How to Reupholster a Wingback Chair! PART 3: How to Install Webbing in the Seat - Thrift Diving

PART 3 of 10: In this video, you'll see some final steps to tearing down this wingback chair, along with how to add webbing to the wingback chair seating area. I also started planning for how to put springs in the chair. ALSO, I share with you in this video the fabric I have chosen for the new chair! In PART 4, see how to tie 8-way hand tied springs.
I started a reupholster class (6 sessions) and decided to reupholster this wingback chair that I had bought years ago from the thrift store for $60. Subscribe because I'll be posting along the way all the great professional reupholster tips and tricks I learn! You don't want to miss the finished project!
A big THANKS to G Street Fabrics upholstery instructor for allowing me to film and document this process. I appreciate it!
/// CLASS INFO ///
Register for upholstery class if you're in Maryland, DC, or Virginia (click on Reupholstery). Tell the instructor that Serena sent you!:
thriftdiving.com/upholstery-c...
/// FABRIC ///
BUY THE FABRIC (affiliate link): thriftdiving.com/bluevelvet
/// WATCH THE ENTIRE SERIES ///
PART 1 - Reupholster a Wingback Chair - Tear Down a Wingback Chair:
• How to Reupholster a W...
PART 2 - Reupholster a Wingback Chair - Tear Down a Wingback Chair (CONT):
• How to Reupholster a W...
PART 3: Reupholster a Wingback Chair - How to attach webbing (and see what fabric I'll be using!):
• How to Reupholster a W...
PART 4: Reupholster a Wingback Chair - How to Tie 8 Way Hand Tie Springs:
• How to Reupholster a W...
PART 5: Reupholster a Wingback Chair - Sewing the Burlap and Creating an Edge Roll With a Blind Stitch
• How to Reupholster a W...
PART 6: Reupholster a Wingback Chair - Sewing the Seat and Arms
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ8O4...
PART 7: Reupholster a Wingback Chair - Completing the Seat, Front, and Beginning the Arms
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_93DE...
PART 8: Reupholster a Wingback Chair - Finishing the Arms and Wings
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmM_l...
PART 9: Reupholstering the Back and Outside
• How to Upholster a Win...
PART 10: Sewing the Seat Cushion, Refinishing the Feet
• PART 10: How to Reupho...
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Serena Appiah
P.O. Box 463
Spencerville, MD 20858

[@ThriftDiving]

Here's the fabric I'll be using to reupholster the chair (affiliate link): thriftdiving.com/bluevelvet

[@jacquelynnmartin]

Thrift Diving gotta love all things Jaclyn Smith😍

[@ShayyLovesSoup]

I may have missed it, but how many yards did you use?

[@nickstudenski]

Great video! I’m working on a reupholstery project and I was looking for blue velvet just like that! The link you posted doesn’t seem to lead to a product though. Could you re-post the link?

[@summertime8879]

I love the fact that he circled where the springs belong for you - that was Awesome!!!

[@MrJayyangie]

Just found a free wingback chair. They bones are in good shape. But this seems like an expensive and very time consuming project. Thanks for the videos.

[@23lESHt0WN12]

To buy that chair for $60 then still spend +$150 on Materials is crazy! I’d just buy it knew. I’m here because I found two chairs just like on the curbside by my house so instantly thought “DIY”! Traded my car for my dads pickup & wuala here I am. Mine doesn’t seem that difficult thought. So far I’ve just skinned it & man was that thought! I got blisters on my hands😰. Can’t wait for the finished project👏🏻🙌🏻

[@kaiblack3334]

Now we understand why it cost so much to reupolster, the time it takes and the materials. Good information to know. Look forward to seeing the end result. Yes the fabric is beautiful. 😁😁

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, exactly!!! I have a totally new appreciation for upholstering. I asked the instructor recently how long it would take a professional how many hours it would take them to reupholster a wingback chair like mine and he said, "About 5 hours." WHAT!!! We all burst out laughing because it has taken me HOURS! Hilarious....But still, at 5 hours, that's still a ton of work for a chair like this.

[@lexylily]

I love this series. It's very informative and calming. I can't wait to see how the chair turns out!

[@ThriftDiving]

Aww, thanks! I can't wait to see how it turns out, too! LOL

[@mimisabatino1375]

Such patience! I would have just bought another chair by now. But the finished piece will be close to your heart. You just about made the whole thing!

[@ThriftDiving]

HAHA, Mimi! I know, right! But it's so exciting seeing the inner workings of a chair like this. Once you peel back the layers, it all seems so less intimidating now! I love learning new skills so it makes me happy. And you are so right--once I am done this, no one will get to sit in it except me! LOL

[@darniataylor7749]

I love seeing this process step by step as you do it. I wish I could do something like this, but I suck at measuring. Tfs & enjoy your weekend.

[@ThriftDiving]

If you use the same pieces that come off the chair, there shouldn't be much measuring! I'm glad I have the instructor to guide us, though! :)

[@ungratefulbastard8166]

I love ❤️ how smart and practical you are . You are a beautiful motivation to other ladies , to face a little more complicated projects . I love how you learn and teach your video at the same time . Thank you ! You are lovely 😊

[@nharis1401]

I so appreciate this series you've done, I'm about to do a chair with springs and there's no class in my area and hardly an upholster to be found (a dying art) so this is perfect. Thank you for the effort🥰

[@ThriftDiving]

YAY, so glad that I filmed this for you! :)

[@naturalgalwilliams]

Once he pulled out the ruler and the two of you started talking in "measurements", I blanked out drool and all.... LoL

[@ThriftDiving]

I did, too!! I had no idea what to do. LOL

[@AllThingsVon1277]

Natural Gal Nichol "I kno right" I never do measurement, which I lack accuracy in some of my projects.

[@d.j.holohan4897]

Same

[@pralinemocha]

fantastic video! Can't WAIT to see what it looks like when it's finished! And that fabric is so nice!

[@clairemiller9897]

Looks fantastic! I'm learning a lot from your instructor just watching the video.

[@ThriftDiving]

Claire Miller Yeah, he is awesome! I may very well sign up for the next session too. I think I need to!

[@violeteyes39]

I love the fact that you don't just go and get someone else to just do things for you you actually go out and learn how to do certain projectsits great

[@ThriftDiving]

It's so much more fun learning how to do it! I still need to finish the chair. I am going to sign up for more classes!

[@curtainsup9]

That us a very old chair. You can tell from the tacks...and the horsehair...and the rotten webbing, etc. it is a wonderful chair! that is edge-roll

[@jamesbradley4534]

Loving what you’re doing to the wingback chair. Keep up the great work !

[@ThriftDiving]

Awww, thanks, James! That means a lot! This is SUCH a fun project! Expensive...time-consuming...but a great learning experience. I see the end in view! LOL

[@ashleighnt]

James Bradley uiiu

[@lornashandmadesoaps7034]

It's coming along well. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThriftDiving]

I know, I can't believe I'm FINALLY making progress! I had upholstery class yesterday and the teacher taught me how to get started tying the springs together! So exciting! :) Can't wait to share the progress soon.

[@pamayers8681]

I absolutely love this series.

[@cdixon2011ify]

I have been waiting for you to post this video. Your instructor is very detailed oriented. I am loving this and learning some great tips! Thank you for sharing. I am excited to see how the chair looks with the beautiful fabric. See you soon

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks! It's a slow process but coming along! I can't wait to be done to see the finished project, too!

[@MAHWL]

Good job!!! And love blue!!! That fabric is gorgeous 😉

[@lyndamadrid-miller695]

Very interesting for the webbing and springs!,

[@donnam.dominick5576]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series! Even if I never do end up tackling something like this myself, it is definitely giving me an appreciation and respect for those that do it! And if I do get off my best intentions and reupholster, I'll have your very good videos to guide me. Thank you.

[@ThriftDiving]

A couple women in the upholstery class and I said the same thing yesterday! We were talking about how expensive it is to get something professionally upholstered and how we always thought it was waaaaaay too expensive. Now that we're tackling these type of projects, now we know why!! LOL It's been a great learning experience and I am super excited to see the finished results. Thanks for following along!

[@spicyingrid1]

Thank you trying to reupholster mine by myself so this video is very helpful

[@MakeupForMatureSkin]

Wow you're so lucky, I'd love to take a class like this!

[@ThriftDiving]

I was just thinking that the other day, Anne! I was thinking, "Man, back when I worked outside of the home, I never imagined I'd have time to do this type of stuff." And to be doing it now, what a dream come true! :)

[@MAHWL]

Yes!!! If you can't find a class near you find an upholstery shop and try to volunteer if you have the time!!😉 i had volunteered at the shop on the corner of my street but still haven't done an official upholstery job 🤔

[@elmyra.jackson]

MariaRChiJones That's a great idea!!

[@azurafae]

This looks complicated, but totally worth all the time and lessons. I'm enjoying this series.

[@ThriftDiving]

Yeah, it's complicated, but when you peel back the layers (literally), you find that it's not THAT complicated. The complicated part will be putting it all back together again! GASP! lol. I'm glad I took lots of video to reference! LOL

[@KarenPrudensLetsStitchMakeup]

This is very interesting to find out how the chair is made. I like the detailed videos you are making on each step. So interesting. Thanks for taking us along on this reupholster adventure! Have a great weekend! :-)

[@ThriftDiving]

Karen Pruden You are most welcome! Thank you for following along!! :)

[@jackylono]

wow that fabric is gorg!

[@jacquelynnmartin]

I am simply exhausted watching this and it's only episode three! It's compelling though. I have to see what the result is. Thank you for taking us along with you and your instructor.

[@ThriftDiving]

LOL, it IS a lot of work, Jacquelynn! But sooo much fun! I can't wait to finish and see what it looks like and show you guys how it turns out! :)

[@jaclynisveracious]

A crazy amount of work!

[@DODITOvlogs]

I’m having a tea as I watch the whole process and I have to say I’m loving it

[@roxyspence]

I LOVE the fabric! Really great choice.

[@ThriftDiving]

The fabric makes me sooo happy! I seriously can't wait until I get to the fabric stage! SOON! SOON!

[@naturalgalwilliams]

We're almost done!!!! I'm so looking forward to seeing the final outcome!

[@ThriftDiving]

Me too!! I just signed up for another round of upholstery classes because I totally am NOT anywhere near done that chair. I need that man's help to remind me how to put this chair back together. HA! :)

[@junknista]

LOVE crushed velvet!

[@mariasdecoranddiy2102]

I always imagined you just put new fabric on top of the old..

[@natashaverbaan7724]

Yess part 3 thank you Serena. I had to pose before I watch to comment coz I know the end result is going to be amazing!! Have my cup of tea let me watch!

[@ThriftDiving]

Hope you enjoyed the video, Natasha! STILL not done, but it's coming along! I had class yesterday and the instructor taught me how to tie down the springs and how to start tying them together! A little confusing when typing them together but I'm learning! I'll show you guys very soon!

[@TealCheetah]

I vote next time, you take a wood working class and tackle a chair from scratch! :D

[@hootenanny1001]

Dear Serena.....thank you for posting......

[@ThriftDiving]

You're welcome!! :)

[@rdaws73]

Excellent series

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you, Ryan!! Glad you like it!

[@DoodyBugg]

Awesome!!!! 👍🏽

[@MAHWL]

Oh i just saw a wingback chair my boyfriend inherited when his sister passed a few years ago in his storage and its beautiful but can use some TLC so let's see if I can do her some justice when we finally get her home... we're almost done emptying the storage (from our recent move)😃

[@lindsayorwig2368]

That part in the front is called an edge roll. Not something fancy. So excited for your new experiences!

[@ThriftDiving]

Ahhh...thank you, Lindsay!! Who knew! :) It's so much fun learning all about this! How long have you been upholstering furniture?

[@MsMOLLYKINS]

Wow I was looking for you yesterday. I thought maybe I'd missed it lol woohoo xoxox

[@ThriftDiving]

Molly Mayor Awww... how sweet! You didn’t miss a thing! I’ve been busy so I haven’t been able to post as often but I’m back! :)

[@MsMOLLYKINS]

Thrift Diving just happy you are ok. It's a busy time of the yr happy just to see the next step . Xoxoxo

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks for worrying about me! I know...I did daily videos in October and then November got busy! I hope to start daily posting again in January! :) Have a great holiday, Molly!

[@MidwestViewer]

With the hand tied springs and horse hair- I’d say it’s probably early 1900’s in date at least.

[@MAHWL]

Oh one more p.s. lol and your videos will be very helpful ao thank you.. happy holidays!!!

[@ThriftDiving]

MariaRChiJones Happy Holidays to you! I think redoing that chair would be a great gift for honoring his sister!

[@MAHWL]

Thank you Serena.. i would definitely like to do something special to honor her... i think he would appreciate that 😇

[@ThriftDiving]

He definitely would!

[@funsizecreations830]

You are the queen of voice overs #newsubie Thank you for these videos Omw to part3

[@UFOENGINE]

Hi, could you please tell us what length of staples did you use for attaching the webbing?

[@CorgiPond]

Are there more than 3 videos to the series?

[@edieheirrisheiris881]

Omg I got a sofa free from someone on craigslist. The frame is dated 1896. I'm relatively sure its the original fabric. I thought maybe I'd see if I could somehow reupholster it myself or just fake it with foam. Now I'm thinking maybe I'll get quotes for how much it'll cost for someone else to do it. lol

[@ThriftDiving]

LOL, it's a lot of work! :)

[@DoodyBugg]

Serena, I swear I just saw you on a Duluth Trading commercial! If that isn't you, you have twin! LOL

[@ThriftDiving]

Yep, that was me in the commercial! I'm one of their models. :)

[@MrBluidevil62]

a good idea takes the stuffing put in a pillow case then soak it in some fragrance you like. Do not know how long then wash it maybe that will get rid of horse barn smell

[@Bridiebri]

The spring bags and string were different underneath so I wonder if the last upholstery was to repair the bottom part of the seat and to change the fabric in ‘99

[@ThriftDiving]

Hmmm...I don't know. It look like it's been some time since it had been done! I really want to finish this chair but so many other projects have come up that I really don't know when it will get done!

[@88icryspy]

Im curious if you could wash all the cotton padding inside to reuse and cut down cost a little?

[@ThriftDiving]

That's a good question! I think if you're careful about it, perhaps you could?? Or at least toss it in the dryer to "kill" any smell, but maybe put it on a gentle setting!

[@malissawhite4569]

This looks like a LOT of work BUT fun.

[@ThriftDiving]

You are so right--a LOT of work, but it's fun, too! I like that it's there for me to work on once a week during class for 4 hours and then I put it up and don't work on it during the week. LOL. It's a total non-stress, no-due-date project. Ahhhhh..... But I do need to do some homework this week--gotta get those springs in!

[@mrbells8998]

how does the wood have any structural integrity left after it has been riddled with so much nail holes and staple holes etc/!!

[@juneaskew6871]

HI, What happened with the garage project for November??

[@ThriftDiving]

I am just now finishing it up! I haven't videoed it because I haven't had much time. But the garage door opener is in....the floor is painted...and I just need to finish painting the ceiling tomorrow and add a coat of glossy topcoat to protect the floor. THEN...move tools back into place! Whew! All that...AND an upholstery project going on!

[@hummernewsnetwork2026]

Can you reupholster over the old fabric with new fabric if the chair is in good condition and then just staple the new fabric over the old?

[@ThriftDiving]

Yep, you can definitely do that. That's what the instructor suggested I do when we started this project, but I didn't want ANY of the nasty, smelly old fabric under my nice new fabric, so I wanted to remove it all. If your original fabric is in good condition and isn't smelly and yucky, by all means, reupholster over the old parts if possible!

[@michellebell4672]

Hi just curious to know do you sell the furniture after you remake them?

[@ThriftDiving]

Nope! I usually keep everything in my house, or maybe give some of them away to friends and family.

[@LadyLuvGemStones]

👍👍

[@Shiznaft1]

Pretty sure that chair is older than 1999...

[@susanahlstrom1953]

The horse hair makes me think you have an antique wingback chair from the 1800s. Actually my first hint that it might be a real antique was the shape of the wings.

[@fullstrutn]

It could be older ,,looks like quite a few nail holes[tacks] It could be the second upholstery you're tearing off

[@marielenalinartes-arauz7187]

Where is this place ?(City and state)

[@ThriftDiving]

It's in Rockville, Maryland! Look up G Street Fabrics.

[@edgarsantiago379]

16:35 dimelo

[@candyluna2929]

Burlap also contributes to the odor

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, it does. Burlap is stinky-stinky! Imagine how it smells when it ages. Bleh! :)

[@leetysinger9860]

I wonder if you could use maybe muslin instead of the burlap?

[@naturalgalwilliams]

Ahhh.. it's naked!

[@AllThingsVon1277]

Actually the wing back chair I fear of doing. It looks so complicated.

[@gloriaadu5485]

when taking an upholstery class you strip at home it will be less expensive also save all the fabric it will be a good thing to take it off with care so you can see how to cut the fabric different teacher teach different

[@ThriftDiving]

Gloria Adu You are so right. However, I was quite the lazy student! 😂 I was bad about tearing down at home and used class as my time to work on the chair! I will get better about this! Lol

[@ThriftDiving]

Gloria Adu Oh, and definitely save the fabric. I chose not to save this fabric because I want to learn everything from the bare bones and up, like how to properly fit the fabric from “scratch.” But typically I save the fabric. It’s easier that way!

[@naturalgalwilliams]

Did you wash the hair?

[@ThriftDiving]

I haven't! I think I am procrastinating....LOL

[@eirinis7562]

Old coins used to be made out of real silver

[@MA-yv8dw]

Y 16 dumbs down?😳😂😒 great vid to learn how to rr-upholster a chair 😒

[@TealCheetah]

Honestly I feel like, easier/faster/cheaper to make a new chair from scratch. o.o You've done everything except cut the frame for it out of wood.

[@ThriftDiving]

HA! Oh, you have NO idea, Lilly! I have said the very same thing after I got down to the bare bones! I told the instructor the same thing: "You know, after seeing what the inside of this chair looks like, I should have just creative my own chair." HA! One day I likely will, since it clearly isn't too difficult once you see the innards! :)

[@jabezbroadhead4847]

I’m a third generation upholster, so... First I’ll say you did a good job. Love the fabric too. Wanted to point out additional options. there was a lot you could have left in place and simply reused. Often if the springs aren’t shot and the old fabric isn’t ripped n jagged -you can reupholster over the old fabric, usually just by opening the back edge on the bottom + Use a razor to cut any cording flush. Then I like to remove as much of the horse hair as I can it is often what stinks. The old material really just helps protect and separate the new material from the springs. It truly is a case by case judgment call. You truly did all but rebuild the entire chair, Using turn of the century methods. there are new spring configuration/setups that are much easier to use. Or even use the webbing on the top side of the boards + foam cushion. Was this a single fee or a charge for multiple “classes”? Maybe check a second shop if u have another project. Again u did do a good job, there is just easier methods. All that said, the old way of doing the springs will last longer then the material will I’ve seen chairs n couches that have original spring configurations and remains of 2 or 3 fabrics. Also this way distributes weight evenly on the frame so frame lasts longer as well.

[@peggy67ful]

I noticed that. Poor thing re-made the wheel here! Also...for the commenters who are interested in reupholstery, find chairs after the 1970's as a begginer project. Its the reason the instructor wanted to keep the sides, back and deck in place. This type of upholstery is for the pro's who are RESTORING furniture. She worked hard. She gets credit.

[@loribragg2947]

Your chair is definitely not from 1999, lol...whoever upholstered it last dropped that dime. My fiance and I tore apart an antique parlor chair from the late 1800s-early 1900s and it had the same exact construction as your chair. Your chair at the latest might be 1920s or 1930s. Just a guess.

[@michellesmile6882]

Too much work just buy a new one hahaha

[@ThriftDiving]

I know, right!! But what fun would there be in that? LOL I love the process of breaking something down to see how it works, and this process has been really interesting. Although this chair is difficult, smaller, less complicated upholstery projects will be a breeze now that I know how it all works together.

[@dennisadorno6721]

I think I should bring my $20.00 wingback chair to a professional...Or go buy one made in China?????

[@tiffmitch702]

3 parts wAsted of someone who thesnt no how to do anything

[@ThriftDiving]

Well, go find another video then. There is only so much that I could record during the class. It either helps you or it doesn't.