How to Reupholster an Armchair

In this video we will be reupholstering this armchair with brand new decorative fabric from Sailrite to bring it back to life and give it an updated fabulous new look. The process may seem daunting, but it really is not too difficult, especially after watching this video. Every step will be clearly shown, so if you can do a little sewing and use a staple gun. Chances are you can also reupholster a chair. This tutorial video will show reupholstering the frame with new fabric. A second video will show pattering and sewing the chair’s top and back cushions.
See how to make the seat cushion for this Armchair, watch this video: • How to Make Armchair C...
How to Reupholster an Armchair Chapters:
Intro 0:00
• Evaluating the Chair - 0:50
• Removing Old Upholstered Fabric - 2:16
• Patterning & Installing:
Deck - 14:43
Inside Arm - 42:16
Inside Back - 01:01:22
Outside Arms - 01:07:07
Outside Back - 01:14:07
Front Arm Stump Panel - 01:24:02
• Making Piping - 01:30:20
• Applying Piping - 01:35:09
• Applying Dust Cover - 01:41:15
• Fastening Front Arm Stump Panel - 01:43:00
• Materials List - 01:45:15
Materials List
Home Décor Fabric from Sailrite: www.sailrite.com/Fabrics/Home...
Thread Nylon V-69 - www.sailrite.com/Notions/Thre...
Polyester Batting White - www.sailrite.com/Batting-83-T...
Cardboard Upholstery Tack Strip 1/2" - www.sailrite.com/Cardboard-Up...
Medium 5/32" Welt Cord - www.sailrite.com/Medium-5-32-...
Cambric Dust Cover Black Fabric - www.sailrite.com/Cambric-Dust...
Upholstery Tack Strip 27" - www.sailrite.com/Upholstery-T...
21 Gauge 3/8" (10mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Galvanized) - www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-21-...
Tools
Tack & Staple Remover - www.sailrite.com/Tack-Staple-...
Rawhide Upholstery Mallet - www.sailrite.com/Rawhide-Upho...
Seam Ripper Deluxe - www.sailrite.com/Seam-Ripper-...
Multi Use Pins 1 1/2" (250 Pins) - www.sailrite.com/Multi-Use-Pi...
Assorted Curved Hand Sewing Needles - www.sailrite.com/4-Assorted-C...
Sailrite® Short Nose Upholstery Staple Gun - www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Sho...
Comfort Grip Rotary Cutter 60mm - www.sailrite.com/Olfa-Deluxe-...
Cutting Mat 18" x 24" - www.sailrite.com/Cutting-Mat-...
Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" - www.sailrite.com/Clear-Acryli...
Marker, Pliers, Wire Cutters, Scissors, Tape Measure, Twine, Pencil, Nails, Sewing Machine
See how to make the seat cushion for this Armchair, watch this video: • How to Make Armchair C...

[@lamarin8556]

I have watched many upholstery tutorials, but yours is by far the most clear and sequential. thank you for these clear instructions and video, they’ve helped me a lot on my couch reupholstery project!

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it!!!!

[@traceyhansen1725]

Y

[@traceyhansen1725]

Y,xy

[@katiemcginnis3484]

I love watching Cindy. She’s so calm and confident in what she is doing.

[@denisefitzgerald8783]

This tutorial is fantastic. So clear and easy to follow. It’s also extremely relaxing, like unintentional ASMR.

[@lc7014]

Just finished my chair! Watched these videos over and over to get the techniques down! Love Sailrite!

[@SailriteDIY]

That's awesome! Congratulations on finishing your chair! It's always satisfying to see the end result after putting in all that effort.

[@raspberrycrusader]

How stupendous?! This must be the most comprehensive video available on how to strip and reupholster an armchair. Thanks to this, and your other superlative "how-to" videos, I now have the confidence to tackle my many reupholstery projects. I have added this to a playlist and this is the second time that I have watched it from start to finish. Btw, I am all the way across the pond in England, studying fine woodworking part time and teaching myself upholstery techniques so that I can start my own business designing and making bespoke furniture, and these films are playing a very big role in my education. Thank you Sailrite!

[@SailriteDIY]

+raspberrycrusader That is great! I hope your new business goes very well in England!

[@sherrywilbur1607]

this is my dream job. i would love to work here!! since i was little, ive loved doing stuff like this! im 47 now but it's never too late i say!

[@robertbarbour7017]

I’m 58 and just starting. It’s never too late. All the best,

[@mssixty3426]

Thank you Cindy for your time and patience to explain each step!

[@ransomdaniels8395]

One of the best tutorial videos I have ever seen. I'm saving this so when I redo my chair I can go down the list step by step with Cindy.....she is Wonderful!!!

[@judyyesko9901]

Thank you Cindy for such clear, concise instructions. I wouldn't have been successful without you!

[@KatieNovaRose]

Thank you so much for this. I was going through the web looking for new projects to do (I currently service friends cars and do minor repairs, upcycle tip bikes for kids who don't have one, repair mowers and whipper snippers etc) and I stumbled across fabric for a bike seat repair and some how managed to get to your youtube channel and it is just so so good. Filmed really well, explains everything and the lady is just lovely :) Now I want to go back to the tip and pick up an arm chair to give this a go!

[@rosenurse7687]

Amazing tutorial! Thank you for giving me great confidence! I know that I am ready to take on this project! I have all the tools, just waiting for the fabric! Thank you Cindy and your narrator!

[@LeahHa8]

Thank you! I love Cindy and Sailrite! Keep it up. This is what they should be showing on HGTV or the DIY channel.

[@denisemazerollemallet7826]

Thank you for this fabulous tutorial !!! The lady is excellent at explaining, not too much talking and no music, thumbs up for that. 🙂

[@888Jermae]

Cindy, I so enjoyed your work. And your voice was even very soothing and reassuring to make me think that I might be able to give this ago. Blessings.

[@SailriteDIY]

We are so glad you like this video. Let us know if you have questions when you start your next sewing or upholstery job.

[@jeanninerash5701]

This is without a doubt the clearest video I have seen on how to do this

[@ToOpen6seven]

You are a true talent, so patient and your voice is so soothing for instruction.

[@janlockhart8393]

Great video!! Cindy is clear and explains everything perfectly.

[@stormygomez9524]

What I love about this video is their generosity of sharing and teaching us how to do this. I do not mind the 1hr or so ling video because it gives me the detail important info I need to know compared to all of the other reupholstery videos.. Thank you...

[@SailriteDIY]

+Stormy Gomez We appreciate your positive comments!!! Thanks.

[@photoshopwarrior]

Love this. The guy's voice-over is hilarious. :) Thank you Sailrite!!

[@llk3763]

OMG - no more fear!! This is such a great instructional video. I am an accomplished home sewer; now no longer hesitant to reupholster a vintage family chair!! Thank you Sailrite!!

[@SailriteDIY]

We are so glad that this video was helpful!

[@sharonkendricks4777]

I'm glad for the bias cut The Cutting was done so neat with the ruler this was a masterclass enjoyed it from beginning of the chair to the end

[@TheMadisonHang]

beautiful craft america needs this kind of craftmanship again

[@jodielang1287]

Just finished my third upholstery project and this video is my go-to. Thanks for sharing such an amazing instructional video!

[@crane1078]

Fabulous video tutorial. Thank you, Cindy. Your work is truly admirable. Beautiful job!

[@mlreynolds49]

Your video rocks. I'm near tears just on how thankful I am to have found you. Your instruction is the closest to actually hands on that I have seen. Blessings to you all for what you have given. My intimidation is gone....thank you time 10....so worth the time....

[@SailriteDIY]

+Marva Reynolds Awesome! Thanks!

[@Marisol0625]

Thank you! You are an excellent instructor/teacher. You are very detailed and make it interesting to follow. I will be doing a love seat, yes I know it may be a little different, but I really believe you have given me the basics and I could follow. You are great ! . . . Thank you so much for sharing.

[@anabellac9329]

Thank you for being so detailed. I am learning to sew and I want to reupholster an old chair. Other videos I've watched don't give as much as this one does (pertaining to details). I have a brand new sewing machine given to me (my mother got a new one and gave me her barely used old one). I can't seem to fix the tension so once that is fixed I am going to reference this video. Thanks, again!

[@daynawithawhy]

@Ana BellaC can I help with your machine and tension issues?

[@annaboynton8191]

I can't thank you enough for this terrific video! I watched it several times and referred to it throughout my project. Cindy, you and your narrator are wonderful teachers!

[@SailriteDIY]

You are welcome! I hope your project came out great!

[@lindyashford7744]

I have a very similar chair, very solid and with loose covers that are way past their best in fact awful, I shan’t need to do all this but it was useful to know just in case I do need to recover the whole thing, but shall be watching eagerly for the seat cushion and back cover video, and I think I now understand the principle of how the shapes go together to unpick the original and sew a new one. Now for a lovely fabric. Thank you so much.

[@irenebattistiscott1737]

I will definitely be doing this! One thing I might add is to take plenty of PICTURES to help remind you how things looked and how they connected, because it will take me weeks due to other commitments... many can't do the entire job in one go

[@hopetaylor1846]

Cindy is the best! I have reupholstered my first piece of furniture using this video. The narrator and Cindy's comments are extremely helpful. I highly recommend this video!

[@SailriteDIY]

+Jumper Hope I am so glad you like it! Let us know if you have questions.

[@noillucs3392]

I can't, and wouldn't have believed that it was the same chair. Only the fact I watched both videos. You may very well have prolonged the life of many a pieces of furniture.

[@SailriteDIY]

+noillucS 33 I am glad you liked the videos.

[@patriciaprinsen4943]

Fantastic! Cyndi is working MAGIC! Making it look SO easy, but it’s far from just do it yourself. Well done!!

[@sarahredoutey3865]

I love this! I want to become a master upholsterer. With no classes near me these videos will help me so much!

[@mmapsmmol1432]

Amazing, clear, easy to follow tutorial! Thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

+Mmaps Mmol Glad you liked it. Let us know if you have questions.

[@sandrayoung336]

I am a curtain and blind maker and you have really inspired me to learn upholstery! Thank you so much!! I will come to you for my upholstery supplies!

[@SailriteDIY]

+sandra young That is good news! Let us know if you have questions.

[@lyndagaines4522]

What fantastic videos Cindy! You do an amazing job! I have learnt so much from watching you, Thank you.

[@Ks-ly6ov]

I just watched this whole video. So informative! Makes me want to try it.

[@suz567]

I used your video to reupholster my patio furniture, including learning how to use boxing and welting and it turned out perfect. Looks professional. So now I’m going to tackle an armchair. I totally trust your instructions. 😄

[@chriscabana6253]

Excellent video! Cindy has done a great job at explaining the process thoroughly. I like that she shared details to consider such as the placement of the main flower on the sides of the chair. Thank You so much!

[@SailriteDIY]

We are very glad that you liked it! Be sure to subscribe to our channel for future videos.

[@christopherogbodor7108]

Thanks Sailrite

[@selap8682]

no wonder its so expensive to reupholster. Work intensive. Thank you for sharing. So competent and the experience is great.

[@debrathomas4425]

Awesome. Watched this twice so that I have a clear understanding of the how to. Started tearing down my first reupholstery project chair. Thank you

[@SailriteDIY]

We hope it all goes very well!

[@marysalmond5273]

Super demonstration. Done with confidence and professionalism! I refer to it often.

[@mallybills]

This is amazing! I have two chairs I want to do and this video makes me think I could actually do it. It will take quite a bit of time, but what a rewarding project. I love the fabric choice. Beautiful.

[@SailriteDIY]

+Malinda Bills Thanks for you positive comments. I hope your chair project goes well. Send us photos when you are done.

[@maureenparry5528]

This tutorial is great! Excellent step by step, easy to follow even for a first timer. Not one procedure on the tutorial that I found complicated. Thanks Sailrite. I have now two beautifully reupholstered armchairs.

[@TheAncientlady]

This is brilliant. Such clear instructions and just what I have been wanting to learn. Thank you so much Cindy for sharing your skill and knowledge.

[@SailriteDIY]

You are welcome!

[@saramarzz6318]

I want to say thank you so much for making this video! MY husband and I reupholster our old sleeper sofa yesterday. We watched the video before and during our project. I still have to work on the cushions and New pillow back..(starting to watch your next video) But already it looks amazing!

[@SailriteDIY]

I am glad you liked it. I hope your project comes out great!

[@antebaotic8208]

this woman is the best upholster i ever seen i do the same job that is why I know that this woman is a best ever. Awesome company and nice tutorial.

[@janetdinatale9861]

I have a similar chair and thanks to Cindy and Sailrite I reupholstered it perfectly. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

[@SailriteDIY]

That is very good news! Good Job. Share your photos here if you would like: facebook.com/sailrite

[@jlfields88]

Janet DiNatale Wow, that's awesome you did it!! I really want to but am intimidated by allllllll the many pieces. I think I'll get lost and won't be able to visualize it like she did to place the pattern so well.

[@mia6653]

Janet DiNatal

[@karennagle5122]

Good job Janet! Do you happen to remember how many yards of fabric it took, if you had to guesstimate? 54" width I'm assuming.

[@ceciliamerino1068]

Janet DiNatale j

[@ronwells8375]

I now believe, I can do this.. Thank you Cindy!

[@SailriteDIY]

Great! You are welcome.

[@ratercheck]

Great video! Everything you need to know about upholstery. Thank you Sailrite!

[@SailriteDIY]

+Lisa Duran Thanks! Let us know if you have questions.

[@lanaberkland3832]

What a great tutorial!! Nothing left unexplained...very helpful!!! Thank you!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@suecox2308]

An excellent demonstration and tutorial--thank you very much!

[@ramonadixon9412]

You're the best Cindy! Thank you. Thank you Thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

You are so welcome!

[@AW-jw2jd]

After watching this video I have a whole lot more confidence to do my project. Thank you so much for the in-depth tutorial!

[@jerihoffmeyer4983]

You have the best tutorials I have found on the web. Great job! I am sure I can do my own projects with no problems. Thanks for a job well done.

[@misterlouis82]

this is pretty much how i reupolster a chair. it's on point, good work. Everybody picks up there own tips along the way

[@SailriteDIY]

+misterlouis82 Thanks for your positive comments! You are correct you do pick up tips along the way.

[@reeciti]

Great tutorial! Thorough and precise. I can now see myself giving it a try on the two armchairs in my living room. Cindy really know's her stuff. Thanks!

[@SailriteDIY]

+Clarice Taylor Glad you liked the video. Cindi is a very good teacher! I hope your chairs come out great! Send us before and after photos when you are done.

[@reeciti]

Gladly! All the best

[@ricog8209]

I can actually recover my chair step by step using this patient tutorial thank you.

[@SailriteDIY]

You are welcome!

[@nancybreathnach411]

I really enjoyed watching your show very gifted god bless your hands

[@esagirrly]

This thing is still so good 7 years later 😅 I hope they are still making more videos cause I just subscribed 👍

[@shaundawilliams4144]

The details in this video was excellent. You are a wonderful teacher. This video gave me the desire to reupholster some furniture in my home. Thanks again for the step by step details!!

[@keejanaanmainkown13]

Awesome video! Very nicely and with a natural flow and speed. Loved it. Thank you!!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Great! Let us know if you have questions about your next project.

[@anniegreen4205]

Thanks to this video I have started my very first project. I am reupholstering my sofa and armchair. I'm halfway through the armchair and I have found it to be far far easier than I ever imagined. Thank you Cindy and Sailrite, you have saved me a fortune. ❤️

[@SailriteDIY]

Excellent, good job! You are welcome.

[@wilmamills8579]

This lady is great!!! I'm doing my first arm chair. Couldn't do it without this video. The one for the cushions was a life saver too. Thanks so much. I'm a widow and I have DIY to save money.

[@SailriteDIY]

So glad you liked it!

[@wilmamills8579]

My chair is finished, beautiful, and I saved about $1000 doing it myself. Now for the matching ottamon. I'm 70 yrs old and this is my first time ever reupholstering. Love that Cindy.

[@sarahlaser9857]

This was really helpful and the lady did an excellent job explaining all the steps. Not to mention her work came out beautifully. I also appreciated that she was very detail oriented, like myself. Thank you for sharing!

[@SailriteDIY]

+Sarah Laser Awesome! I am glad you liked it. Let us know if you have any questions.

[@nicolekosich8711]

Much Thanks and Gratitude.

[@thebeteollcompany6882]

love seeing great ideas come together...Thanks

[@marywalsh8344]

U have a special gift. Not in a million years would I be able to do that.

[@ijustrunb2125]

BEST video on upholstering I have seen. Very complete... thank you.

[@marialuisazumelzu1187]

hola me encanto el video solo quisiera si pueden hacerlo con subtitulo

[@sarahpawlak1859]

You guys put up so many great videos. Thank you!

[@southjerseydeedee]

Hi to all of you nice folks at Sailrite! I am appreciative for this video. Your other videos have also taught and inspired me. I learn a lot from your videos and I am happy to come upon them. I have subscribed. The main thing that I am thanking you for on this particular video is your demonstrating how "reupholstered" does not equate to "all new stuffing" (Wadding, fill, whatever we all call it). Thank you and again, thank you.

[@SailriteDIY]

+Denise Douglass Glad we could help. Let us know if you have questions.

[@southjerseydeedee]

Thank you for that. I have a family member who is allergic to dust mites. Our Doctor recommends replacing all fabric/cushions/mattresses, carpeting every 5 years. You are a professional outfit. I learn more by silently watching than asking questions. I am glad to watch your videos.

[@alaina8227]

This has gotten me super fired up about reupholstering! Thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

Good, that is why we made the video. I hope it goes very well for you.

[@elainehamilton2888]

Thank you for a great tutorial.

[@danahoward759]

This has helped me so much. I'm working on fitting the fabric to the arms right now Thank you for your great tutorial

[@con6382]

Cindi made the process look so easy. Of course, it took many years of practice and training, I'm sure. Thanks for the step by step video and clear HD quality. Makes a nice to watch video. Now, to try it myself !!!

[@SailriteDIY]

+Cynthia Neva You can do it! Let us know if you have questions along the way.

[@biggles1024]

Sailrite has such talented staff. I can't see myself ever doing this, but I enjoyed the video just the same. :)

[@williampaige6336]

You have saved my dogs life. After he ate all the fabric off my chair. Now I can reupholster my chair. Thank you very much

[@SailriteDIY]

+william paige Glad we could help! Good luck.

[@lockdownfitnessbyramji4401]

very comprehensively explained .thanks.

[@kalimahyusuf383]

Awesome page, you explain everything in detail slowly and thats just what I need.

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad we could help!

[@tracy7133]

That was such a great demonstration. Thank you for sharing.

[@SailriteDIY]

+Tracy Maher I am glad you liked it. Let us know if you have questions about our products or videos.

[@coraandspink]

One of the best instructional videos I have ever seen!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks for your positive comment!

[@aurathomas952]

Love the tutorial 😍 and very easy to follow 👌

[@b.b.finsclara3589]

One needs lots of patience.....I am impressed with your planning and organizing.....thinking of every little detail.....it takes a great deal of effort. Good on YOU!!!! Excellent and instructing video! Thanks!!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!

[@ViewHC]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@GMindyA]

Thank you for making this video. I am halfway through reupholstering a similar chair. I’m so glad I found this video before I started. I got all the supplies and tools I needed from watching this and felt confident starting the project!

[@cloud5113]

The best video ever!! I dreamed of doing this one day!! 😬

[@futuradeej1]

That chair was a nice find, and you did a very lovely job. That fabric was perfect for it, and by eliminating the skirt you brought it up to date. It looks so fresh and contemporary now. I can never find anything that is both that new and clean and well constructed. I usually work on the old dinosaurs someone found in the back of the barn. The one I'm doing now had so many layers of old fabric and cotton batting with the final layer covering cotton and STRAW (yes, straw. not moss, not horsehair and not excelsior) that the seat cushion was only 18" wide. It was such a heavy beast, with all those layers there must have been 25 pounds of tacks alone. But it had good bones, and the frame is solid hardwood, glued and doweled and with the exception of all the tack holes in near perfect condition. When I'm done it will be back to the classic styled wing chair that it started out as. Slightly low slung, nice wide seat and a back that is ever so slightly angled so you don't have to sit ramrod straight.

[@SailriteDIY]

+futuradeej1 Sometimes the older chairs are constructed much better than the newer chairs, you are correct!

[@sharishja]

I absolutely LOVE this video along with the one about how to make an armchair cushion. I used them to reupholster two club chairs and they turned out beautifully. I was so scared when I first started and my husband did not think I could do it, but Cindy's instructions were so easy to follow that I really did it and then sat back and thought WOW! It really turned out good!. I really felt like Cindy was my best friend telling me how to do everything step by step. She is awesome. I wish I knew how to attach a picture so you could see how well they turned out! Thank you, thank you Cindy.

[@SailriteDIY]

+Jane Sharish I am glad you liked the video. It is so good to hear that your reupholster club chairs came out so well with the help of Cindi and our videos. Good job!!!! If you like you can post photos of your finished chairs to our Facebook page: facebook.com/sailrite Thanks for your positive comments.

[@mariammalik5916]

+Sailrite n 01 , *þ

[@deborahmitchell7424]

I enjoyed watching this video; thank you for clear instructions.

[@nataliagagner1431]

wow!!! Thank you for this video! I can't wait to start my project!!!!

[@SailriteDIY]

+Natalia Gagner Excellent!

[@MMMM-pc3ih]

The best upholstery video ever. I have looked high and low. Happy I landed here. Thank you so much for clear instructions and an awesome video.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I'm thrilled that you found my video helpful and enjoyed the clear instructions.

[@barbll000]

I really enjoyed this video - very professionally done with great instructions. I do have a sewing background so everything made sense. I have a loveseat I'm considering reupholstering. No corners were cut in this process and I loved the minute detail of each part of the process. I'm sure the client was estatic with his or her new chair. Thanks for taking all the time and effort to make this excellent video. I feel I know fully what to do and even where to get supplies - from you!

[@SailriteDIY]

That is great news! I am so glad we could help with your upholstery application.

[@4gma59]

A wealth of great information -- thank you for sharing it with us. You're awesome!

[@SailriteDIY]

+4gma59 Thanks for your positive comment! Let us know if you have any questions about this or any other project involving fabric.

[@brendahouseholder537]

Awesome video tutorial I didn’t realize how a chair was reupholstered I really enjoyed the video

[@huffbj]

Wow! Great tutorial 👌👌👌

[@skenney8325]

GREAT VIDEO!! I have an antique chair similar to this one. I am in the "watching it through process right now." CAN'T WAIT to get at the real thing. The greatest hint was the hashmarks! I can see how that will help when putting it back together. Thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

+SKenneyGIrl Tan Wonderful! Let us know if you have questions along the way.

[@lenehuntley1394]

Thank you for all your detail tutorials.

[@angelinaalcaraz6967]

I just find this videos . Wonderful I love it you explain perfect

[@beardzebub6341]

This is another fine video by Sailrite. Nobody does DIY sewing vids better than these guys. My wife and I learned how to upholster throw pillows with piping from an earlier video. We just might give this a try. Unfortunately, my wife won't let me buy a Sailrite sewing machine yet! Keep the great videos coming!

[@kontil07]

Wow, thank you for making this video.

[@SailriteDIY]

kontil07 You are welcome!!!!