How to Upholster a Large Area
- 1). Choose an upholstery or drapery fabric, which are sold on much larger bolts than standard craft fabrics. But in most fabric supply stores, there is a much smaller selection of upholstery or drapery fabrics available. To find one you like, you might need to consider special ordering from a textile manufacturer.
- 2). Create a larger piece of fabric by sewing smaller sets together. If standard upholstery or drapery fabric is not large enough for your surface area, you might need to combine multiple pieces by folding your edges over 1/2 inch and sewing your pieces together. To best hide the seams of your sewn fabric, choose a fabric with a repeating pattern that will distract the eye.
- 3). Position your fabric directly over the area you want to upholster. Use a pencil to trace out the shape you need to cover. Fold your fabric in half vertically and adjust your pencil markings so that your pattern is symmetrical and even. Add an extra 2 inches on all sides of your pattern and cut out your shape.
- 4). Lay a piece of upholstery foam over the area you want to cover. Cut to size with a utility knife. If your area is too large, you can combine several pieces of foam by gluing your sides together with a spray adhesive. Coat the top of your foam with spray adhesive and cover with cotton batting. Staple your batting in place with a staple fun to hold the foam and batting in place.
- 5). Place your upholstery fabric over your area. Pull the fabric taut over the underside of your furniture or surface area and staple in place to the frame. Walk your fabric around corners and curved areas by folding over inch by inch and stapling in place. Leave 1/4 inch of excess fabric along the staple line, then cut away any additional fabric.
- 6). Add any decorative piping with a hot glue gun or needle and thread. These materials are also helpful in hiding any seams that were made by combining pieces of fabric to cover your large surface area.
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