How to Reupholster a Curve on the Back Rest of a Dining Chair

Upholstered curves are common to the seat-back silhouettes of many chairs and sofas. There are several techniques you can use to achieve a smooth curve when reupholstering a curvaceous dining chair, but the most common involves a specialty upholstery product called ply-grip. Ply-grip is a V-shaped strip that is bendable so that it can conform to the curves. When you use ply-grip the fabric of the seat back will tuck tightly up against the trim welting and produce a nice finished appearance. Using ply-grip is not difficult -- you quickly see how it works and mastering its use, gives you a skill you can put to work on future projects.

Welting
Scissors
Ply-grip
Staples
Tin snips
Awl
Leather mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Staple welting to the curved edge of the wood. Welting is a cord wrapped in fabric that is used as trim. The welting should project away from the wood by 1/8 inch evenly. Start the welting in the bottom center. Do not staple the first 1/2 inch. When your welting is 2 inches from your start point, stop. Position your welting so that it overlaps the start by 1/2 inch. Cut the welting.
- 2
  Rip the seam on the last 1/2 inch of the welting to open the cover over the cord. Cut just the cord so that it butts up tight to the start cord. Fold the welting cover under 1/4 inch. Line up the cords and slide the 1/4 inch of cover over the start welting. This hides the raw edges. Finish stapling the welting into place.
- 3
  Position the ply-grip at the beginning of the upholstery curve. One side of the ply-grip has a notch followed by a section with a hole. This side should touch the welting. Staple through each hole into the wood. Bend the ply-grip to conform to the curve. Cut the ply-grip with snips when you reach the end of the curved area.
- 4
  Bend the other half of the ply-grip toward the welting about half way. Fit cotton or bonded polyester to cover the ply-grip. You can usually tack or staple the padding in one or two spots to hold it in place.
- 5
  Fold your pattern-cut replacement seat back cover in half vertically to find the center point. Locate the center top point of the chair. Tuck 1/2 inch of the top center fabric into the ply-grip at the top center point of the chair. Use an awl to press the fabric deep into the ply-grip working from the center to each side. When the fabric fits well and is smooth, press the pry-grip closed with your fingers working from the center toward the sides. Finish by hammering the ply-grip closed using a leather mallet.

Make Replacement Cushions for a Glider Rocking Chair

How to Add Batting to Furniture

Chairs