Figure out HOW MUCH FABRIC you’ll need! Easy, pro tips!!

Are you looking for UPHOLSTERY TRAINING ONLINE? My new website is live! upholstery.life/ will teach you the skills you need to gain confidence in your upholstery career!
I recommend this stapler: amzn.to/3ymbfYN
These staples are compatible: amzn.to/3dDXhX2
This compressor is great for small shops and hobbyists: amzn.to/3eP6I75
Compressor hose is also required: amzn.to/2YKO8Yb
These fitting will be required as well: amzn.to/3ikxTsD
I recommend these scissors: amzn.to/3esKtUk
Important beginner upholstery tools here: amzn.to/38aDJIH
Save your hands!! by using this amazing stripping tool: amzn.to/3hXcHc6
These carbide blades are compatible and will last a long time for staple cutting: amzn.to/3eQIWYG
Metal tack strips available here: amzn.to/38ctaET
Cardboard tack strip here: amzn.to/2BO1b29
Step-by-step instructions for measuring for your upholstery project - by a Pro.
Music by bensound.com

[@nm9412]

You are the first upholsterer to ever have very clear and easy instructions! Thank you so much!

[@katherinesavage7552]

Aimee, I'm always referring back to this video whenever I measure. Thanks for this great tutorial!

[@GettingCraftyDIY]

thank you for explaining this so well! I'm starting with a simple chair with wooden arms.

[@clothingalterations.1965]

Hi Aimee, Firstly I can find honesty in you and that's most important when the whole world can watch your videos. I really enjoyed watching your whole video and you have given basic break-downs how to measure and buy the amount of fabric. I will keep watching and learning plus hoping to do some exciting projects. Highly appreciated 🙏 Thank you

[@dannyl2598]

Thank you. I would have had no idea how to go about that. I enjoy your videos, you do a great job

[@permindersingh2004]

Wow, wow and wow. I have learnt so much from you. I feel I am doing a course of how to do upholstery but in the comfort of my home with the best teacher EVER !!❤

[@nharis1401]

Thank you for this! I measured and ordered fabric today, so thank you for the instructions... Because my fabric is coming from England I ordered a meter extra just encase, if I don't need it I'll just use it to cover a footstool or make cushions.

[@nahnahbethr661]

LOOOVE your channel! This is the best description ever!

[@joyc6945]

Thank you! Visual calculations and the way you charted the drawing was great! Easy Peasy!

[@happychickenify]

Thank you for all the very helpful videos! Would you mind doing one about the business part of upholstery? Scheduling, pricing, meeting with clients, etc. Your experience is much appreciated!

[@elizabethparrish8174]

Really enjoy learning from your videos! Please keep making more :)

[@munirbilal2615]

Aimee! I’m learning a lot from your videos! Your a great teacher

[@lauraknowles3891]

Could you please talk about railroading vs down the roll? I’m loving everything you’ve put out! THANK YOU❤

[@okohkelvin7826]

You are such a good teacher. This video was really helpful. May God bless you

[@jeannen.2222]

Thanks for such clear instructions.

[@wellexpoevents5100]

Such a simple formula to follow. Thanks

[@rodstephenson4693]

Thank you for more clear & consise information. Much appreciated. Nova Scotia & its people are wonderful, your a great addition, but the west coast misses you...

[@lisagrant1469]

❤️ Love, 💕Love, 💗 Love! Thank you so much for creating and sharing these videos. This is exactly what I needed. You are a great mentor. I really appreciate what you are sharing.

[@williammichael2156]

Me too X

[@acrylicavenue6056]

Thank you thank you thank you so much for sharing this information with us. That's so generous of you. Your vids are always so clear and informative. Biggest fan ever ❤️❤️

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

😊

[@katiemclaneak5182]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@Ahwritesam]

Thank you ooooh sooooo much! Best explanation for visual learners!

[@myjavadogs]

That was so clear! Thanks!

[@uppersouthriver]

Good advice, good explanation. If fabric amount is tight I always use a different fabric for decking( under cushion) as well cut your second cushion top in any direction as long as it does not shade badly or look funny. Do this when you have no choice.

[@terrangelica3505]

Very helpful and understandable! Thank you!!!!!!

[@beverleyperkins387]

That's so brilliant!, thank you so much for this video. Very helpful. The chair that I'm measuring up ihas a button back!! How much extra should I add to allow for this? Thank you xx

[@whitw8897]

Amazing tutorial, thank you!

[@redgeminiarts3674]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing.

[@bccabernet]

this is brilliant! TY. I put all of the measurements and mapped it out on excel (since that is easier for me).

[@sharonwilson9520]

so helpful. thank you!

[@jone6635]

Very useful information. Great videos, thank you.

[@jjs4x]

Thank you again Aimee! I’m learning a lot from your videos! Your a great teacher 👩‍🏫

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thank you

[@sharonbower9362]

Great tutorial thank you so much . So helpful.

[@katherinesavage7552]

Aimee, thanks so much, I was using graph paper, but this is so much easier. I do have a quick question. I'm reupholstering bar stools, was hoping you can tell me what this "ribbon" tacked to the sides and tied around the springs is for. thinking I should replace it.

[@moumni1981]

Beautiful explanation

[@waterboy8999]

Thank you lovely lady.

[@opahumi987]

Tq dear Aimee! I did a little bit the same as your method. But yours are more systematics. Its help me a lot even though I've no formal learning on upholstery. Tq from Malaysia.

[@theparson4944]

Great vid ammie. I just twigged that it was your website a couple of years back where I learned this method. I also didn’t realise Canada was metric, every days a school day.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thank you so much for following me for so long! 😊

[@sweets1077]

Very helpful thank you

[@TerrieJohnstown]

This is an excellent video! I like the way you lay out the pieces for the chair on the "imaginary bolt of fabric." It's great to get a visual idea of the process to work from! I'm surprised that the piping is not done on the diagonal. Does that go around corners just as well done on the straight of the fabric?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

You can watch my video explaining bias piping for the answer 😊

[@kenstrohan5089]

Very cool!! Good tutorial!

[@AngelaRipperger]

Thank you!

[@ivanbullen4284]

Love listening to your accent.

[@Bump688]

Thank you. That was a great help. I too work in inches, so your explanation actually sunk in....lol. You have a new subscriber.

[@tanyahutley996]

HI Aimed I want to build a banquette seat off my kitchen bench. I want to do a fluted back piece. How do I calculate the amount of fabric needed to do this? I just watch your video of the fluted armchair which was amazing, but having the old pieces to go by would be handy. This is a new project. Many thanks Tanya

[@marycain5668]

I'm working on a settee. I think there's less pieces same principles. Good tip on talking about the access needed and the measurement listing vertical vs horizontal. Are you accounting for the print and the bias of the fabric?✨✨

[@angelahatfield5683]

Thank you. I only wish I could have seen the whole process and bottom of the screen. You did such a good job in explanation. Thank you Mam

[@ucsolutionsgivingmore]

Hello Aimee, I enjoyed your video I have seen others in the past. You do a really nice job explaining the process. Videos can take a lot of time to produce I know because my son and I do some videos from time to time. I look forward to your next one. Cheers, Paul

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thank you! My son just started editing for me, which makes it much easier for me!

[@tbb7458]

Loved your video! I got my chairs reupholstered with a polyester fabric. The chairs look great, but when I sit on them and get up, the fabric wrinkles. Do you know what my upholsterer did wrong. He notices it too but does not know why? Thanks in advance!

[@bishalchhetri7660]

Hello you making very nice can you tell me how long meter fabric should be buy 3 seater sofa without cushions

[@Jo-AnneMcRae]

Great video. How much extra do you allow for nap in velvet?

[@covenantplace1456]

Upholstery school in brief. Keep the good works.

[@thebrokenbone]

thanks!

[@Cradley684]

Nice bit of Math's Aimee, have a nice day !!!

[@cynergynt]

Thanks so much Aimee, that was very helpful and love your method. I am wanting to make an ottoman and would like to know the best technique for pleating the corners. Is it possible for you to show us how some time in the future please? Cheers Suzi

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thank you, I will try!

[@georgiahamilton4346]

I have a chaise lounge that is in really good condition and it was given to me, but I do not like the yellow fabric. About how much would it cost in labor to re-upholster? I am trying to decide if it's worth it.

[@abelrromerol9067]

Nice explanation

[@MichaelLacher]

It’s nice to see how others figure. I learned a few good shortcuts. I would love to see how you sew the zipper panel. Maybe a video? Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@theparson4944]

Hi Michael sailrite is the best video I’ve seen covering that subject .

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thanks Michael, great idea!

[@claytonpowell5855]

I commented in another post but I had the wrong measurements. In trying to calculate fabric that has theses specifications: Width: 54 Inches Horizontal Repeat: 21.3 inches Vertical Repeat: 25.25 inches How would you use this in your calculations? I was way short in my calculations and then had to cut 4 pieces when covering 5 dining chairs. Thanks for all your videos and help. Sorry don't know how to send picture

[@Woolmouse]

What size piping would you use in a chair like that?

[@madhavsurya5875]

Of all the things,,,I like your smile,,,its so cute, Aimee,,,,,Keep it up.

[@teddy8392]

This was so good to see how you measure. Could you explain and show us how to upholster and match a pattern? I’m going to be doing a settee that is winged and has the rounded arms

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I have that video available on my website upholstery.life

[@teddy8392]

Thank you!

[@steven6068]

Excellent explanation for getting your fabric order. Can you tell us what other pneumatic tools you have and use that are hanging in your shop?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

This brad and narrow crown stapler: amzn.to/2NYMOym

[@charlesqueen8044]

Happy Holidays. I found a Bassett chair which I want to reupholster but I removed the the fabric because I didn't want to bring any unwanted bugs in can I measure for a proper fitting also, I managed to keep the piping so I do know it needs that. Thank you in advance.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Yes, it’s the same process

[@annespurrier125]

I have always cut piping on the bias. It forms much better to curves and corners.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

It’s not necessary. I have a video about bias piping

[@sharonkendricks4777]

I have a problem cutting around seat arms and back slats around top of chairs or sofas

[@chantalsmalley400]

Great Map and explanation. Curious that you use the width of fabric for your cording/welting as opposed to a diagonal cut? Thanks.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Generally, I always cut the piping in the same direction as the rest of the cuts, but I just added a video explaining the times I would use a bias cut.

[@chantalsmalley400]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio thanks! Really enjoy your videos 👍 Also great you’re being a fellow Canadian 🇨🇦 (Manitoba) although I now live in Texas 😊

[@judygamm4579]

Do you have any videos that show how you do the underside/bottom of a chair with the black cambric material?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I believe the parsons chair tutorial, at the very end.

[@bethlenz4204]

Wonderful

[@maggiemurray8522]

Great video

[@banivafaeenia381]

What if I want to use different patterns of fabric? How do I make it easy ?

[@jbarrera9008]

Great vids.. will you upholstery a bucket seat for chevy silverado if possible. Thank you in advance. If not no problem.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thank you...I only do furniture, no auto or boat upholstery.

[@abelrromerol9067]

Good video

[@shannonburns2289]

I see a container of Minwax Antique Furniture Refinisher; is it still available in your part of Canada?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I’m not sure

[@tyshawnparries5957]

I am starting upholstery myself, and I have a quick question how to measure fabric for a moon chair for a beginner like myself

[@bonitarhodes4399]

Where can you buy good fabric

[@UrraSergio]

Hi! I wonder if it will be a good idea to upholster my sofa in parts, and thus be able to continue using it normally during the process. I am an amateur upholsterer (zero projects so far), and I can only dedicate only one or two hours a day to reupholstering. It has 48 years of use and a reupholstering done about 20 years ago. It is in excellent condition, but the cat destroyed the arms with great dedication. Any advice to carry out the project? It will be very welcome and appreciated.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

When you start to remove the fabric, you’ll notice that it has to be pried up everywhere, not just in sections. But, I suppose you could still use it in progress, I don’t see why not.

[@edwardchapman1914]

Thanks for your video. How or I guess what formula do you use for fabrics with large repeats? Say what fudge factor would you use based on large repeats, that is really what kills me. No one wants to buy to much fabric, but..

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thanks, Edward! Another great video idea!

[@danzar1729]

Great video. Thank you for sharing :-)

[@Ian-254]

Hi Aimee ,best fabric to use to attract people..?

[@johnkocolowski6839]

Velcro

[@cmcer1995]

Great video instruction Aimee! If you have a pattern fabric, will this method of measuring work with the limits I thought patterns could cause. I like how you are able to lay-out each piece to add-up how much fabric you will need including piping? Started the video over as I had another question. Do you need to mark fabric left and right too like on arms and sides? Ok, next question. I see you allow an inch bigger on your measurement, and I was wondering should "I" allow more. I know when I was doing dining chair seats I allowed 2" and still ended up struggling to get the fabric around enough to staple. Somewhere else I saw someone allowing up to 4" which I had wished I had done. What do you think? I am glad I decided to watch this video. I had bulk fabric cut, but one end was not square and that threw me off by an inch. Lots of questions, huh?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Marking fabric just at the top is fine. The arms front and back don’t matter unless it’s velvet, in which case you have to look and see if it needs to be turned. I’m planning a velvet video, so more on that later. Yes, for dining seats, allow a couple inches on all sides...a total of 4” at least.

[@cmcer1995]

Thanks for getting back to me Aimee. I am hoping to restore my antique Victorian settee using the same kind of fabric which appears to be the same used on that one pictured antique Victorian chair you re-upholstered to some wild colors for someone. Was that velvet? Is the reason for turning due to the nap?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Yes, the nap causes colour changes

[@cmcer1995]

I thought so, after doing my dining room chairs with black velvet I noted after the second one the other appeared lighter color. Thank you again. Are you going to be doing any other videos?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Absolutely! Happy holidays to you and yours

[@mariesmall2458]

I have noted that you do not create piping on the bias; whereas others advise the bias method. I suspect the way you do it saves on fabric. Given that I am beginner, which method would be best? Thanks so much for your excellent videos.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Bias piping is not necessary unless you are making a cushion with a curved back, particularly if the cushion is down-filled and not foam. Double piping around curves is easier when cut on the bias, but not really necessary. So, yes, save the fabric and cut it straight. Also...stripes always look better lined up on piping, in my opinion, it’s lazy to cut stripes on the bias just to not have to match.

[@mariesmall2458]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio Thank you, Aimee, for your wise advice. I hadn't thought about the stripes issue! So thank you.

[@WakandaBabe]

You don't explain why you put the numbers where you do. I thought at first you put the largest measurement in the left column and add those up to figure out how many yards. But that isn't the case. So how do you decide which numbers go in the left hand column to figure out the yardage? What did I miss?

[@jessicalarreau3647]

Can you not use the old pieces as a pattern instead of measuring?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

This is so you know how much fabric you need to purchase before you start

[@oh8wingman]

I have a problem here. You said you always measure width by height to be consistent. When you laid out your material your inside back and outside back are width across the material and height in line with the length of the roll of fabric. When it came to the inner and outer arm pieces, you reversed the way you measured it versus your layout on your fabric. Since this is going to be striped material, won't your back inside and outside have the stripes running vertical but your arms will be horizontal? I would be double checking that before I cut anything.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I waited years for someone to notice that! Good to see one person paid attention! 👍 gold star to you.

[@ellenkinzer6844]

I caught that first time but just figured it was an error. Glad someone else noticed too. Also, when measuring for piping on the seat cushion, I believe you only measured for the top and not the bottom. Overall, the video was extremely helpful. I also like to draw out the layout so as to not waste fabric.

[@steve10509]

Hey you're canadian! Me too. I own a company called high seas upholstery in Hamilton Ontario. My partner always asks me why I work in inches vs cm haha. Where do you live?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

I’m in Bedford Nova Scotia. Proud Canadian!

[@steve10509]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio ha amazing! Are you on Instagram? I'll follow you from our business account if you do. I've actually learned a lot of different better ways to do things from your videos. "Why..why didn't I think of that..."

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Yes, I’m on Instagram @artisan_upholstery

[@kzukiodenthechad7205]

I'm a new subscriber... but I was wondering if you could do a DIY for the steps of Reupholstering a Reclining Chair (Preferably a La-z-boy but since I've noticed the furniture you tend to care for are of the Vintage Esk Era id completely understand if that request isn't within your means) ... I typed your channel's name along with reclining chair but nothing came up 😕

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Thanks! As a matter of preference, I don’t do reclining furniture so this isn’t something that I’d be able to make a video of.

[@kzukiodenthechad7205]

Artisan Upholstery Studio Welcome 😌... but ohhh alright 😕

[@anaortiz220]

Have questions I have a chair, I want to re upholstery the chair cost $400 and they’re charge me $275 for a slipcover not sure if is Worth it what do you think 🤔

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

That seems like a deal to me. Slipcovers are a lot of work!

[@lauraf8134]

Thanks for a great video. But why divide by 36.

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

36 inches are in a yard

[@85KSD]

Hey why did you / it by 36in?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

36” in a yard

[@hilltopchalet]

Hello - maths is not my strong point! I think that if you divided the total by 39 that would give you the amount of metres required - is that correct? Also if you measured in centimetres you would divide by 100 to arrive at the metres required - is that correct?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Seems correct!

[@barbaramanchester5460]

If the fabric has a pattern how much more fabric will I need, so they all run the same way?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

It depends on the size of the repeat.

[@claytonpowell5855]

I love your videos, Thanks. I just did our 5 dining chairs and didn't know about repeating patterns. It had a 21" horizontal and 43" vertical repeat. How would you use that in calculating what you need?

[@anitapluymen8360]

Oh for a tripod!

[@artsymarsy8480]

You: that is not so you can take it off and throw it in the washing machine-- Me, designing my cushions with zippers exactly for that purpose: >.>

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Just be careful with your fabric choice! Some fabrics are great for the washing machine. Others will make you very disappointed

[@ellenkinzer6844]

Yes, I have washed mine gently in cold water, then air dry. Somewhat risky, but depends on fabric.

[@RosaRodriguez-ep1hb]

isn't the piping cut on the bias?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Hardly ever. I do it on curves only

[@juliejdokelly4533]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio You don’t worry about cushion corners?

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

My cushion corners are perfect.

[@charlieschulz6096]

How big is your cutting table

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Not ideal, but big enough for me. About 60” x 40”.

[@charlieschulz6096]

Artisan Upholstery Studio , how is your workshop set up. And also what size is your stand for working on chairs ! I’m trying to learn more ,

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

Ok, sounds like a good video idea! Thanks 😊

[@Pepsi_Please]

I've watched all of your episodes.😥 Now what do I do? I guess I could floss. Start a new project? Actually finished an old one? Naaa... It's late. I'll floss. 😁

[@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio]

🤣 awesome...I should just make more. 😁 Thanks so much for watching!

[@Pepsi_Please]

@@ArtisanUpholsteryStudio . . 👍Yes please 💖🤗

[@sharonkendricks4777]

I always miss the cut