Sew Like a Pro! Boxed Cushion in Velvet

[@aly27]

Stapling the fabric first just might have saved my sanity. I never would have thought of that. Thank you so so much!

[@lynnscarry8651]

Thank goodness I found you, stapling the cushions is THE most helpful thing I've ever seen. thank you Amy.

[@keithyoung7]

This is brilliant - I recovered our dining room chairs with your help - my wife thinks I did a good job and I have been graduated to the sofa. Thanks.

[@dannycarrington1601]

Using a stapler prevent the fabric from "walking" is a brilliant idea.

[@jrobie8375]

Is that just a regular "paper" stapler or is that an upholstery stapler? cuz yes that is a fantastic idea!

[@TheClipperchip]

NO KIDDING! What a brilliant idea!

[@jenniferhart2705]

Do you leave the staples in? What a great idea

[@OneAdam12Adam]

You're a genius. I would have never thought of stapling the fabric together. I am going to keep researching your website to see if this is something I might pursue in my retirement... You have been very generous in sharing your skills and experience. Best wishes for your continued success.

[@amber8181]

I’m finally attempting my first boxed cushion and I keep coming back here because it’s the best! I’m reupholstering a Bergere Chair so wish me luck!

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Good luck to you!

[@byteme9718]

I watched this from beginning to end and saw how you did everything I would never do and still ended up with a great result. I may even keep my old flatbed for speed instead of putting it on eBay. It's so easy to get obsessed working with leather where the limits for error are so tiny. Sewing has been in my life since I was a kid and my mum had companies making garments where machinists were paid on piecework. I earned pocket money for collecting pieces for the next process or laying up but envy that confidence speed brings that I never had.

[@jerricarter4909]

The staple basting is great but do you take them out later? It made me nervous for you to sew with the staples in. Hitting one with your needle would be bad. The sofa is beautiful ❤

[@PamFisherWorldView]

Love watching you work! It's like hanging out in a master craftsmen's studio. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@deborahhale8110]

Watched several videos on making cushions and you make it possible the others seem more difficult. I've never made one before with a zipper. Thanks a lot for your expertise.

[@solwong1338]

How the material lays and also direction of fibre (and also) stretch is very important for a first class job. Happy you pointed this out and made the video. Another great lesson.

[@ivanbullen4284]

We have a sawing machine at work we do odd jobs on and some work we do is for people who want the odd gash job doing. Stapling your fabric together is a good idea, I'd have never thought of that so thanks, I've learned something today. Also cutting out those corners is something I've not seen before so cheers for that. Like watching you work.

[@bernadetteleewyatt5542]

Wish I had of watched your video first as you have saved my sanity and your way of doing box cushions is bloody brilliant 🙏

[@meganleemccann]

I really like your style of teaching/showing upholstery techniques. I watch a few upholsterers on KZbin and you are my favorite because you are relatable and clear. The tip regarding how velvet lays can make a huge difference in how it looks from different directions is really helpful. Thanks so much!

[@daniellecj3093]

Hi Amy, thank you so much for taking the time to share your expertise. I just make cushion covers and box covers for local business. I have always loathed being asked to work with velvet. I used your technique to make a cover for a long inner - 183 x 73 x 8 cm. I took my time. Measured twice, well three time actually!!! Attached piping to boxing, waited 2 day for stapler and staples to arrive, then completed it today. The cover has turned out beautifully.

[@dianestephenson8528]

Brilliant! Stapling!this is the best video I’ve seen in a very long time.

[@celegleeson1767]

You have given me confidence to have a go at a chair. Thanks so much.

[@dave8456]

Ah, Super cool old Singer machine. Of course, you know that you can just mount on a servo motor? A brushless one! Looks like with a little machine work to the hand wheel. One could adapt a needle position controller, if wanted. All for a little modern twist. It most certainly don't seem as you have control issues with the clutch motor. 👍 I had a couple newer singers years ago, with clutch motors. I found them to be quite annoying. The brushless type of servo motor is extremely nice. (super quiet) Full torque at all RPM's. Stable control! (Brushless Type servo motor)

[@studio316creative7]

Just came across this video. You are a wizard!! LOL Very nice work and I love your antique sewing machine. I have an old Singer Portable from the early 40's that was my grandmother's. It's the machine on which I learned to sew!

[@lindsaygilmore1771]

You work fast. Amazing as always

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

😊😊😊

[@pamelawillis6036]

Box cushions scare me!! You make it look so easy. Wish I could apprentice with you!! Loved the stapler idea instead of pins or basting.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

25 years have made it easy 😉

[@jill552]

I have to go back and watch your last video. That sofa is beautiful. Great video.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thanks Jill!

[@OneAdam12Adam]

Thank you for your recommendations on using KOVI Fabrics. Just placing my order now. Amazing range of serious upholstery fabrics they have on their site. I have been searching for months. I don't know how they didn't show up in searches before but I love their selection. Hoping delivery goes smoothly.

[@marygranville9946]

Thank you for your very informative video. Interesting that you don’t cut your fabric on the bias for your piping?

[@nancymadore4292]

Wow. You make it look so easy.

[@lesleyhiddins2067]

Stunning sofa! Love the corner flutes and the colour. Well done

[@timhmetal3499]

Love your work.... A master class in session. Looks beautiful. Luv ya, mean it!!

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@repentrepurposerefurbish3307]

You're so professional, love love your work. Thanks for sharing.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thank you!

[@MiguelPena-cr5pu]

Wuhoooo gorgeous I thought I know how to upholstery but you are awesome nice to see your videos a love the way how you put the piping straight to the border nice trick that’s way I love this job always you learn something different

[@tracisass4983]

Aimee are you leaving those temp staples in or do you cut off after sewing? Great idea! Better than pins

[@tracisass4983]

Gorgeous. That fabric would give my anxiety lol practically speaking ( I like to flip my cushions) but it IS beautiful to look at!

[@lindaloftus8780]

First time watching your videos. Very educational and I love idea of stapling fabric, never see that done before. Thank you.

[@followingchristforever]

I do much appreciate your videos. I have made my chairs according to one of your instructions. I am from Germany 🇩🇪. Thank you so much.

[@luisomarperez1243]

I’m an upholster I was just browsing around and I’m impressed 🔥 great job 👏🏻 love the Victoria sofa

[@uppersouthriver]

Nice work Aimee. Sewing velvets are definitely harder. I don't sew it the way you do but I would be happy to have them all come out as good as yours.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thanks

[@lisahercock-walker190]

Wow. I really need to try this method of sewing the piping to the border, I always sew it to the main part first. And do you staple them together every time or just with velvet, it must help to get a perfect shape x Thank you for sharing xx

[@melissamack1294]

I have have just witnessed a true artisan at work here, All hail the Box Cushion Queen! So peasants please, You may look…..but please keep your dirty mitts off our Queen’s Green Velveteen Cash Crown! It’s quite delicate and very fragile… We have to rush her crown over to the nearest dry cleaners every time someone actually gets one of their dirty oily fingerprints on her crown you know.🤭 Vielen Dank für das Posten und Teilen dieses informativen Videos.👍🏻🧝🏼‍♀️👍🏻

[@luigibenignochiappero5589]

CONGRATS Miss Aimee!!!!! EXCELLENT Job!!!!! CHAPEAU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@NeoKtisma1997]

Thanks a lot Amy! So sweet to you to share your knowledge.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that!

[@ivanbullen4284]

Awesome old singer. More reliable than some new types.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Yup.

[@asmisallan]

I am going to make sofa and your video is very helpful. Thanks dear

[@rumpelstilzchen8256]

Hello Aimee!! Nice to see you. I upholstered a chusion, Sorry for my English, I live in Germany.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Your English is better than my German! Thanks for watching 😊

[@georgedavall9449]

This Lady knows her stuff!

[@cyberlightbeing]

I was a computer software engineer for over 20 years and I love seeing your wonderful skills! Thank you!

[@1ycx]

Hey boss, I need some recommendations.

[@cristinaferreira2230]

Great job I love the color.

[@abelrromerol9067]

Good job Aimee

[@israaalateyia3055]

You are professional. Thank you you helping me alot

[@noellemccormack314]

Fab job. Are you using a piping foot ??

[@claireedwards6057]

Hi Amy, just want to say a huge thank you for all your superb videos. I've just started a small upholstery business and it was you who inspired me to do so. Hope all is good with you x

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

That’s awesome! Congratulations on your venture 😊

[@chrishowell9499]

Great job looks amazing!

[@ciptauruslindungcommy]

Hi.. Do u have a video tips on how to stitch/mend velvet sofa/velvet hole on a sofa? Plssss do one.. 🤗🤗🤗

[@alhanes5803]

Terrific job Amy! I'm getting ready to recover a pair of bucket seats for a pickup. I have an old bradford machine, and it's like new. I'm going to use a light leather material, and was wondering if this machine will do the job, and do I need a walking foot, or do it just like you???? Thank you!!

[@Cradley684]

Excellent job Aimee, really interesting !!! Brian UK . You have a nice day .

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thanks Brian, have a great day yourself 😊

[@sandiwilson5376]

Beautiful work. You rock 😊❤

[@LittleJordanFarm]

Awesome job lady..I've done a 2 stools with piping first one 5o loose se ond one to tight..lol..guess you got to learn somehow. Great job

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

It took me years to be able to sew a cushion without problems...practice makes perfect!

[@francescababini9472]

Ottimo lavoro. Sei bravissima. Geniale l'idea di utilizzare la cucitrice prima di procedere alla cucitura anziché imbastire o mettere gli spilli. Ci provo anch'io... perché non ci ho pensato prima?

[@orkayen]

Very nice video. I am working on 3+2 sofa. Just started. Should have seen this video a few days ago for the curved sewing. cut it, staple it, and sew it. Very nice tip. What manual stapler are you using? What model is the singer machine? simple but robust machine. Looks like shoe is special.

[@charlynekey6951]

Hello I enjoy your videos I wanted to say thank you so much for your knowledge .i also have a couple of questions 1.did you go to school for upholstery or did you take some diy classes 2.when you started doing it on your own were you afraid to do it by yourself? Thank you for your time

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Hi Charlyne, thanks for your questions. Yes, I went to trade school back in 1994 when they had school for upholstery. In North America, they no longer offer certified upholstery programs. I worked at a shop full time for 3 years before going back to school to study Fine Art. After that, I started working on my own part time doing chairs for people, and it wasn’t scary because I had enough experience at that point. 😊

[@alisontanner9702]

Hi Amy loving all your videos - they give me so much inspiration! One thing I wanted to ask you is about the seam allowance on any seam. Is there a 'rule' about which direction they should be folded or should they be opened? I understand that on a cushion they wouldn't be folded to the area you would sit on but other areas aren't so obvious. Thanks for your videos - you are very generous with your knowledge.

[@TheClipperchip]

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!! You do amazing work, brilliant ideas, love the stapler tip. No more poking my fingers 🙏🏻

[@jjs4x]

Thank you Aimee for another great video! Velvet looks like it’s tricky 😨 Do you leave the staples after you finish sewing or is it a must to remove them? Thank you again! Jason

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Always remove them

[@jjs4x]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio Thank you Aimee for responding. :)

[@cmcer1995]

Hi again Aimee, another video in less than 24 hours, you should make a habit of this, I know you do upholstery not videos so much. After watching your first one and now this one I am not so sure I can do all that detailing that seems to come natural for you. I don't know if you remember, but I have almost the same settee in green velvet that I want to restore. Seeing how complicated velvet can be with the nap directions? Then the cushions too with all that sewing, WOW! I though there was only one. But you are right on needing to get it the right direction or it does not look right as I found out with one of my dining room chair seats. Others don't notice, but I do. So Thank you for doing this piece, it looks absolutely amazing!!

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Haha...I would make videos for everything if I could, but it takes me twice as long to finish my projects when I’m filming! 😉 I’m very glad this video helped you understand velvet a bit better. Your support is much appreciated!

[@cmcer1995]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio I have a question about your sewing machine. Every time I hear you operating it I hear what sounds like a compressor turning on. Are they connected? I noticed that during both videos.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

No that’s just the motor turning on.

[@cmcer1995]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio Oh Ok, I didn't realize the Singer Sewing machine had such a loud motor. Thanks!

[@Jeffreythomas59]

Your good with that old Singer. Actually your great! Gotta love those old machines. 2 questions, do you lock your stitches with that machine and how typically? Aprox. what stitch length do you use?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I don’t typically need to lock the stitches. The machine has no reverse. My stitches are small, I’m unsure of the length, but short enough that they don’t pull apart easily.

[@bethlenz4204]

I’m going to get me a hand stapler,such a good idea

[@HansWahlgren_Stureby]

Very helpful tutorial! I'm m just about to sew three sofa cushions. Smart with staples! Do you leave all the staples, or do you peel them off when you have finished sewing?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Definitely remove them, or they will snag your fingertips. I use a flathead screwdriver to remove them.

[@giselleburningham3204]

Incredibly useful video.. thank you..in tasmania, Australia

[@mendohoney]

would you consider changing from multiple cushions to a single bench cushion? and if so, where would one find springs?

[@lopsided8904]

So do you not recommend using the old covers as patterns? Are you marking with seam allowances?

[@ishopper8625]

Simply amazing! What’s this velvet called? Just wondering if I could get something similar.

[@edwardchapman1914]

I try attaching cording to boxing, following your example.. I looked like the first one out of the clown car at the circus keeping the zipper panel aligned. My thinking always has been to make up any slop in the pockets at the end of the zipper panels. That thinking I would guess out DATED with your method, and staples are used to prevent or control slop. I'll give it a try again

[@wilkbor]

Thanks for the video....I'm extremely impressed with the quality of work that you can do with some relatively simple tools. The quality is clearly the result of years of practice. I have seen videos of bag and satchel makers who have said that a cylinder machine is really handy for sewing three dimensional objects. So all of this leads up to my question: is there any advantage of using a cylinder machine for upholstery? Thanks again for the video.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Hmmm, I guess I’m not the person to ask, as I have never used (or needed) one. There may be advantages, but I’m pretty good at creative problem solving when I need to be

[@hanakaye1682]

The shop I work at has one. We use the cylinder sewing machine to close sleeves for cushions and some pillows. For example if the person wants down feather you have to fill the “sleeve” with feathers and then sew it closed. You may do this by hand but the machine makes it much easier since the casing/sleeve is now fully filled with feather or foam.

[@mayradell3953]

Beautifuljob, thank you for sharing.

[@marykevanjaarsveld7139]

First of all, you’re amazing! I love following your tutorials and your skill level is astounding! I have question about the side pieces. Why do you add the smaller side piece to the zipper, why does the zipper not get directly attached to the boxing panel? Thank you!

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

It’s for two reasons I suppose. 1. The main front panel is usually only as wide as the fabric, 54” which will not be long enough to go around three sides of a cushion, and the zipper doesn’t need to be longer than about 30”. So, to fill in the gaps. 2. It makes it easier to sew this way.

[@valerielongstaff8116]

Stunning!!

[@hevsmithson6574]

Do you use a piping foot on your machine? as when I do piping I do the same as you sew the piping first then add it the the cushion fabric but I find the stitching isn’t close enough to the piping Once sewn all together,Great idea with the hand stapler

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Yes, I always use a piping foot

[@hevsmithson6574]

Thank you

[@israaalateyia3055]

How did you do the front back 😳.of the sofa.please I want to learn it.

[@hanakaye1682]

Do you always finish your cushions by connecting the band last? I personally like to make the band and welt first and use “tab” marks to make sure the top and bottom will match.

[@teresarobb9977]

Where did you get your double piping foot. Trying to find one like you have but so far have only found a different sort that sticks out too far to do corners nicely.

[@matthewsilva8225]

Is that a singer 95-80? If so that is the exact machine my grandmother gave me. I have some questions I hope you can answer. Do you remove those staples? If not... would you recommend do for boat cushions? Amazing work!!!

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Mine is a 96-80. I always remove the staples, it’s really important. The staples will cut you if you’re filling a cushion, and will rust if they get wet. Thanks!

[@matthewsilva8225]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio Cool! Thanks.. Do you use a standard desktop staple remover or the cats paw/pry bar style?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I use a small flathead screwdriver to remove them

[@adelebreton3652]

I love your videos, I've whated a punch of them to help me. Wondering if you had other tips to share. I’m doing upholstery with velvet fabric using a consew industrial machine. My stitches are perfect and well-balanced when a sew two or ever four pieces of fabric in pile. It’s also working perfectly when I do my piping in velvet. But when I join my pieces together, the piping with one piece of fabric, it’s a complete mess underneath! It seams like I’m having tension issue. But no matter how high I increase the tension on top, reduce the tension on the thread under, or ever reduce the tension on the presser foot, nothing works. I just don’t know what to try to adjust anymore. Thank for any tips I can try.

[@Caring7982]

Los hispanos también vemos tus vídeos!

[@nahnahbethr661]

Do you always sew your welt to your boxing before the faces of the cushions???????

[@reecechia1404]

Thank you for your generous advice. I am just about to recover my sofa in velvet. This might be a silly question but did you take the staples out after sewing the cushions?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Absolutely, they will cut you if you don’t. 😊

[@reecechia1404]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudioYes, I sort of thought so but at this stage I take nothing for granted! Many thanks again, I really appreciate your reply.

[@juliebdb3]

Hi! Great video! I might have missed it in the video but where did you get the fabric? Thanks!

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I ordered it from one of my fabric suppliers, Elite Textiles.

[@juliebdb3]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio Hi! I just wanted to say thank you for your amazing videos. I just finished my velvet sofa and I wouldn't have known where to start without your explanations :) I just recommended your tutorials to someone on Reddit who was asking for help with their velvet sofa project!

[@Zahavagold1167]

Stunning

[@edwardchapman1914]

Is that your normal mode, to attach piping to boxing.. rather than to the plates first? Or is that something special or specialty done because it is velvet? I where out my stapler also on mohair and velvet, but never tried attaching piping to the boxing first. Nice job btw.. I am jealous

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Yes, this is how I always do it. I always staple the pieces together as well. The only difference here was switching the piping at the back. Thank you

[@mayradell3953]

Hi Amie, good to see you again!!!! Happy New Year, take a look at Chateau Restoration in France KZbin. That green sofa is beautiful. Thanks for the lesson.

[@Rgb414]

Is that a singer 31-15 sewing machine. I have one, sill working great.

[@repentrepurposerefurbish3307]

Oh, will you answer a question? I want to know if I can reupholster a new fabric over an already existing fabric, or do I have to remove the old upholstered fabric ?? Thanks.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I would never do that, but I know that it’s sometimes done. To me, it’s like putting clean underwear on over dirty...yuck.

[@treeroofgrass]

Wow! Looks great!!! 😎😎

[@mackinacgardens55]

Can you tell us what your tools of the trade are and where to get them? What colors make velvet you prefer and why? Is the manual stapler Something that works best for you or do you just works best at the time? Or do you Always use the manual staple gun?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

The links to the tools I use are in the video description

[@crafty_nerdette]

I don't know if you still check the comments on this video, but after over a month of research and gathering many tools and materials, I have decided to upholster my cushions for my sofa. After watching tons of videos, your method seems most straightforward, and easy for me to understand. However, the only thing I am unclear on is, after measuring the fabric, and cutting it out, you listed only two pieces of fabric that you would cut into 4 pieces for the piping. Why only two? Wouldn't you need 3 pieces for 3 cushions, and cut each in half? I must be misunderstanding something.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

That must be for each cushion.

[@roseconnolly3567]

Hi Aimee, I have a question for you. I have an almost identical vintage sofa as the green velvet one you are working on. It has 3 cushions. I am thinking about doing one large cushion when I reupholster it. What are the pros and cons of doing so? Do you have any tips on what to fill a single large cushion with if I take that route? Thanks for sharing your skills.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

One long cushion could wrinkle more over time. It could also pull up on the corners when you sit in the middle. So, stuff it well with thick, high density foam.

[@bishalchhetri7660]

Hello good have very good idea can you tell me how many meters fabric you used for this size of sofa ( 3 seater)

[@246trixie]

With the piping- do you have to cut on the bias of velvet to make the piping, like with cotton?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Watch my video about bias piping

[@loraparker3235]

Did you cut the piping fabric on the straight of grain or on the bias? Thank you for the detailed assembly

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Straight

[@richregan8911]

I might have missed it but what weight thread do you recommend for upholstery?

[@juancarlosrodriguez9249]

Felicitaciones , espectacular

[@aristepp680]

For the life of me I cannot get all four corners of my cushion cover to look the same. Sometimes sharp and square, sometimes a sweeping arc. What's the trick other than hours and hours of hit and miss practice?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

There are no tricks to learning any skill. It really is just practice.

[@denisethuman1307]

Did you allow for seam allowance???

[@FatimaKhan-gl2ed]

Hi I have a question I have normal domestic brother sewing machine what size of needle I need to stitch the heavy duty velvet like the one you are using ! Thanks I hope you can reply sooner