How to Reupholster a Tufted Slipper Chair

Preparing to Reupholster

• 1

  Remove the existing upholstering from the slipper chair. Do your best to keep from tearing the fabric, as you'll need to use it as a guide and pattern for the new fabric. Use seam rippers, and scissors when necessary. As you remove each piece, mark it for future reference as to where each piece goes ("left side," "seat back," etc.).

• 2

  Lay the pieces out on the floor and arrange them so you can measure for your new fabric needs. Most upholstery fabric will be purchased in widths of 45 or 54 inches. Make sure to account for directionality -- like stripes, for example -- in your upholstery. Purchase fabric accordingly.

• 3

  Check the condition of the foam under the upholstery. Replace it if it's worn, disintegrating or too broken down to be comfortable.

• 4

  Using the old upholstery as a pattern, cut out the new upholstery pieces.

Reupholstering & Tufting

• 5

  Pin the seat and two side pieces together, testing before sewing to ensure they fit snugly over the seat. You'll need two seams, one to attach each of the side panels to the seat.

• 6

  Fit the sewn seat piece over the seat. Staple to the bottom of the seat using the staple gun.

• 7

  Lay the seat back piece over the back of the seat. Tuck the bottom edge into the seat and staple it to the frame.

• 8

  Create the tufting using the tufting buttons. Tufting buttons looks similar to brass paper fasteners -- a button with two prongs on the back. Simply squeeze the prongs together and push through the fabric and foam. From the back of the chair, spread the prongs to secure the buttons to the chair. Evenly space the buttons in your desired pattern.

• 9

  Attach the fabric to the back of the chair by stapling as much as possible to the frame. To complete a neat, finished back, use strips of upholstering tacks. Press the tack strips through the wrong side of the fabric, so the tacks are facing you, emerging from the right side of the fabric. Then roll the strip so it's covered by the fabric and press into the frame using a hammer.