How to Reupholster a Chair With Piping

Reupholstering a chair with piping can be a rewarding project that breathes new life into an old piece of furniture.

Whether you’re looking to update the fabric of a beloved chair that has seen better days or customize a thrift store find to match your decor, this guide on how to reupholster a chair with piping will walk you through the steps to achieve a professional-looking finish.

Piping, also known as welting, adds an elegant touch to upholstered furniture, highlighting the chair’s shape and providing a polished, tailored appearance.

In this introduction, we will cover the basic tools and materials you’ll need to get started, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Why Reupholster a Chair with Piping?

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, it’s essential to understand why reupholstering a chair with piping is a great option for giving new life to an old piece of furniture. Here are a few benefits to consider:

Cost-effective:

Reupholstering is often more budget-friendly than buying a brand-new piece of furniture, especially if you have a high-quality chair with good bones. With a little bit of time and effort, you can transform an old chair into something that looks and feels brand new.

Customization:

By choosing your fabric and piping, you have the opportunity to create a truly unique piece of furniture that reflects your personal style. This is especially useful if you have a particular color scheme or design aesthetic in mind.

Environmentally-friendly:

Reupholstering is an eco-friendly choice as it prevents furniture from ending up in landfills. It also reduces the demand for new furniture production, which requires natural resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Tools and Materials

Before you begin your project, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Here is a list of what you’ll need:

Chair to Reupholster:

The first and most crucial step is to have a chair that you want to reupholster. Make sure it’s sturdy and in good condition before starting.

Fabric:

Choose a fabric that suits your style and the purpose of the chair. Keep in mind that thicker, more durable fabrics are best for high-traffic areas, while delicate fabrics may be better suited for accent chairs.

Piping Cord:

You can purchase piping cords in various sizes and materials, depending on the look you’re going for. For this project, we recommend using a cotton piping cord with a diameter of 5/32 inches.

Piping Foot:

A piping foot is a specialized sewing machine foot that helps you sew the piping cord into the seam. If your sewing machine does not come with one, you can usually purchase it separately.

Sewing Machine:

You will need a sewing machine to complete this project. While hand-sewing is also an option, using a sewing machine will give you a more polished and professional finish.

Other Tools:

• Scissors
• Pins
• Measuring tape
• Upholstery needle
• Fabric marking tool (such as chalk or fabric pen)

7 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Reupholster a Chair With Piping

Step 1: Remove the Old Fabric

To start reupholstering your chair, the first step is to remove the old fabric. Begin by carefully examining the chair to identify how the fabric is attached. Most upholstery is secured with staples, nails, or tacks.

Using a staple remover or a flathead screwdriver, gently pry out the staples or nails, ensuring not to damage the chair’s frame or padding. Work systematically, starting from one corner and moving around the chair. As you remove the fabric, take note of how it was attached, as this will help you understand the construction and make reattaching the new fabric easier.

If the fabric is in good condition and you wish to use it as a pattern for your new fabric, be sure to keep it intact. Once all the fabric is removed, you will have a blank canvas ready for the next steps in your reupholstering project.

Step 2: Cut Out the New Fabric

Once you have removed the old fabric, use it as a template to cut out your new fabric. Lay the old fabric pieces flat on top of your new fabric, ensuring that the patterns or grain of the fabric align correctly.

If the old fabric is damaged or stretched out of shape, you may need to adjust the measurements accordingly. Using a fabric marking tool, trace around the edges of the old fabric, leaving an extra inch or so for seam allowances.

Next, use sharp scissors to carefully cut out the pieces from the new fabric. Double-check that all your cut pieces match those of the original pattern and that they are cut out symmetrically and accurately.

Accurate cutting is essential for ensuring a well-finished and professional-looking reupholstered chair. Set aside each piece in an organized manner, ready for the next step, which is to reattach them to the chair.

Step 3: Sew the Piping

To create piping, you will need to sew a strip of fabric around a cord. Begin by cutting out long strips of fabric about 1 inch wide and the length equivalent to the perimeter measurement of your chair’s cushion or backrest. Next, place the piping cord in the center of the fabric strip and fold it in half, making sure to encase the cord completely.

Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, stitch close to the cording on one side, leaving enough space for seam allowances. Then, attach this completed piping trim onto one side edge of the corresponding chair fabric piece, facing inwards towards the center of the cushion.

Sew along this edge with a regular sewing foot, as close to the cording as possible, using a basting stitch. This will hold everything together while you attach it to the chair.

Step 4: Attach Piping to Chair Fabric

With your custom piping now complete, it’s time to attach it to your chair fabric pieces. Begin by placing one piping-edge-trimmed fabric piece against another fabric piece, with the right sides together and the raw edges aligned.

Pin them together carefully to ensure that they are perfectly aligned. Using your zipper foot again, sew along the edge, making sure to catch both layers of fabric and the piping sandwiched in between. Sew all the way around each piece of fabric, leaving a small gap for turning the right side out.

Step 5: Attach Fabric Pieces to Chair

Once all your chair pieces have been attached with piping and are turned right side out, it’s time to reattach them to the chair frame. Begin with one piece at a time, starting from where you removed that specific piece. Place the new cushion or backrest against the chair frame and secure it using staples or tacks.

Working methodically from one corner to the next, pull the fabric taut, smoothing out any wrinkles or puckers as you go.

Be mindful not to overstretch the fabric, as this can cause it to tear or wrinkle when in use. Repeat this process for each piece of fabric until your chair is fully upholstered with your new fabric and piping.

Step 6: Finish Off With Trim

To achieve a polished and professional look, the final step involves adding trim to cover any visible staples or raw edges. Choose a trim that complements your fabric and the overall design of the chair, such as a decorative braid, gimp, or double-welt cord.

Apply a thin line of fabric glue or use a hot glue gun along the areas where the fabric meets the chair frame, such as the seat base and backrest edges. Carefully press the trim into place, ensuring it adheres well and covers any unsightly edges.

Work in small sections to maintain control and precision, particularly around corners or curves. Use fabric pins to hold the trim in place until the glue sets, if necessary. Once all the trim is securely attached and the glue has dried, inspect the chair for any loose fabric or imperfections.

Make any needed adjustments, and take pride in your beautifully reupholstered chair, showcasing your craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

With the re-upholstering process complete, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your chair. This may include cleaning and polishing any exposed wood or metal parts, changing out old cushion fillings for new ones, or adding any desired embellishments such as decorative buttons or tufting.

Take a step back and admire your stunning new piece of furniture, knowing that you have given it a new lease on life through your reupholstering skills.

Following these steps on how to reupholster a chair with piping and taking care to work slowly and carefully will result in a well-crafted, professional-looking reupholstered chair. It is a satisfying project that not only saves money but also allows for personal creativity and customization.

So next time you come across an old, worn out chair, don’t hesitate to give it new life through reupholstering! There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing fabrics, trims, and design elements to make your chair truly one-of-a-kind. Happy reupholstering! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is It Difficult to Reupholster a Chair With Piping?

A1: Reupholstering a chair with piping may take some time and patience, but it is not necessarily difficult. With careful planning and attention to detail, anyone can successfully reupholster a chair with piping.

Q2: What Type of Fabric is Best for Reupholstering?

A2: The best fabric for reupholstering depends on personal preference and the intended use of the chair. Some popular options include cotton, linen, velvet, and leather. It is important to choose a durable fabric that can withstand regular wear and tear.

Q3: Can I Use an Old Cushion or Backrest as a Template for Cutting Out New Pieces?

A3: Yes, using the old cushion or backrest as a template can be helpful in ensuring accurate measurements and a proper fit when reupholstering.

Conclusion

Reupholstering a chair can be a gratifying and rewarding process, transforming a worn-out piece of furniture into a rejuvenated and stylish component of your home decor.

By following the detailed steps laid out in this guide on how to reupholster a chair with piping, from removing the old fabric to adding the finishing trims, you can achieve a professional-looking result, even if you are a novice.

The project not only allows for significant cost savings but also provides an outlet for personal creativity, letting you select unique fabrics and designs that reflect your personal taste. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the satisfaction of repurposing an old chair into something beautiful and functional.

Your time and effort will pay off with a custom piece that stands out and showcases your new-found upholstery skills.