How to Re-cover Cushion Fabric

Preparation

• 1

  Unscrew the seat cushion from the frame of the chair. Use a flat-head screwdriver and hammer to loosen the staples or tacks from the underside of the seat. Pull out the staples with needle-nose pliers.

• 2

  Remove and discard the old fabric and cotton batting, along with the foam if it is yellowed and deteriorated.

• 3

  Press the new fabric flat. Use the seat frame for a template and trace a pattern on the back side of the new fabric. Add an additional 3 inches all the way around so you can secure the fabric on the underside of the seat. Cut the new piece of fabric.

• 4

  Trace and cut a new piece of foam if it needs to be replaced, and once again use the seat as a template. In the same manner, cut a piece of the polyester batting 1/2 inch wider than the foam. Attach the new foam to the seat frame with spray adhesive. Secure the batting to the foam with the spray adhesive and then pull the edges of the batting down and staple along the bottom edge of the seat.

Recover Seat Cushion

• 5

  Place the seat on the new fabric, cushion side down. Pull the fabric around to the back of the seat and first staple in the center of each side, working from the front to the back, and then from side to side. Secure the fabric all the way around the seat, working toward each corner.

• 6

  Pull the fabric over each corner and secure with one staple.

• 7

  Trim away excess fabric at the corners to remove bulk. Fold and tuck the rest of the corner fabric in a uniform manner, so it is snug and void of any slack in the fabric. Staple the corner fabric securely.