PARKER KNOLL REUPHOLSTERY | HOW TO UPHOLSTER A CHAIR | UPHOLSTERY FOR BEGINNERS | FaceliftInteriors

In this video we show you a Parker Knoll being reupholstered. We show you how to upholster a wooden chair from start to finish. This is an upholstery for beginners tutorial so even beginners can follow along!
TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO:
Electric Sander - amzn.to/3gsWVoo USA Link: amzn.to/3gjFRkt
Rustins Wood Dye/ Stain - amzn.to/3foI4K9 USA Link: amzn.to/3i1Octr
Rustins Varnish - amzn.to/30jEQ6k
Paint Thinner - amzn.to/30jAYCg USA Link: amzn.to/3gqkj5R
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Bosch Foam Cutter - amzn.to/2EsSifX USA Link: amzn.to/3k0g17g
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Cardboard Strip/ Back Tack - amzn.to/2DbIw13 USA Link: amzn.to/2PjJISL
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Metal Gripper Snips - amzn.to/2OZWvcR USA Link amzn.to/2BSrJ2A
OTHER USEFUL UPHOLSTERY TOOLS:
Staple Lifter - amzn.to/2WVfVEb USA Link: amzn.to/31b3mGc
Carpenters Pincers - amzn.to/3jMQi2f USA Link: amzn.to/2PmjCP6
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Curved Upholstery Needle/ Slipping Needle - amzn.to/309doIF USA Link: amzn.to/2DqIxya
Overlocker - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-534...
Staple Gun - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-534...
Walking Foot Sewing Machine - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-534...
OTHER TOOLS (UK LINKS ONLY):
My Tool Shed:
Combi Drill: tidd.ly/452wnUd
Brushless Combi Drill: tidd.ly/3qvXhEI
Pneumatic Brad Nailer: tidd.ly/4555hvp
Engineers Square: tidd.ly/3OygxcG
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Power tools Direct:
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Curved Locking Pliers: tidd.ly/3Oty8CB
Palm Sander: tidd.ly/47ufmnu
Hyundai Power Tools:
Silent Oil-Free Compressors: tidd.ly/3qwL6Yf
*I fully endorse the tools listed here and I am eligible to make a small commission if you choose to use my links to make a purchase.
Give you old armchair a makeover! In this video we show you how to fully reupholster a Parker Knoll chair. We-start by sanding down the woodwork, re-staining the wood and then varnishing the wood. We then show you how to wet sand the arms so it gives them a lovely silky smooth finish - just what you want for your wooden armchair! We then show you step by step how to upholster a chair. We take you through each step in detail so its an upholstery for beginners tutorial once again!
Please don't forget to like and subscribe to make sure you don't miss out on our upholstery tutorials!
Visit our website: www.faceliftinteriors.co.uk
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Music: www.bensound.com
PARKER KNOLL REUPHOLSTERY | HOW TO UPHOLSTER A CHAIR | UPHOLSTERY FOR BEGINNERS | FaceliftInteriors

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Guys!! Come and follow me over on Instagram too 🙂👍 instagram.com/faceliftinteriors

[@davis5120]

Thank you for a great tutorial video! I only wish we could see the last bit of the back finish and final result of the back. Looks great!!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Ahh sorry Davis - I get worried people will get bored of seeing me repeat myself in videos 🙈 thank you for watching and for your kind words 😊🙏🏻

[@tracysavage5189]

Thanks so much for this tutorial! Managed to upgrade a similar Parker Knoll that I got for a fiver! Loving your channel !

[@faceliftinteriors]

That’s great to hear Tracy! Glad you found the video helpful, thank you for watching 😊👍🏻

[@lorrainesambo6534]

Hello! Thank you so much for this video. Back in February we bought a Parker Knoll chair, almost exactly like the one in the video and finally got around to reupholstering it. This video and the one on how to do the back with the metal backing were the only two we watched before we did it. For our first chair....it came out so good. Would love to send you a picture. Now just need to do the cushion, but will have to give that to a friend who has a real sewing machine!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Lorraine! This is great news!! I love to hear that my tutorials have actually helped people to reupholster their own furniture. I would love to see a picture! Send it over to me on Instagram if you have it? You’ll find me under faceliftinteriors 😊👍🏻

[@trevorcubitt3068]

Brilliant video Neil, much appreciated. We had the chair and material for almost five years then I found your video. Must have watched it 10 times, great detail. Would never have worked out so well - very chuffed! Thank you very much!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Trevor! I’m so glad the video helped you upholster your own chair 😊🙌🏻 thank you so much for letting me know and thank you for watching, it’s really appreciated.

[@hannahalderman9191]

Such a good clear video! I have lost count how many times I have watched this video this week, picking up tips and tricks for my latest project! (2 danish folding armchairs) A few years ago, my Dad and I reupholstered a set of 6 danish teak dining chairs and they look fab, but with this project I want to challenge myself with making my own piping, box seat cushions. I can't wait to get started!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Hannah - it looks like I didn't reply to your comment but I was sure I did, so sorry! I hope your project went well and I'm so glad you found the video of some help!

[@mumandauntyglad]

If you can sew, and make piping.its a doddle.

[@mumandauntyglad]

You will need a piping foot.

[@rayscrafield2106]

Wow! I would not in a million years have chosen that fabric but once it was done, I love it. You do great work and the back of your head does not bother me in the least. Thanks for all your great videos and someday, in my next life, I might be an upholsterer.

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Ray! Thank you so much for your kind comment, it’s really appreciated. Definitely a daring fabric that the customer chose for a Parker Knoll but I agree with you, it looked great! It’s never too late to start Ray!! 😊👍🏻

[@rayscrafield2106]

@@faceliftinteriors Well, at 78, I"m too ripe to learn too much more.

[@CurtisTarwater]

LOL 😂 "Larry" fabric. Nice cockney slang. Very good video - really like the funny russian accent and the McConaughey. Learned some tips on the foam. I'm planning on restoring a vintage MCM Milo Baughman recliner and this is just the ticket. Great Job!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thankyou Curtis! Hope all goes well for you, let me know if you need any help. ✂️ ⛏️🧵📎📐

[@caoimheanglin]

Absolutely stunning!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thank you Caoimhe! Thanks for watching 😊👍🏻

[@gracerichards4904]

Beautiful. Thanks for the demo.

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thanks for watching Grace! 😊

[@Marisol0625]

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful and easy to follow.

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thank you so much Mari! Thank you for watching 😊👍🏻

[@gerardkelly881]

Excellent videos - super helpful, thank you for demonstrating your skills and techniques

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thanks Gerard! Glad you find them helpful. Thanks for taking the the time watch them 😊👍🏻

[@AmandaInEly]

Beautiful job!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thank you Amanda! That’s really kind 😊👍🏻

[@lunarsatsuma]

This is a great video. About to start mine but wondering how you removed the fabric from the back between approx 1.50 and 1.57 min. Do you just cut at it with a Stanley knife?

[@salamandraeest6785]

This is a great video, really helpful. I have a sprung chair possibly from 1940s I was going to replace the springs with webbing. Is that a good idea or should I just replace the springs?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi there! Thank you for watching and for your comment, I really appreciate it! I would say springs are better for a Parker Knoll but there’s no real reason why you can’t replace them with webbing that I can think of 😊👍🏻

[@heatherniven389]

Hi Neil. Love the videos! I have a PK chair similar and am struggling with my cuts around the arms. As there is a slight angle i can't just cut straight across and when I use practice fabric my cut is never at the right angle to allow enough fabric both sides. How did you manage this please? thanks!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Heather! Sorry for the delay is responding! That is a difficult cut, I agree. Send me over a picture on Instagram (if you have it?) and I will try and guide you through it 😊👍🏻

[@londresghani8677]

Fantastic job ❤

[@faceliftinteriors]

That’s very kind, thank you 🙏🏻

[@shabbysuse7821]

Good tutorial!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thank you!! 😊🙏🏻

[@chriscullen4994]

awesome video, Iv'e just done a parker knoll chair to

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thanks Chris! That’s brilliant! How did it go?

[@edpitchforth7630]

Great video. I have the exact same chair and am thinking of giving this a go. You make it look really easy but I am not confident. What depth foam did you use for the cushion? Thanks, ed

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Ed! Thanks for watching and for your comment, really appreciated 😊👍🏻 I used 3 inch foam for the cushion on this one. Give it a go!! You’ll probably surprise yourself 😊

[@katherinelaw3592]

Just found your channel, I’m about to reupholster a Parker Knoll 747 Chair. Thanks for your great video I’ll be referring back to it no doubt. 👍😊

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Katherine! I’m so glad you found the video helpful, thanks so much for watching! Good luck with your Parker Knoll chair, let me know how you get on 😁👍🏻

[@katherinelaw3592]

FaceLiftInteriors Thanks, can I just ask, is the white foam easily available?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Yes, you can get upholstery foam on amazon and Ebay...you’d need 2inch soft white upholstery foam for the back and then 3 inch blue foam for the seat as it’s slightly firmer and better for seats. Hope that helps 😊

[@katherinelaw3592]

FaceLiftInteriors I wondered what the difference was, now I know. Thank you 🙏 Keep positive, good luck with your business.😊

[@zoeflanagan4684]

@@faceliftinteriors Thanks for your video, its been really helpful! I'm ordering some pre-cut foam and was wondering how I should measure my chair for it? Thanks!

[@perdiejones1209]

Hello I’ve watched quite a few of your videos and have started exactly the same Parker Knoll chair. For the piping I’ve seen on another one of tutorials about cutting bias. I’m going to use the same material for the whole seat. How much extra material do you recommend I buy to enable me to do your technique for cutting bias. I hope this make sense? The tutorials I’ve watched are really helpful 😊

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Perdie - thank you for taking the time to watch my videos - I really appreciate it! With this style Paker Knoll, it doesn’t take much piping at all (just the outside back and the cushion) so I wouldn’t order extra fabric and use the left overs that you have. If you want to be safe, get an extra metre but shouldn’t need anymore than that...I hope this helps 😊👍🏻

[@tylervollick6634]

Thanks for this! Building a kitchen banquette and I'm hoping to use a lot of these techniques. On the bottom of the outside back, did you just staple the fabric to the bottom of that curved piece leaving the bottom rail exposed? Thanks for all your content!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thanks Tyler 🙏. I stapled it under the curved rail so it's hidden from the 👀! 🙏✂️📐⛏️🧵

[@juliahartshorn2473]

Re frame rub-down, after you've used the sander on it, what is you are doing with the air-line, is it to blow the dust off before wiping the frame down, or is the airline some sort of additional build-up removing technique before the wood staining?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Julia, I was using it to blow the dust away after sanding.

[@dawnbeaven6655]

Hi, please can you help me with replacing the tension springs in the base of this chair. I have an old rocking chair which has covered tension springs which are very slack, the back springs are fine. How do I measure for new springs? I want to put a foam cushion seat instead of the sprung cushion which is shot and not the right shape. How much bigger than the seat should I cut the foam and what sort of foam should I use? Thanks for your help.

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Dawn - sorry for the late reply. For the springs I would measure across where the springs attach and then go about an inch or two smaller so they have some tension. For the cushion I usually go and inch bigger front to back and an inch bigger side to side and I would use a high density seat cushion foam. Have a look at my video on foams and grades if you need any further info... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJPJmaeIhZiaf7M I hope this helps 😊👍🏻 let me know if you have anymore questions!

[@karenaltmann7689]

Do you have a tutorial for reupholstering a steel framed mid century couch. I have a flyer surfboard back that has ok’d springs that don’t cut it anymore and I was going to web it but I don’t have anything to staple to so I’m stumped what to do. There aren’t any tutorials on KZbin that I can find.

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Karen! Sorry for the delayed response. I’ve not reupholstered a steel frame before myself but send me a photo on Instagram and I’ll let you know what I would do...or try to be of some help lol

[@emilymartin2723]

Thanks for such a great video! Currently pulling my own chair to pieces and this is going to be a great help putting all back together again! Can i ask what depth of foam you used for the back?

[@emilymartin2723]

And also what density? Thank you!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Emily! I use 2 inch white foam on the inside back 😊 white foam is soft, not seating grade.

[@lorrainegemigniani6380]

Do you have a video that shows seat pads with springs, or chair bottoms with springs? SPRING INFO is what I am after. Thank you!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Not yet I apologise. Will try to do one soon! 😊👍⛏️🧵✂️

[@debbielewis9789]

I've been given a poorly treated child's parker knoll chair, I've sanded it back so far it's been left outside for god knows how long I've stripped the seat too. It's got 2 deep cracks where the arms end at the front, what would you do to these? Its obviously warped badly and it's put together with all wood pegs rather than nails etc. I'm going to do what you've done for the stain etc but do you have any tips as to what else it might need to be treated with. I've a lot more smooth sanding to do to it yet 😂 it's probably taking me longer than youve taken to do this full size chair, ive never restored anything like this before, so ive no idea what im doing juat watching lots of videos like yours

[@aileenchilvers8447]

Hello, I'm hoping to follow your instructions for this fairly soon, thanks for such a detailed video and materials list! Roughly how much dacron and hessian would be needed for a chair like this please?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Aileen! Thank you for watching, I’m glad you found it helpful! I would go for 4 metres of Dacron (6oz is usually what I’d go for for the outside and inside back and then 9oz for the seat) and then 2 or so metres for the hessian. Hope this helps 😊👍🏻

[@aileenchilvers8447]

@@faceliftinteriors Thanks so much, that's really helpful!! :)

[@gillianjohnston8059]

Hi Neil Great job on this chair. How much fabric did it take to do?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Gillian! Thank you so much! I think it took around 3.5 metres but I’d say 4 metres to be on the safe side.

[@gailrandle7011]

I watch all your videos. I’m interested to know meow about the air staple guns. If you were to buy one length of nose, which would it be. I’m trying to keep the initial outlay to the most cost effective. Thanks.

[@faceliftinteriors]

Drop me a dm on Instagram and I can send you some pictures of the staples I use. I can't attach images to comments on here. 📸✂️📐⛏️📎🧵

[@jenscarff8020]

I have a Parker Knoll wing back chair (PK 924/5/6). I am reupholstering it however the side panels have been removed somewhere in it's history. It obviously needs flexible panels that insert into a slot on the underside of the wooden arms. I'm trying to work out the order of play to get these covered and inserted. The chair is not that different from the one above except it has covered side panels. Lots of Parker Knoll models seem to have this design but I can't find anywhere that shows the best way to cover. It's a long shot but can you help?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Jen, have you got Instagram? If so, send me a picture of the chair and the issue you’re having and I’ll try to assist you as best I can 👍🏻

[@jenscarff8020]

@@faceliftinteriors Hi Neil - Thank you for replying so quickly. I've sent you some pictures and a message on Instagram.

[@DirtySnales]

Your head shows up more times in your video than your chair 🤣 but the chair looks absolutely MINT. Those colours are burning my eyes but it looks really cool. Well done mate on the frame prep and upholstery bit, it was nice to see you using some elbow grease . Keep them coming

[@faceliftinteriors]

🤣🤣🤣 mate, I couldn’t believe it when I watched it back to edit how many times it blocked the shot 🙈 need to work on that! Thanks a lot man, looking forward to your next one 👍🏻

[@spinksy35]

Hi neil great job as always. Just wondered who you got your fabrics off as im struggling to get hold of a sample book for a good continuous supply for customers 👍

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Iain, I have accounts with Warwick, Ashley Wilde, Linwood and a few others. I have to buy the books from them but they’re really good and high quality. I also have an account with Covertex - they do loads of upholstery fabrics for good prices!

[@spinksy35]

@@faceliftinteriors thanks Neil ill have a look. Im looking for a small industrial sewing machine too. That other one was pants 👖 🤣🤣

[@angeladunlop3514]

Hi, video is great - what thickness of foam did you use for the seat cushion?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Angela! Thanks so much! It’s 3 inch blue foam on the seat cushion 😊

[@angeladunlop3514]

@@faceliftinteriors thanks!

[@faceliftinteriors]

No problem 😊👍🏻

[@Michelle-Makery23]

Please can you cover replacing the tension spring under the seat?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Michelle - I will make a video when I get one in 😊🙏🏻

[@jaxlancaster2441]

Hi Neil, I have upholstered chairs of my own before but am not an upholsterer. I have been asked to re-upholster a Throne chair for a friend. It had already been stripped down to bare bones so I have no knowledge of what it looked like before or how the upholstery was done in the first place, i.e. if it was sprung, elastic webbing, buttoned, foam, cotton wadding, horse hair etc I've looked through a lot of your video's to see if you have done a throne chair before but so far I haven't found one and I've not found one similar to the one I mention on KZbin either. Any advice would be much appreciated as I'm trying to establish an order of work before I start as I may need to buy materials or tools I need. It is huge and taking up my living room at the mo and I can't move it as it won't fit through my doors! In anticipation of receiving some of your wisdom...Thank you so much! :)

[@user-dl8ux4up6m]

Be creative

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi there! Do you have Instagram? If so, send me a picture of the frame in a DM and I’ll try my best to direct you on how I would approach it. It’s hard to say without seeing it 😊

[@tinajones8796]

I have a Froxfield parkerknoll have no idea where to start any tips 😃

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Tina! I’ve never actually done one of those myself but the best way to learn is to strip off the old fabric and copy that on to the new fabric. Making mental notes of how it was put on as you go - hope this helps 😊👍🏻

[@juliahartshorn2473]

Can't see the link in the description you mention for viewing how this metal back strip/grip is applied?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Julia, sorry for the delayed reply, I didn't receive a notification of your comment. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJOpk32AbJuFiNk

[@queenbvanity727]

Is a what is the name of the fabric or where they get it from..

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi there! It’s by Style Library called ‘All about me - Kaleidoscope’

[@sandybush1661]

I'm confused about the bottom. So, it's just those springs across there with a cushion on top?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Sandy - we didn’t film it but we did create a platform (there wasn’t one before) with half inch foam and platform lining on top of the springs.

[@davidwilliams8630]

@@faceliftinteriors Hi. Great channel, new Sub here :). I have a Parker Knoll 773 which looks pretty much the same as the one you did in this video. I plan to just use your video to follow when i get around to doing it. I am a unsure about the seat cushion though (sorry for being a bit stupid). My PK just has a cushion directly over the springs, you mention putting a platform on yours. Is this made of plywood or something? So would it go : springs, lining, platform board, cushion ? Or have i got that completely wrong? Thanks Dave

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi David! Thank you so much for subscribing, it means a lot 😊👍🏻 so you don’t actually have to build a platform as this chair also originally had the cushion on top of the springs - I believe they’re designed that way. However, if you want to build a platform... cut two pieces of lining fabric the same size as the seat (they will lay on top of each other), sew them together (3 sides only) place a piece of half inch foam in between the two pieces of fabric and staple down all four sides to the seat. Then the cushion can just lay on top of that. I hope I’ve explained that clearly enough 🤣 let me know if you have any questions 😊👍🏻

[@davidwilliams8630]

@@faceliftinteriors Ah i got it, that's perfect, thanks. You explained that just fine :) I just wasn't sure what you meant by platform so imagined a solid one! Thanks very much and keep up the good work. Looking forward to giving this a go, just need to watch your video a couple more times for confidence! Nothing like preparation :) Thanks very, Dave

[@faceliftinteriors]

David Williams Glad you understood - I’m terrible at explaining via writing 🤣 good luck with your chair! If you have any questions along the way, let me know and I’ll try my best to help you 😊👍🏻

[@johnsabaku2257]

You have great videos about furniture restoration. What's up with the Mexican comment in the beginning?

[@faceliftinteriors]

Thanks John. I hadn’t long been back from Mexico and couldn’t get over how hot and humid is was out there (it was my first time there) so was comparing the heat in the UK at the time of filming to the Mexican heat 🥵 us Brits are definitely not used to hot weather as we have no air con!!

[@marianokane3589]

Was watching to learn how to do the top corners of the chair back...that part appears to be skipped over.Pity,as was enjoying the rest of the video.

[@cordeliablakeslee7964]

I'm sure you will find amazing woodworking plans on Stodoys.

[@sofiamorgan6644]

So why would it be fine if you were Mexican and it was hot? Such a racist remark!!

[@faceliftinteriors]

Hi Sofia - it’s not a racist remark?! I had not long been back from Mexico and couldn’t get over how hot and humid it was out there (I’d never been before) so I was comparing the heat at the time of filming to the Mexican heat 🥵 us Brits are not used to the hot weather and we don’t have air con!! And I’m assuming people who live in Mexico are used to it? FYI - Brits are not racist against Mexicans…it’s not a thing here 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lesliea.3829]

I am glad you explained that remark. Americans have to be reminded that we live in one of the most racist countries in the world. I am Black and the comment threw me off as well but I reminded myself that you are not American. I am enjoying your videos! Thank you again for explaining the comment.