I fully believe if you can follow a recipe, you can learn to do this skill. Everything becomes easier...
I’m reupholstering 1940’s dining room chairs. They have two coil straps in seats 3 and 3 . I can tie the 4 corner springs 8 ways but the middle springs only line up for 4 way tie.
Ooof! Without an image it was hard for me to visualize... This one I had to do in photoshop! You can still do an 8 way tie with this set up! I laid out your spring formation the way you have described it, and placed lines across in the direction you need to tie them...
Bonjour je refais un siège style anglais et il y avait 9 ressorts sur le dossier. Les sangles n étaient pas jointes.est ce normal? Et je ne trouve pas de tutu pour refaire le dossier avec ressorts mery.
Translated by Google:"Hello, I am redoing an English style seat and there were 9 springs on the backrest. The straps were not attached. Is this normal? And I can't find a tutu (tutorial?) to redo the folder with mery springs" Please forgive me if the translation was...
I am working on reupholstering a Lazy Boy recliner – an older style with wooden arms. I am confused as to how to attach the back covering. I understand the top attachment and the use of metal tack strips on the upper part of the back. On the lower part there are side pieces that I need to attach somehow . They are partially attached to the cushion frame and then they velcro to the chair frame. In the pictures I’ve attached them as I thought they would go but when I put it on the chair frame & velcro the top part of the piece just hangs out loose. You’d have to push it in after every recline. I cant get it to work. Also for reference sake is there a name for these added pieces? Thank You!.
Heya! It's hard to tell from the image, but based on your description, it sounds like your back panel isn't long enough, because when it reclines, it stretches out, and the velcro becomes unstuck. Try adjusting the length and cut a longer piece. Determine how much you...
I live in the UK and would like to learn upholstery, do you do any online classes.
The author announces their new virtual upholstery lessons. These lessons, ranging from 2-4 hours, are conducted through high-definition video calls, guiding participants towards professionally finished projects. Furthermore, they provide free additional support through the LullCo Upholstery Club Group on Facebook.
I’m heart broken ? the contest is over I’ve wanted to learn reupholstery for years & could find no Apprenticeship anywhere near I live. I’m celebrating 15 years clean from Breast Cancer in December this would have been such a wonderful gift a new beginning. I signed on to your TT months ago. I don’t know how missed this opportunity ?
I'm so sorry you missed this opportunity! I have some good news for you though! I will be taking my Upholstery Camp on the road beginning this Spring to visit other states and towns! We will begin with the Great Lakes States and branch out from there. If you have a...
Hi!! I’m from buffalo New York and I have been wanting to become a reupholsterer for a very long time. I continuously get turned down by people because they are too busy and don’t want me in their way as an apprentice. Would it be absolutely crazy to go to Michigan for your class? I’m dying to learn and you almost seem like the only person whose willing to teach to me!! Thank you so much. Any advice you have id appreciate it.
Heya! That's not crazy at all! People travel from all over the US to take classes from me! Your best value will be for a Weekend Retreat. I just so happen to be hosting my next one at the end of this month!At my weekend retreats you will enjoy a 5 day, 4 night stay at...
Location??
So glad you asked! I teach my classes from Maker Works in Ann Arbor Michigan. Maker Works is a local maker space. They are a non-profit organization who provides space, tools, and training on those tools by membership and through their public programming. Many states...
Is there a way to do this curve without seams?
Hey! I just finished a sofa just like that! In reality, NO. There is no way to do that sofa without seams. The top part of the cushion will need to be the exact shape of that seat, allowing for seams of course (my standard is a half inch.) I use a seam puck to trace...
Hi, do you sell the benches we used in class to sit furniture on?
Hey! Thanks for asking! I do not, but I did purchase the saw horses at Home Depot! Then I just built the boxes for the top. Those are 9" wide and 48" long, and glued and screwed together on the sides. The ones in my class have held up great to 1 full year of use at 3...
I’m looking to buy that tool that allows for seam allowance as I trace the foam for cushion.
You're looking for the Seam Puck! That is available on my friend Jeremy of Beals Upholstery's Website! You can order yours here: https://bealsupholstery.com/collections/all
I am in South Carolina and would love to learn. Do you have any friends in this area?
Hey! Great question! I don't know anyone personally out that way, but a google search may help. On that note, I do travel for larger workshops. I currently teach my classes at my local Maker Space. If you had something similar near you, or could rent an event space,...
If I take a class, do I bring the fabric I want to use with me? It seems like yes, but how do I know how much fabric to buy? Also, are you able to help with fixing wood couch feet on older than jeez louise couches?
For newbies I always recommend getting extra fabric, and getting it for as low a price as possible because they are bound to make mistakes. Mid grade to high end upholstery fabric starts at about $40 a yard. There are lots of alternatives though. Antique markets,...
I’m new to upholstery and I feel overwhelmed with the types of fabric available. How do I choose the right fabric for my first project?
ANSWER: I can totally understand that. Here’s the deal. When you’re new to upholstery and still learning, going all out for expensive upholstery fabric is never the answer. Best practices will tell you to consider the ‘Double Rub Count’ This is how many times your...
I have an old armchair that I love but it’s really worn out. Is it better to reupholster or to buy new? What factors should I consider?
ANSWER: Completely dependent on the condition of the frame. Newer furniture is only build to last a max of 4-5 years, meaning you’re looking at spending $3000+ for new stuff at that same frequency. Older furniture was made stronger with better materials and is more...
I’m interested in turning my upholstery hobby into a business. What are some tips for pricing my work to ensure I’m covering costs and valuing my time appropriately?
ANSWER: Short answer… DON’T. Just kidding. Of course I want to advocate for the spread of upholstery businesses across the nation, but to send you into that world all willy nilly would be irresponsible. There are a lot of factors you need to consider when starting a...
What essential tools do I need to start my first upholstery project? Are there any that are worth investing more in for quality?
ANSWER: Investing in the right tools can be very expensive, but you don’t need a ton to get started. If you only had a staple remover, hammer, scissors, and a needle and thread, you could in theory complete an upholstery project. Well, those and your materials. Just...