Do-it-yourself upholstery and repair of furniture

In detail: do-it-yourself hauling and repair of furniture from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Many people have an old sofa at home, which is a pity to throw away, because the frame of the sofa is still intact, the springs have not sagged, the locks work, but the appearance is no longer the same due to the frayed upholstery. In this case, you don’t want to order a sofa banner, because the old sofa is not so valuable. To resuscitate an old sofa, the best option is to do it yourself. The main thing before starting work is to make sure that the frame of the sofa is gone, otherwise time and effort will be wasted. Fabric for upholstering furniture can now be bought without any problems; there will be no difficulties with colors and choice of textures either. In this article, we will tell you how to do it yourself with minimal financial costs.

Fabric for upholstering furniture (tapestry or velor, 7 running meters, width 1.5 meters)
Thick fabric 1 meter wide and 2 meters long
Coat fabric 3 square meters
Metal cross piles, 32 pieces
Universal adhesive
One sheet of plywood 4 mm thick
Staples for a hand stapler, length 14 mm
Two woolen blankets
3 meters of galvanized steel wire, 1.6 mm in diameter
Sintepon or foam rubber
Palace with dimensions of 1.5 by 2 meters
Nylon thread
Self-tapping screws 5 * 40

We disassemble the sofa completely.

Image - Do-it-yourself upholstery and repair of furniture

We are preparing the fabric for the upholstery of furniture (in our case velor).

Disassembling the frame of the sofa, we number all the details.

If necessary, we replace the frame parts, I replaced two planks: one was burst, the second bent from the time the sofa was used.

We assemble the frame of the sofa, coat the parts with universal glue.

Video (click to play).

We fix it with metal cross-shaped dowels.

We cut out parts from plywood according to old templates, which will later be attached to the frame.

We attach the plywood to the frame. First, we coat the frame with universal glue, then apply plywood and fasten it with staples using a stapler.

We fix the springs with a stapler so that they do not move.

We make brackets 2 cm long from galvanized steel wire.

We fix the springs with homemade brackets.

We fix the pre-tied thread at the top of the spring cloth.

According to the size of the upper part of the spring cloth, we cut out the carpet with an allowance of 4-5 cm on each side.

Bending the carpet, fix it with carnations so that during further work the carpet does not move.

Then we sew in a circle with a nylon thread, the seam step is 5 cm.

We take the second blanket and fasten it with an overlap of 5 cm.

We stretch the cover pre-cut with the help of templates and sewn, and fasten it from the back to the main frame.

We disassemble the main frame of the sofa, in order to reliably glue them together again.

We glue the grooved corners, smearing with universal glue, when assembling with a square, we check the perpendicularity.

We collect all the details of the main frame.

We attach the fabric to the front part for the furniture constriction.

In the inverted state, we fasten the mechanism to the frame using self-tapping screws.

We drag the sides of the sofa. First, we attach the coat fabric on both sides.

With the help of padding polyester, we add volume.

We attach dense fabric from the back of the sofa.

Any thing eventually deteriorates and upholstered furniture is no exception. But in the case of furniture, it is possible to restore its original appearance and properties. This article will discuss do-it-yourself sofa hauling. How, what and in what order to do, what materials to use.

Damage to a sofa or other upholstered furniture can be of different "severity". Depending on the existing injuries, a different set of work is required. Here's what could be with your furniture:

Only the fabric has fallen into disrepair

The easiest case is when you need to replace the fabric

This sufferer needs more than just a change of upholstery ...

So stretching the sofa can involve different jobs. From a simple upholstery replacement, to a complete renovation, including part of the frame. The most troublesome part is the spring blocks. This is a long and painstaking work. If the "historical accuracy" of your furniture is not important to you, it is easier to replace a failed spring block with foam rubber or (better, but more expensive) furniture silicone. If everything is done correctly, the sofa will become even more comfortable: incorrectly tightened springs cause a lot of inconvenience.

In general terms, let's talk about what the seat and back of the sofa can be made of. There are options:

Without springs:
- High density foam rubber (polyurethane foam, also called polyurethane foam) (also called furniture).
- Foamed latex. In terms of quality and convenience, it is better than foam rubber, but also much more expensive.
- With springs:
  - with classic springs tied into one block;
  - snake springs that support the foam / latex filling.
  When restoring a sofa, you need to examine the layers
  
  These are the most common types of sofa seats. In more expensive models, the spring block can be supplemented with a layer of polyurethane foam or latex, which makes the seat more elastic and comfortable at the same time. When tightening, then they look at the state of both parts, replace or leave - depending on the desire and capabilities.
  
  The structure of sofa seats can be multi-layered
  
  But these are not all layers. In addition to springs, polyurethane foam / latex, a synthetic winterizer or thermal felt (or ordinary felt) is also laid. This is if the sofa is more or less modern and not too expensive. Older exhibits may contain matting or burlap, batting (or something very similar), horsehair, dried seaweed and other materials that are now almost exotic for sofa stuffing. When repairing a sofa, they will need to be replaced with the same (if there is a desire to search) or similar in thickness and properties. So, in order to understand how the banner of the sofa should be done, first figure out what is inside it.
  
  The stretching of the sofa begins with its disassembly. In the process, you will be able to assess the extent of the damage and decide what exactly you need to do. For this part of the job, you will need:
  - a large screwdriver to unscrew the visible bolts (if any);
  - small flat-head screwdriver, pliers, or staple remover - to remove the staples that secure the upholstery.
  The main thing is to remove the old upholstery. Then everything will become clear
  
  Actually, that's all. First, we remove individual pillows, if any, remove the sidewalls. It is difficult to tell here - there are many designs. Look carefully to see if you find something. If you have pull-out parts, you can try to start with them.
  
  The next step is to separate the fabric from the frame. It is stapled to the timber frame. Hook the staples with a flat screwdriver, take out. Some can sit very tightly, it is easier to pull them out by grasping the raised back with pliers or pliers.
  
  We disassemble the sofa: remove the staples
  
  We remove the fabric carefully, trying not to damage it too much. We will then use it as a sample for the new upholstery of the sofa. There are several layers under the upholstery fabric. Maybe felt, synthetic winterizer, some kind of fabric. If the repair of the sofa was started only for the sake of replacing the upholstery, look at the condition of these materials. If there are signs of wear, it is best to replace it. After all, it will be a shame if, after a few months, you need to stretch the sofa again, but this time due to the fact that the layers of the lining have been worn down.
  
  If the sofa is old, there may be such a picture.
  
  After the fabric has been removed, it’s time to evaluate which parts you will need to change. Everything is clear with the upholstery and lining.It is advisable to keep the pie in the same composition. If old materials were used that are not on sale now or they are too expensive, replace them with modern counterparts. The main thing for folding sofas is to reach the same height of the seat and backrest, which were before, since the folding mechanisms are designed for certain parameters of the "pillows". In order not to be mistaken with the thickness of the materials, find the unworn (or least worn) areas and measure the thickness.
  
  This stage is needed if the seat of the sofa is uneven, there are humps and depressions, protruding springs (and below too). In seats that consist only of foam rubber, everything is simple: they usually go for replacement. They can be made of high-density foam by folding several layers, you can order ready-made foam rubber in a store that sells furniture spare parts. It is wise to order the exact size (measured after the fabric and all layers have been removed) latex mattress.
  
  If there are springs in the sofa, removing all the covering layers, we get to them. If there are no burst springs, the frame and its connections are strong, without backlash and cracks, the support for the springs is in good condition, you can stop there. We change the covering layers, sew a new cover, stretch and fasten. This completes the stretching of the sofa.
  
  If there is any damage from the above, the spring block will have to be separated. It is attached to the frame frame using U-brackets or nails. Now you have completely disassembled your sofa into its components. Next is the replacement and repair of damaged parts, and then reassembly.
  
  To understand how to repair a sofa at home, you need to know what layers of materials and in what sequence are needed. For example, in a sofa seat with a spring block, the sequence will be as follows (from bottom to top):
  What layers should be in the sofa seat
  
  These are all layers and their features. You can add something (for example, a double layer of padding polyester), remove it is highly undesirable.
  
  "Snake" springs in expensive models are used as an additional means to increase elasticity. In budget models, a foam block can fit on this basis. They are attached to a wooden or metal frame across the seat - each spring separately. The installation step depends on the planned load. If your sofa begins to sag, or the springs have lost their elasticity, or are broken, it is treated with a replacement.
  
  To increase elasticity and extend the life of the sofa, the number of snakes can be increased when the sofa is stretched. Another option is transverse reinforcement with rigid corsage ribbons (which are used for straps on bags, backpacks).
  
  For durability and greater elasticity, use a corsage tape
  
  The tape is nailed from one side to the frame. Professional furniture makers then tighten it with a special tool, but you can replace it with a regular bar wrapped around in the middle with coarse-grain sandpaper. Wrap a couple of turns of tape on this bar, pull with both hands (make sure that the frame does not bend), fix the tape with staples or nails, release and cut off the excess. The same method is also suitable for extending the service life of a slat mattress.
  
  To perform the constriction procedure yourself, you need to have in your arsenal a number of tools that are important to obtain an effective result:
  - screwdrivers, a screwdriver, wrenches - all of the listed devices will be needed in order to dismantle old furniture. Before carrying out the hauling, all the pieces of furniture must be twisted and disassembled, because each element is updated separately;
  - pliers or round-nose pliers, and a chisel or special furniture staple remover. Having disassembled the furniture, it is necessary to remove the upholstery, which is fixed with brackets. Pulling them out of a sofa or chair, you need to help yourself with pliers;
  - hauling of upholstered furniture at home is carried out using a furniture stapler and staples corresponding to the length. When choosing this tool, give preference to the mechanical option if you plan to fit a small number of products. If a large-scale work is done, it is better to purchase an electric stapler.
  In addition to the listed devices, sharp scissors, a construction knife, a hammer and a tape measure are useful. Immediately after the selection of tools, proceed to the repair of furniture - the hauling of one medium-sized product will not take much time.
  
  Before proceeding with the process of furniture constriction, the photo of the sequence of which is presented in our article, it is necessary to carefully inspect the products for their deterioration. It is important to identify the main problems that arose during operation. Answer the question: what made the furniture unusable, and which areas should be given the most attention. All stages can be clearly seen in the video tutorial on the implementation of the constriction.
  
  The procedure itself consists of stages:
  - disassembly of furniture items;
  - removal of old upholstery;
  - replacement of springs and filler;
  - pattern of fabric parts;
  - upholstery details;
  - final assembly.
  Do-it-yourself padding of upholstered furniture is carried out according to the specified plan, therefore, each of the stages of work must be considered in more detail.
  
  The process of dismantling old furniture depends on its design. When it comes to an upholstered sofa, the side backs and headrests, as well as additional equipment, are first twisted. Further, wherever the mechanisms can be unscrewed, they must be removed from the sofa. After that, disconnect the main part of the product from its frame.
  
  In the case of chair seats, it doesn't take long. Here it is necessary to remove only those parts that will be dragged. In order not to get confused in the sequence of work, watch the video that is posted in this article, it will help you fully understand the order of performing tasks.
  
  Disassemble carefully and slowly so as not to accidentally damage the mechanisms and fasteners. If the product has not been previously disassembled, it will not be superfluous to mark the mounting locations with a pencil. During the final assembly, you do not have to look for the places where the parts are fastened for a long time.
  
  Good advice for beginners in this matter would be to carefully remove the upholstery for its further use as patterns for new fabrics. The updated furniture is also refreshed with dermantine, which has a more affordable price than luxury leather. During the process, you will need to perform the following actions:
  - using a screwdriver, thin chisel or file, carefully pry off all the staples;
  - pull the staples out using a pair of wire cutters or pliers.
  Make sure that there is not a single fastening element left, because it is easy to get hurt on it when repairing furniture with your own hands. In order not to contaminate the floor surface, it will be appropriate to lay a film or old newspapers.Often, unusable foam rubber begins to crumble from under the upholstery, which is difficult to clean up in the future.
  
  Before pulling the furniture, check the quality of the old foam rubber: here you can see which places need to be reinforced.
  
  When performing this range of tasks, it is necessary to observe the technologies that were incorporated into the furniture by the manufacturer. If innovations are used instead, there is a risk of a complete re-configuration of the product, which could affect its quality in the future.
  
  If the springs are still in good condition, then they are repaired. This is done with the help of improvised tools, by bending the devices in the right direction. When the material is spoiled, it is better to purchase a new spring block, pleasing all users with its elasticity.
  
  Padding of old furniture is carried out taking into account the replacement of the filler, which is foam rubber, synthetic winterizer, felt or batting. Foam rubber is used constantly, only its elasticity and thickness differ. For armchairs and sofas, thickened material is used, and for chairs and soft stools, materials of lower density are used.
  
  Structurally, the spring side is first laid, after which foam rubber is placed, sandwiched with felt for reliability. Before upholstering the product, it is covered with wadding or padding polyester, which serves to prevent slipping. In order to clearly understand how to pull upholstered furniture, study a special master class that helps you understand all the stages of the procedure.
  
  Use the old upholstery for the pattern; this will make it easier to get the right size. Remember to leave 2 to 3 cm in seam allowances in case the fabric is uneven.
  
  Before making an independent pattern, it is necessary to thoroughly measure all the dimensions of the fitted part and carefully develop a drawing. Doing it yourself is difficult and time-consuming, so it is still recommended to use templates of the old material. Therefore, do not tear or cut, and even more so do not throw out the canvases that have just been removed, but leave them for the next stages of work.
  
  To upholster furniture with your own hands, you need a stapler and a new fabric material, cut according to patterns. Begin by upholstering the simplest parts such as armrests or square side panels. Pay attention to the recommendations:
  - test the stapler with staples on a waste piece of cloth and wood;
  - choose the correct depth of the staples so that the new upholstery is firmly fixed to the frame;
  - pull the fabric tighter to avoid skewing the pattern;
  - if the upholstery is being done for the first time, use materials with ordinary embossed ornaments - it is better to refuse complex patterns that require joining.
  If the sofa is overtightened, after updating the main part, check its functionality. Fold and unfold the sofa to observe if the upholstery is slipping and which spots need to be tweaked.
  
  It is necessary to assemble furniture back according to the instructions, which, as a rule, are left when disassembling parts. Place and fasten the structure exactly as it was disassembled. Write down the procedure on a piece of paper or make step-by-step constrictions of the furniture photo.
  
  After assembly, check the actions of all mechanisms, and also examine all corners of the products for defects and defects after work.
  
  A beautifully hand-made furniture product will bring not only aesthetic pleasure, but also practical. The updated upholstered furniture will sparkle with new colors in the interior and will serve for a long time.
  
  For washing large furniture covers, it is better to use the services of a professional laundry.
  - Save money - you only waste time with little expense, including the cost of laundry detergents and furniture fittings (staples, lining).
  - The revival of the authentic look of the furnishings.
  Minus one, but significant - there is a high probability that the cover will "sit down" during washing or creep altogether. Since the upholstery fabric is not designed to be washed, it is not treated for shrinkage like, for example, garment fabrics.
  
  This path is the longest and most difficult, but sure. Old and dilapidated upholstery is ruthlessly thrown away, and the sofa can delight you with a brand new fabric in fresh colors. A complete replacement of the furniture cover can be done by yourself at home. But be prepared for the appearance of problems hidden under the leaky cover: cracked frame beams, broken springs, broken fiberboard or faulty locking mechanism.
  
  If, having opened the cover, you find internal breakdowns with chagrin, do not despair - just the operation of replacing the cover develops into a more complex, capital phase of the upholstered furniture constriction.
  
  This relatively new concept includes not only the replacement of upholstery, but also: complete repair of the frame, replacement of foam rubber, locks, spring blocks, everything that is required. In fact, the hauling is a major overhaul of upholstered furniture, as a result of which you will receive a new interior element made in your taste.
  
  Overhaul allows you to save even the most "killed" furniture
  In order for the work on hauling upholstered furniture to proceed comfortably, measuredly and without unnecessary nerves, you need to prepare the necessary tools in advance.
  - Large flat head screwdriver and pliers - pick up and pull out old staples.
  - Phillips or flat head screwdriver for the size of the slot of the screw heads that attach the lock to the frame.
  - A set of wrenches for nuts and bolts.
  Almost all upholstered furniture frames are bolted, so a set of keys is indispensable
  - Roulette - take the necessary measurements when replacing body parts.
  - Stapler - construction or pneumatic. The second is preferable, because, without effort on your part, it drives long strong staples deep into the frame tree, even through several layers of fabric.
  - Staples - from 6 mm to 10 mm, depending on the thickness and density of the selected upholstery fabric.
  - Garbage bags (bigger and tighter).
  - New upholstery fabric - the choice in stores is breathtaking, choose according to taste and cost. In order not to be mistaken with the footage, sketch out an approximate detailing before buying.Take into account the standard roll width - up to 145 cm (including the edging of the edges of the canvas) and the location of the patterns relative to the pile and shine of the fabric.
  - Padding fabric for padding the rear surfaces of the backrest and seat. It is not necessary to do this, but the lining layer will keep the furniture from getting inside dust, and the cost of the lining material is low. Therefore, it is better not to neglect this simple operation.
  - Sharp scissors, best of all special tailor's for cutting.
  When cutting new covers, tailor's scissors will be simply irreplaceable.
  - Crayons or thin bars of soap.
  - Threads - no less than No. 10, and better - special reinforced for hard fabrics.
  - Meter ruler.
  - Pattern paper, if you are going to modify the appearance of the product: change the shape of the beads, back and seats.
  - Sewing machine.
  This is the first and dirtiest stage - you have to unscrew and remove the legends, locks and disassemble the frame. Then remove all the old staples that fasten the upholstery to the frame.
  
  After removing the upholstery, a rather unsightly picture may open up.
  Take care of the place of disassembly - you have to stir up the "dust of centuries" that has permeated the sofa or armchair. And staples have a sneaky habit of scattering across the floor and digging into the soles of slippers (or feet). If it is not possible to disassemble the sofa on the street, cover the equipment (TVs, computers, etc.) with film, and take everything that you can to another room.
  
  Keep trash bags on hand - you will have to throw away a lot of rubbish, which has become the interior of the sofa (armchairs, chairs, etc.). After you finish disassembling, immediately remove all the resulting garbage from the house. Various filth can lurk in the internal dust of upholstered furniture - from allergens to dust mites.
  
  Having removed the old cover, you can find a number of serious breakdowns under the harmless abrasions of the upholstery, do not rush to give up and throw away the sofa, counting in your mind how much it will cost to buy a new one.
  
  All repair problems are solvable, and the parts are replaceable - the list of breakdowns and ways to fix them is not as extensive and scary as you might think at first glance.
  
  All old sofas and armchairs are based on frames, held together with locks and glue. It is a strong and durable system, much better than modern self-tapping mounting. But when the service life ends, the corners of the frames give slack and crack. The beams need to be changed. Choose dry wood, free of knots, cracks and bark - bast or the middle with an even, straight structure... Otherwise, a beam carrying a large load and lacking strength and integrity will quickly burst. A damp tree in warm and dry apartment conditions will begin to dry out belatedly and warp. It is better to repeat the castle wash down - order it to a master carpenter or do it yourself. It is better to impregnate the joints of the frame beams with PVA glue before joining.
  
  Everything is simpler here - you measure the size and cut out new parts yourself with a jigsaw or make it to order in a furniture workshop. It is better to prepare separate parts of the jumpers (in old sofas there are usually three of them - the middle and two side ones), which are easier to change in the event of a break. You can attach them to the frame with nails or a pneumatic stapler.
  
  The sore spot is the middle of the seat, where children love to jump and sit guests. Some craftsmen manage to "twist" the spring blocks, replacing the broken springs with new ones. However, there is no guarantee that after some time some old spring will not burst and for the sake of it you will not have to start all the work anew. Therefore, it is more rational to replace the spring blocks completely.
  
  Usually, the frames of the seats and backs of old chairs are tied with intertwined wide belts, on which foam rubber is laid. And belts very rarely break, most often the junction of the belt and the frame is wiped. Any belts you think are durable will work as replacements. The main thing is that they are densely woven, preferably made of synthetic materials and at least 5 - 7 cm wide.
  
  Any kind of foam rubber has such a technical characteristic as the number of squeezes. This is an indicator of how many times the material will withstand compression and will be able to restore its original shape and elasticity. Almost always, in old furniture, foam rubber has long outlived its usefulness in this parameter and turned into dust or a viscous substance resembling sticky plasticine. Throw it away without regret and lay down new foam.
  
  It is better not to save on foam rubber - it is not only a soft layer, but also protection of the internal structure from damage
  It is also a common problem - over time, the steel mechanism of the lock looses out, a backlash appears in it, or springs fly off that snap the lock into the "sitting" or "lying" position. Inspect the lock carefully, it may be necessary to change the screw or adapt a new latch spring. If not, then the lock will have to be changed - fortunately, this is not a problem, in furniture fittings stores you will be offered a large selection of modern locks.
  
  The most creative stage of the work. You can leave the look of the furniture the same, in this case, you can use old covers as patterns. They should be thoroughly shaken out and vacuumed before use.
  
  When cutting new pieces, pay close attention to the position of the weft and warp threads, as well as the direction of the pile. This is especially true for sewing patterns and seat-backs, if the width of the fabric does not allow making a one-piece cover (meaning the upholstery of a sofa-book).
  
  With creative and sewing skills, you can transform the look of old furniture, make it more modern, comfortable and appropriate to your taste. The main part of the modifications is achieved by foam rubber pads - soft bolsters are added on the backs, backrest headrests. You can take into account the position of the body in a sitting position and add foam rubber pads on the seat (under the knees) and inserts under the lower back.
  
  When using darts, folds, curly details, the covers will get a completely new shape and become more modern.
  
  In order to efficiently and beautifully perform work on modifying the appearance of upholstered furniture, you need basic cutting and sewing skills. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to risk doing it yourself, but to involve a specialist in the work.
  - Leave a 1 - 1.5 cm seam allowance, depending on the weight of the fabric.
  When cutting fabrics, be sure to leave 1-1.5 centimeters on the seams.
  - It is advisable to process the edges of the sewn parts with an overlock or zigzag.
  - Coarse-pile upholstery fabrics must be folded up by hand before machine stitching to avoid misalignment.
  - If leatherette, artificial or natural leather is selected for the upholstery, then use a special roller as the presser foot of the sewing machine when sewing the front seams. As a last resort, you can coat the surface of the fabric under the foot with a thin layer of machine oil.
  - In the case of sewing decorative overlays into the case, baste the folds by hand.
  As often as possible in the process of sewing, do fittings - foam rubber, softening a rigid spring frame, pliable material, the shape of which is set precisely by the cover.
  
  The repair work has been done, the covers have been sewn, it's time to start the crucial stage of stretching the new upholstery. You need to be clearly aware that the final result and the appearance of your chair or sofa depend on the quality of this stage. You will need patience and accuracy in your work.
  
  At the stage of the last fitting, it will still be possible to correct mistakes - to sew in or release the corners a little, to alter the darts. Do not be alarmed if the cover fits very tightly on the frame - in the process of attaching it, you will still “shoot” it even more tightly. Worse if the cover is put on freely, because by attaching it with staples, there is a high probability of getting ugly folds and creases.
  
  The sequence of work on attaching new upholstery covers:
  
  The last stage of work is assembly.When assembling the sofa, first of all, we attach the lock to the back and seat, then attach the resulting structure to the pallet of the sofa-book and attach the by-sheet. When assembling the chair, you gradually mount the seat and back to one story, then attach the second to the structure. The legs are mounted last.
  
  Restoration helps transform old furniture into a new, stylish piece of furniture
  Since the process of restraining furniture is quite complicated, we bring to your attention a short video that will clearly demonstrate all the stages of restraining, using the example of restoring an old chair.
  
  Video (click to play).
  
  Do-it-yourself padding of upholstered furniture is a responsible, time-consuming business, but with excellent practical benefits and moral return. You get satisfaction from the work done and an updated look of your own renovated piece of furniture. And most importantly - experience, which, who knows, can lay the foundation for a new hobby, and possibly a profitable business. Successful renovation!
  
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