Upholstery Techniques - Tufting

Tufted-back armchair - link to my pinterest board - Upholstery Treatments

Performing the task of upholstering fine furniture requires a significant set of skills (and strength) and I leave this important work to the masters (my go-to upholsterers are the fabulous Lees of Sun's Upholstery in Norcross, GA). One of the trickier techniques is tufting and, I must admit, one that Mr. Lee is not too fond of because it requires a high degree of precision and patience and must be done with the right fabric.

Tufting is the practice of pulling, folding or sewing in a contoured pattern, in two basic geometric shapes—diamond and square (biscuit). Like the majority of upholstery work, you are taking a two-dimensional item, fabric, and putting it on a three-dimensional item, a piece of furniture. To achieve the desired end result, the fabric must be sewn, tucked, gathered, pleated or folded. link to article

The description above does give a sense of the difficulty of this technique. First of all, why use this technique in the first place:

• Tufting allows the piece to have a natural curve that would be hard to duplicate without tufting. The chair above provides a good example of this principle - it it hard to imagine this chair without the tufting - it would, in essence, be a much different style chair.
• Tufting provides for texture and interest in an otherwise simpler piece of furniture. Tufting used on top of a round or other-shaped ottoman is an example of this principle - without the tufting, the pieces would be quite plain. This is also a good reason many upholstered headboards are tufted.

Tufted ottoman - link to source

The issue of fabric selection is quite critical. It must be right in terms of scale (either solid or small pattern because tufting will distort any pattern) and right in terms of texture (neither too stiff or too loose - soft, loose chenilles do not make good tufting fabrics). The fabric must also "give" meaning that it can be stretched which eliminates silks since they do not stretch at all.  

A moderate tufting technique is to use buttons on the back to achieve some of the same "rounding" and "shaping" options that can be achieved by a deeper tufting technique but can be done more easily. This is often the compromise I reach with Mr. Lee if it makes sense for a piece.  

 

Here are some examples of tufted pieces - both from my pinterest board - check here and from my own photo archives. I do not ask for tufting unless the piece I am redoing is already tufted. It is a nice technique but not necessary on most pieces. It is also a premium technique meaning I pay more (and have to charge more) for the furniture.

I have not "done" one of these type of chaises but after seeing this one decided I need to be on the "look-out" for one - love how this looks - see source above. 

Here is an example of a more subtle tufting technique. Since the tufting is not required to create a rounded look on the back, a simpler button approach with less depth can be used - see source above. 

This chair illustrates the deeper tufting as well as another premium technique - use of nailheads as accents - see source above.

Only the round chairs from my 2012 collection shown here really "needed" the tufting to achieve the rounded back - the others were just decorative.

Here are some examples of the deeper tufting technique including on a round ottoman which was custom made for a client. 

I found some good sources of "how to's" and further descriptions of this technique:

link to article about button tufting on back of antique chair

link to article about how to add tufting to upholstered pieces

Before and After - Annie Sloan Chalk Project - Two Settees

Annie Sloan Chalk Paints - I have Old White, Old Ochre, Duck Egg Blue, Cream, Paris Grey, Chateau Grey, Coco and Graphite. 

It has been some time since I have shown a "before" and "after" Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) link to her site. I have worked on just a few projects recently but am gearing up for quite a few more. This posting is about one of my favorites to date - a set of great French style settees manufactured by Henredon - a high-quality USA furniture maker.

I bought these two settees off of a craigslist add and was just lucky enough to be the first one to respond. The seller did get LOTS of inquiries but I encouraged him (barely) to stick with the first one here with the $$$ gets the pieces. He was getting offers for quite a bit more than he had listed them for but I was already at his doorstep by this time.

The finish was pretty badly scuffed and scarred and the fabric frayed but the bones on these pieces were exceptional. Solid wood frame and hand-tied coil springs with a high quality seat cushion. 

Fabrics

Before I make a decision on which color and type of finish I want to use, I select my fabric. I want the fabric to complement the finish and visa-versa.  In this case, I selected a creamish linen-blend and brass linen piping (mimics brass nail heads). I've done this combination before with a wood finish of old white with clear and dark wax over it - I knew it would look great on this set.

Once selected, I followed the following steps:

1. Removed piping around all exposed wood surfaces so that I can get good coverage.
2. Cleaned wood surfaces with Goof Off link to site which is a very strong product - I always use gloves and never use the product if I want to retain existing finish.
3. Turned the pieces upside down to start the painting processes on the bottom side - this method insures that all areas area adequately covered.

   

   Turning pieces upside down helps ensure good coverage - I generally only do this on the first coat.

   4.  Painted all areas with two coats of paint.
   5. Waited overnight to apply one coat of clear wax using clean t-shirt rag.
   6. Waited overnight to apply one coat of dark wax. To apply this wax, I used a combination of rag and old stiff toothbrush to make sure the wax gets into all crevices. I used the rag, sometimes with extra clear wax, to moderate the coverage and make sure it is consistent throughout.
   
   
   

   

   Two Settees after two coats of paint and one coat of clear wax.

   

   After reupholstering work by the great Lees at Sun's Upholstery in Norcross, GA, the pieces are ready for photographing. 

   

   
   

   I LOVED how these turned out! They are for sale on Etsy and eBay and one may already be sold. What do you think of this outcome?
   

Making a Striped Fabric Decision

Settee in need of refurbishing - I had a hard time deciding what to do with it!

Usually when buying well-constructed upholstered furniture for a redo, I know the fabric and the wood finish color (if part of the refurbishing project) I will use before I get the piece home. I have 100's of fabrics and at least eight Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) finishes to choose from so the coordination of these two critical design elements is fairly easy. Sometimes, however, I cannot make up my mind and I go through the angst of revisiting each choice I've make dozens of times. This is one of those occasions.

I picked up the nice settee above about three weeks ago thinking it would only need fabric but discovered that the woodwork was in pretty rough shape so it would need redoing as well. Of course, the fabric and finish need to work together so that started an effort to coordinate various fabric and finish looks. I had almost decided when I picked up a nice linen with velvet stripe fabric. For some reason, I got nervous about the idea of stripes on this piece even though I have used stripes extensively over the years - just not on wider pieces like this one. So, I plugged in "stripes on sofas and loveseats" to see internet images of striped pieces and also checked out various "decorating with stripes" articles just to get a better feeling for the look.

Here are some of the affirming images I saw and advice given on using stripes in home decor.

First of all, a push against conventional wisdom:

You know how designers and books and magazines always encourage you to buy the bigger pieces of furniture in a solid neutral color so they’ll last forever in case you change design styles?  Sometimes it’s good to fly in the face of convention.  link to full article

As well as an article about coordinating with stripes:

As prints go, stripes are relatively simple which makes them a great candidate for combining with other less versatile prints. For instance, florals or paisleys could be a lot of fun.  Use a striped blanket with floral pillows or a striped couch with a floral throw piece.  link to full article

So, then I looked at images (all of which are available on my pinterest board with some original source data - link.

How great are these (see source information above). I was particularly enlightened (and inspired) by the last piece since my fabric is a blue and cream stripe and I plan to use "old white" ASCP to refinish the woodwork - what a stunning piece!

So, at some future point, I will be showing the finished product - but here is the before preview - what do you think?

Stripe I plan to use on this piece - the woodwork will be redone in ASCP "Old White" which should blend nicely with the linen background. Now, I am enthusiastic to start the project!

Before and After - My Own Parade

Every now and then, I want to highlight some of the amazing transformations that I have been able to achieve buying well constructed used furniture; finding great designer fabrics; and, working with a trusted master upholsterer to do the actual expert work of reupholstering. It is what I do and have been doing for almost nine years. It is a labor of love!

Here are some of my recent projects - most are sold on eBay, Etsy, and my website. Occasionally, I am selling on One King's Lane as well.

This is something EVERYONE can do. I hope that these examples  inspire others to look for reusing, repurposing and transforming great heirloom pieces of furniture - it's a green way to decorate and take better care of our environment.

These chairs are not yet listed. I bought them through a Craigslist "for sale by owner" listing. The chairs are on rollers and the fabric is a nice weight cotton print.

I purchased two loveseats like this through a Craigslist sale. They are exceptionally well made with hand-tied springs and impeccable woodwork. I only had one redone in this textured cream fabric allowing a buyer to buy one or two in this or another fabric.

I bought this chair at an estate sale. It was in good shape but needed a new seat cushion. The detailed channel back with buttons is an extremely tricky upholstery option and was well executed here demonstrating that it does take a lot of skill and talent to do this work.

This chair was bought at a garage sale and had good bones. The woodwork was not bad just boring so I hand-finished it in an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint called Chateau Grey. The fabric is a whimsical French Script in a matching color. 

This chaise sold immediately. It was bought at an estate sale and reupholstered in a very nice yellow cotton fabric. The tailored skirt gives it a much more elegant appearance.

This set of well constructed chairs was purchased at Goodwill Industries. The fabric was discolored and in bad shape. The frame was in perfect condition. The fabric is a nice woven green and cream bought at an estate sale.

This set of slipper chairs are manufactured by Charles Stewart (North Carolina) and were custom made. The new fabric is a seafoam (teal, aqua) and cream chevron. 

This set of chairs was purchased at an antique shop. The fabric came from an estate sale and is a richly colored teal ultra suede on a bonded background. I am going to have to figure out a way to get better photos - these look much too washed out.

I hope you enjoyed this before and after journey!  Let me know what you think of these transformations!

In Praise of American Furniture Manufacturing - Sherrill

Sherrill Wingback in Houndstooth Fabric - Seafoam and Cream - Wydeven Designs

As I look at my current inventory, I am struck by the plethora of pieces manufactured by Sherrill Furniture link to company website.  The pieces are well designed and exceptionally well made!

Since 1944, Sherrill Furniture Company and its divisions have supplied custom home furnishings to Major Furniture Stores and Major Department Stores throughout the United States and Canada. All of our factories are located in the Hickory, North Carolina area. We are very fortunate to have a workforce of skilled technicians who combine time honored manufacturing techniques, and the highest quality materials, to hand build each piece of furniture for your home.

One of the tricks in selecting furniture to refurbish/reupholster is to make sure that the piece is worth redoing - worth spending the time and money to give it one more life.  With the Sherrill name on the label, all of that worry is needless - it is worth redoing! I actively look for the Sherrill label and do craigslist searches for this and other high end labels such as Henredon, Baker, Southwood, Hickory Chair and a few others that are still made in America. Unfortunately, many labels no longer exist and much of the manufacturing has shifted oversees. It's just not the same thing!

Here are some current and recent pieces in my inventory - check out my sales on wydevendesigns.com, eBay and Etsy.

Sherrill Slipper Chairs in Heavy Flocked Fabric - Sold 2011

Sherrill Club Chairs and Ottoman in Heavy Woven Stripe - Wydeven Designs 

Sherrill Tight-Seat Skirted Chairs in Black and Gold Damask - Sold 2013

Sherrill Club Chairs in Seafoam Blue and Cream Houndstooth - Wydeven Designs

I will continue to seek out these great pieces and bring them back to life. For anyone wishing to find good quality furniture to redo, you cannot go wrong with Sherrill!

Before and After - Asymmetric Chaise Lounge with ASCP Finish

Finished Piece - TA DAH!!!  I think this would look great in a foyer, end of a bed or just about anywhere to provide additional seating that is also very interesting!  

Here is my first "before and after" for the year and I am starting with the finished product and working backwards. It features a very unusual chaise lounge that I purchased at Dave Robinson's Antiques (couldn't find a good website to attach - he is located in Miami Circle, Atlanta). Dave originally had a pair of these and sold the first one to someone else and discounted this remaining piece enough for me to be interested. The woodwork was in sad shape - scarred and a muddy brown.  The construction of the piece is exceptional including hand-tied eight-way coils in the foundation which is very unusual for a chaise lounge. Consequently, this piece is quite heavy.

My first step was to select an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) color from my inventory of eight colors. I had recently purchased "cream"- a warm vanilla hued neutral - and decided that I would use it to complement a pale gold textured fabric that I selected for new upholstery. Together, they would create the warm but neutral palette I was looking for.

Photo of chair as I started redoing the woodwork.  The piece has interesting wooden details that I wanted to highlight.

The cream color added warmth to the piece.  I added a slight amount of distressing (softy sanded with a very light touch) to highlight the curves and swirls in the pattern.

I really liked how this piece worked out and have to admit that I've never seen one like it.  

This posting is linked here - DIY Showoff

Before and After - Repaint, Reupholster and Restore

I just got my January, 2013, issue of Southern Living link to magazine website and found an article that could have included ME - "Repaint, Reupholster, Restore: Three Southern Makeover Experts Show That With a Little Paint, Fabric, and Inspiration, There's No Such Thing as a Lost Cause".

I have been refurbishing well-constructed upholstered furniture since 2004 as a business and since I started buying furniture in college for myself - quite a while ago. I could write this article - I could write the book! Here are some excepts that speak to me!

What makes a piece makeover worthy? I look for classic shapes, interesting lines, and special details. Matching sets of chairs are always a good find. Don't buy anything with structural damage to the frame.  Be persistent and shop often.  Leave the upholstery to a professionals.  (emphasis added by me).  Jamie Meares, Furbish Studio, Raleigh, NC link to her website

Why restore old furniture? It gives you a home that is totally unique. I want people to enjoy and use the furniture that has been handed down for centuries. [secret is] great fabrics!  Tara Shaw, Tara Shaw Antiques, New Orleans, LA - unable to open website.

Why do you love vintage furniture? Making over old furniture adds character to a room. Look for pieces that are unique with clean lines. Mix furniture from different eras. I like to use a combination of antiques, mid-century finds, and new pieces. Cynthia Collins, Blue Print and Collins Interiors, Dallas, TX link to website

To illustrate all of these fine points, here are some of my most recent "before and after" examples of restored upholstered furniture.

So inspirational - I think I'll spend this lovely day going around to the thrift and charity shops just to check them out one more time!

This posting is linked here - Wow us Wednesday

A Labor Day Tribute - Upholsterers and Their Magic

In honor of labor day, I want to salute the great work done by my upholsterers, the fabulous Lees of Norcross, Georgia, in helping me execute my passion for refurbishing heirloom quality upholstered furniture to live another day - a GREEN way of decorating.  I am hoping that these images help inspire others to save/buy those well-constructed, mostly American-made pieces of furniture that would otherwise go into our expanding landfill problem.  They truly do not make them like they used to!

Here are some of my most recent transformations - enjoy!

I bought this set of chairs (with three other chairs) from a friends neighbor who was moving - she had inherited some of her pieces from her parents and grandparents.

I bought this set at a neighborhood sale in the Ansley area of Atlanta.

I bought this set off of Craigslist from a widower who was remarrying.   These had been his deceased wife's favorite chairs.

I bought this set (and two sets of wingback chairs) at an estate sale in Alpharetta - a suburb of Atlanta.

I bought this set from a Craigslist add from a fellow Wisconsin transplant.  

My husband and I took a long Sunday drive to the Lake Lanier area of Georgia to buy this chair from a Craigslist ad.

I bought this chair from a shop on Miami Circle - near the Buckhead area of Atlanta. 

This set came from the same sale as the settee below - a moving sale billed as an estate sale.

I bought this settee at a moving sale in the Buckhead area of Atlanta.

Isn't the transformation wonderful and magical!  Unfortunately, the skills required to do fine upholstering work like this are in short supply - it is a diminishing field of expertise.  I hope that it doesn't disappear altogether!

Check out these and other of my refurbished pieces on my website - link to website.  This blog is linked to the following parties - Savvy Southern Style