Reupholster a Helm Seat

In this video tutorial we will show you all the steps required to reupholster a helm seat or captain's chair. Not only will we show patterning and sewing of the marine seating vinyl, but we will also replace the foam that was secured to the frame of the chair. Patterning and assembly of the seating vinyl for the seat, which includes a knee-riser, will also be explained.
REUPHOLSTER A HELM SEAT CHAPTERS:
Intro - 0:00
Removing Old Vinyl - 0:40
Cutting & Gluing Foam - 5:35
Patterning Helm Chair - 23:10
Cutting 4-Way Stretch Vinyl to Size - 40:27
Sewing Vinyl - 50:08
Sewing Channeling in Vinyl - 55:23
Joining Back & Top Banding - 1:03:12
Joining Inside Back to Top Banding - 1:11:31
Stapling Cover on Helm Chair - 1:15:30
Making a Dura Snap - 1:28:43
Pattering Seat - 1:30:38
Making Piping - 1:38:55
Sewing Boxing to Seat - 1:41:23
Sewing Knee-Rise & Seat - 1:45:39
Stapling Vinyl to Backerboard 1:59:45
Using Steam to Remover Wrinkles - 2:17:07
Materials List - 2:18:50
MATERIALS LIST:
• Medium Density Polyurethane Antimicrobial Foam (Medium) 3” - Item # 183M2480 www.sailrite.com/CushionRite-...
• Medium Density Polyurethane Antimicrobial Foam (Medium) 1” - Item # 181M4880 www.sailrite.com/CushionRite-...
• Foam Lock Spray Adhesive 12 oz - Item # 120464 www.sailrite.com/NG633-Foam-L...
• 21 Gauge 3/8" (10mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Stainless Steel) - Item # 8010SS www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-21-...
• Dura‑Skrim® Patterning Material 74" - Item # 103134 www.sailrite.com/Dura-Skrim-2...
• Sunbrella® Horizon Capriccio Burgundy 54" Vinyl Fabric - Item # 10200-0015 www.sailrite.com/shop/fabric/...
• Fabric Backed 1/2" Sew Foam 58" - Item # 121507 www.sailrite.com/Fabric-Backe...
• Sunbrella® Horizon Capriccio Vellum 54" Vinyl Fabric - Item # 10200-0004 www.sailrite.com/shop/fabric/...
• Thread V‑92 Natural Polyester UV 4oz (1,350Yds) - Item # 106386 www.sailrite.com/Thread-V-92-...
• Cushion Wrap Silk Film 54" - Item # 103933 www.sailrite.com/Cushion-Wrap...
• Dura Snap Upholstery Button Forms #30 (3/4") - Item # 121603 www.sailrite.com/Dura-Snap-Up...
• DOT® Snap Fastener Screw Stud 5/8" (Nickel/Stainless) - Item # 333110 www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastene...
• Top Notch® 9 Tan 60" Fabric - Item # 120451 www.sailrite.com/Top-Notch-9-...
• Foam Piping/Welting Cord 5/32" (50') - Item # 105599 www.sailrite.com/Piping-Cord-...
• Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (36Yds) - Item # 122065 www.sailrite.com/Seamstick-1-...
• Cushion Underlining Beige 54" Fabric - Item # 103934 www.sailrite.com/Cushion-Unde...
TOOLS LIST:
• Staple Lifter - Item # 120037 www.sailrite.com/Staple-Lifter
• Tape Measure 120 Inch - Item # 102986 www.sailrite.com/Tape-Measure...
• Sailrite® Blade Foam Saw V2 with Carrying Case - Item # 121244 www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Bla...
• Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8" - Item # 101017 www.sailrite.com/Gingher-Scis...
• Sailrite® Long Nose Upholstery Staple Gun - Item # 121411 www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Lon...
• Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" - Item # 102400 www.sailrite.com/Clear-Acryli...
• Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ‑1 PLUS Walking Foot Sewing Machine - Item # 300602 www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Ult...
• Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Collapsible Sewing Table - Item # 104821 www.sailrite.com/Ultrafeed-Co...
• Deluxe 5 1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide - Item # 103597 www.sailrite.com/Deluxe-5-1-2...
• Thread Clipper "Kuroha" - Item # 121908 www.sailrite.com/Thread-Clipp...
• Scribe‑All® Water Soluble White Marking Pencil - Item # 120681 www.sailrite.com/Scribe-All-W...
• C.S. Osborne W‑1 Hand Press - Item # 121274 www.sailrite.com/C.S.-Osborne...
• W‑1 Hand Press Button Cover Die & Hole Cutter (Heavy) #30 (3/4”) - Item # 121602 www.sailrite.com/W-1-Hand-Pre...
• Cording Foot Set for Ultrafeed® LSZ‑1 (For Larger Welting) - Item # 104854 www.sailrite.com/Cording-Foot...
Drill & Bits, Razor Knife, Pliers, Tape Measure, Marker, Pencil, Office Stapler

[@chrisdotgoff]

I like the fact the fact that these videos actually teach, not just demonstrate. Great work

[@sb-cg3zq]

I have been binge watching these videos for days. I don't know if it's because I'm learning so much, or because this guy has the best ASMR voice I've ever heard.

[@aaaaaaaaaasssszzzsdd]

Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time and effort to actually make these videos especially the pergola canopy floating shades instructional tutorial as It is very much appreciated and as another stated in previous comment very well done for anyone to learn the technique.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks for the very kind comments about our videos.

[@StevenOwensby]

So... *ahem* I started down this rabbit hole starting with plastic scuff removal on my trucks interior, and what's the difference between thermoset and thermoplastics. Then there were many googles of polyester plastics, recycling, and Dacron. Then, if I remember right, I watched a guy (who I now sub to) reupholster outdoor cushions. And, then I remembered the seams on my boat seats are getting loose. And then! Here I am watching 2 hours of this video. I need a sewing machine. Or, I need to go to bed. Either way, this was fascinating. Watching a craftsman at work is therapeutic. Note to self, "Do I have ADHD? Nah."

[@SuperSpecialty]

Craftsman, what is a craftsman? How many years does it take to become a craftsman? I would say @ least 20yrs & I’ve met & worked with those who have told me “I’ve been doing it that way for 20yrs”. Guess, what my reply was? ...”I guess you’ve been doing it wrong for 20yrs”. It was only after explaining / sharing my experiences did we become friends & “craftsmen”. It’s a never ending quest!

[@edbalko3082]

You GUYS ARE AWESOME…YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF for sure…I called few days ago for info and Chelsey WHO answered my questions was AMAZING…

[@JohnnyConcent]

These tutorials are freaking gold!

[@SailriteDIY]

We are so glad you like them.

[@christineh7131]

Great teaching and very effective product marketing. Definitely has my interest on products used. Great vid!

[@Cj032188]

One of my favorite things about these videos is you guys show alternatives to what you guys are using (super helpful for the hobbyist). It definitely encourages me to spend money on other products on your site,

[@karendrexler5056]

I’ve used an electric kitchen knife in the past, I’m going to look up your professional unit. Great video!

[@simonrechner9395]

Excellent tutorial! Really appreciate the honesty in making and nicely resolving a few little mistakes along the way.

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it.

[@reneescofield8690]

I completely understand the cost/expense of reupholstering now! This is a true art form. I believe it's equivalent to seamstress, cobbler, fine furniture making, etc. So much to learn. And lots of experience to do a top notch job. Thanks for your effort and TIME.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks for your kind comment.

[@billwhite9701]

Great video , love the real life issues and they way you address them.

[@wazappppmans]

я просмотрел много видео, но на этом я поставил лайк на пятой минуте. друг - ты крут! просто великолепно!!! ты просто гений!!!

[@salemshepard6883]

I'm just getting into upholstery and other videos show me how to do things, but these videos really *teach* me how to do this! Thanks for these!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Your welcome!

[@spanishjo4282]

I award your company the best upholstery refurbishment of the year 2020!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!!!

[@larisa8490]

I love you guys!!!!! Thank you very much for your videos!!! I remained my couches with your help !!!! And I did a very good job 👏🏻!!! 💪💪💪💪🥂

[@SailriteDIY]

Wow, thanks for the great comment! We love to help.

[@klogjo]

You people do outstanding work, I salute you.

[@reftukangbisabikinsendiri2892]

Good cooperation .. You two look compact sir ... 👍🙏 greetings from I am a sofa maker from Indonesia living in the city of Manado waiting for your next video👌

[@timothyporter1632]

I really enjoy your videos. Your videographer is really outstanding at getting in tight on the sewing details.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks for the positive comments!

[@TESK4]

Yes this is going to help me finish my caravan interior many thanks

[@olliea7805]

Watched the whole thing as the process and your explanation kept me entertained. I can now completely justify the costs of having my boat re-done as I know I could never produce the quality required to satisfy myself.

[@waelbakeer4706]

؛

[@KnoTasItSeams]

I do canvas and upholstery on boats for a living and I really appreciate that

[@blisteringherb]

I started my Friday night with coach buses, then it was container ships, and now I’ve watched this video for two hours. I learned that I need to call a professional to sew anything more than a basic pillow. Wish I had skills like this and a friend with a boat 🛳 to put these gorgeous seats in.

[@SukhwinderSingh-kk7yw]

ਵੇਰੀ ਵੇਰੀ ਗੁਡ ਵੀਰ ਜੀ

[@wicked427cobra5]

Great video and holy heck, I see now why shops want $6k-$8k to re-do interior on my old Mastercraft. I was thinking about trying myself, but it seems like a herculean effort.

[@zenithnardin]

Good assistant, has a Rolex.

[@russellgoldman7431]

Wow! I never knew what is or that I wanted a helm chair for my living area.

[@VIVA4EVER2001]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to share your skills and knowledge, much appreciated.

[@SailriteDIY]

Your welcome!

[@rolandsmith1758]

Folks, While you guys receive alot of compliments and atta boy's I wanted to take a minute and just say "Thanks" These videos are a great learning ad for a old guy like me who is just trying to upholster a few Hot Rods. With your help and products it is becoming clear that a feller can do this if he has the desire. Thanks Again!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Wow, thanks for the wonderful comment. We are glad to help with any upholstery projects and more. Thanks!!!!

[@matvieyevna]

I love your channel, very helpfull, professional and friendly. Thank to this tutorial i finally know how to make pattern for my clubbing chair wich is still in progress and I can't get along with it. Now I have pattern that fits!

[@theprofessorfate6184]

Well, if you were heavily drinking and boating like a real American, you would never notice. Duh!

[@Lia2908]

Genial!! Gran trabajo. Gracias 👌😊

[@marthabohnen115]

Amazing job and love the sewing mashine!

[@MrSaul2fl]

Excellent presentation. The illustration as well as the explanation are done very well and is a joy to watch your videos. Kudos to you all, and best wishes on all your future endeavors.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!

[@anhtung54321]

perfection and love at what he does and doing it right...love it great workmanship sir.

[@kenwallace8035]

Nice Job Eric! That came out great!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@ovidiulisneanu2983]

Professional work!Congratulations!

[@JohnLee-im7iu]

Wow, watched the entire video. That was a big job. You are really good. Thank you.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!! Glad you liked it.

[@Augcliffe]

I appreciate that. You guys give a real world scenario, instead of using some sort of perfect scenario, that none of us will ever see. in other words, you used a cruddy worn out chair.

[@SailriteDIY]

Yes, it was a helm seat that needed a lot of care.

[@franciscoleiva8963]

Good job 👍

[@rennells]

For the rounded corners. If you give it a little bit of a clip outside the seam line it will join easier and be less pull on the fabric.

[@ashfaknadaf1591]

Excellent Work 👍👌

[@bosshogg55]

Don’t understand how anyone can give you a thumbs down Eric.

[@antoniocarlos5955]

Simplesmente genial parabéns pelo canal ótimo conteúdo

[@icicicles]

Beautiful work!

[@jeffc6038]

Nice quality and sound video i learn a lot Great demo at Annapolis boat show thanks for sharing

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!!

[@judybrown8881]

I love these videos. Thank you Great work

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks, we appreciate it.

[@deborahduthie4519]

Once you start to reupholster your seat, you we have the best sense of accomplishment. Think your steps in order and don’t rush forwards. Contemplate every step so you can adjust your design to work. Be patient and everything will be fine.

[@marcusharrison6913]

This is a fantastic video, really great work. You have a very calming manner and the depth of explanation is excellent. I've purchased a suitable sewing machine and sourced the vinyl I need to reupholster my boat, I also have some 'fabric pulls' to contend with, French seams, and piping etc. Watching this has made me realise why re-upholstery is so expensive! The amount of work and time involved is staggering. I'm more than a little nervous about undertaking the project (I have two sets of back-to-back seats, two small bench seats, the bow seats and I want to replace some of the side upholstery) but I'll start with the easier stuff and see how it goes. From the looks of this I'm going to need a lot of time and patience! Thank you for the superb instruction. Unfortunately I'm not in the US (I'm in the UK) so I'll have to try to source the various things I'll need here.

[@twincedarsdesign1890]

Im in the same boat as you!(pun intended) . plan on starting next week once all the materials arrive. good luck

[@SailriteDIY]

We are so glad that it was helpful for you. Good luck with your project!

[@jimmyfavereau]

you guys are awesome thanks Eric 🙏

[@anamartinez6734]

Hermoso trabajo.

[@jewellhershey5051]

Great video! Learned a lot.

[@wazappppmans]

respect from Russia Tolyatti city!!!

[@ayohana300]

I love this man, I want to learn and be so spectacular in my upholstery

[@moxieikedi5872]

I love you

[@josephupholstery1416]

Good job love this channel

[@watercop5115]

absolutely awesome..... I learned a lot.

[@johnrisher3007]

Thank you Sailrite

[@gmcxm211]

Wow, great work.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Kunfucious577]

Upholstery seems like one of those things that look pretty easy but kind of hard.

[@SailriteDIY]

It can definitely be challenging at first, but practice makes perfect!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I got lucky on the last boat I reupholstered my 10 year old son was energetic and didn’t mind pulling staples

[@bradleydaniels9639]

Super video love it❤️

[@bauimran8340]

This is a very very fantastic video

[@enigma9789]

Looks fantastic, but I cant stand sitting on piping so I never put it where you actually sit. Ive done all mine so far based on videos from you guys. Thank you!

[@SailriteDIY]

Don't worry, since the seat has a knee-riser or bolstered front you will not even feel the piping. It is pulled down with the fabric pull into the 3" foam and the 4" foam of the knee-riser keeps your legs from coming close to the piping.

[@wolfsch5997]

ESTE VIDEO ES UNA JOYA

[@wikesme9523]

great works

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!

[@supdeval]

excellent j'adore

[@cakdarul4663]

very good use .... can be used as a reference for us with the same field

[@michaelfoster6]

EXCELLENT!

[@LeoGerritsen]

first youtube ever I would like to give 5 thumbs up

[@SailriteDIY]

Wow, thanks for the great comment!

[@Fabccool43]

good job thanks

[@sridarmawati8020]

so detail

[@lorraineaylward8167]

You are amazing

[@peglegtoo]

Great video, love salrite... One thing, It would be great in the future if you showed some detail shots of the stitching, especially where the seams come together.... Also, you mentioned a couple of times you add the top stitch for aesthetics... but it also adds a lot of strength, much more than just the blind stitch.

[@SailriteDIY]

Will do. Yes, the top stitch adds strength and good looks.

[@wabifufu]

Yeah I've reviewed that portion and find it annoying he introduces a non-sewing term "flange" into the video, and dont understand why aside from his wanting to throw in a "flange"' of red herring. #Payingtoomuchattentionformyowngood. Also love them too. I'd be lost in the woods on a so needing to be birthed already project without them.

[@wesailit]

Nice

[@abosabahelhag18]

عمل جميل تسلم اياديك

[@paulsevcik8878]

On you're cushion broad after you resized it would it have been better to give it a 3/4 round over not on a router. On edge so the edge won't be so sharp maude it would form easy just wondering

[@webbsauto9720]

the best !!!

[@basmebel9583]

The recess on the back of the chair was made by the master for an additional piece of foam.But in the end, the result is generally excellent.

[@MrsYbautista]

Que bonitos trabajos yo quiero aprender

[@SailriteDIY]

Me alegro de que te haya gustado!

[@smithrocks]

I need to find out where to get the plastic helm seats to start with? I am here in Canada but will order from the US. My charger ski boat all seats and benches are rotted and need to find replacements to start covering

[@pracowniapjii]

Dziękuję

[@namidiacidade4073]

Ferramentas boas

[@terryconlon-ys4ok]

I really enjoy ur work,so very interesting,thank u. Terry

[@user-sm6ke8ot5z]

Very very good mstar

[@edbalko3082]

IS THE SPRAY TOXIC ??? Would it be better to work in vented area

[@masoudsadat2002]

Good

[@jkepps]

Fantastic Video! Quick question, I'm a bit confused as to why you added a 1/2" sew allowance to the arm rest fabric pieces, but not to the pieces the arm rest gets sewn to. Seems like the other pieces would be 1/2" short.

[@rogerheald2403]

Great tutorial....i wondered the same and found his response in comment below...."snug tight fit" using stretch material.

[@paulsimpson9286]

what if your colors are burgundy and beige?

[@TheUpholstery1]

when you're sewing the pleats onto the sew foam. You should sew with your vinyl face up so the pleats will stand out. With you sewing it face down, the pleats will be flat. If you don't have a four way stretch vinyl, cut your pattern on the bias.

[@SailriteDIY]

Great suggestions. The reason we sewed the channeling with the sew foam up was that fact that it was difficult to mark the topside of the vinyl with a fabric pencil for the placement of each stitch. It was easy to mark the sew foam side, as those marks will not show up (they are on the bottom side) and the pencil or marker ink will not get mixed in the threads which may have changed the color of the thread.

[@TheUpholstery1]

@@SailriteDIY Chalk works great and wipes clean

[@SailriteDIY]

@@TheUpholstery1 I must admit, I did not try that. Thanks for the wisdom!!!!

[@luishernandez567]

There is also a pen that you can write on vinyl and it can be cleaned the pen is gray.

[@sewandsurf4778]

@@luishernandez567 think its a graphite pencil, I use it a lot

[@southseapirate1]

Artist

[@reneescofield8690]

Could the 4" foam dimensions be cut so that it extended below the front of the wooden seat base or add some batting under the 4" foam you cut to soften the wood edge thus eliminating the sharp edge and wrinkles?

[@SailriteDIY]

Good question. I think what I would do is wrap the backer board's front edge in a thin foam called Fabric Backed 1/4" Sew Foam and staple it or glue it to the board.

[@1Seriouslyserious]

Just wanted to say thank you. We have been so discouraged this week after purchasing an RV from a colleague, who we thought we could trust, only to find that on our maiden voyage, the RV Slide leaked (woke up to a flood the second morning of the trip), there was extensive mold damage in floors, it had burn out circuits, etc... (Yes, we had had it inspected.) I was getting so discouraged. We needed to remove the couch and went to KZbin for help, and your video popped up in my feed. I just watched the whole sofa reupholstering video, and your craftsmanship and attention to detail have inspired us to dream about all the ways we can make our RV better. On a day when we were doubting the integrity of modern products, it is reassuring to see that excellent craftsmanship still exists. 🤍

[@SailriteDIY]

We are glad to help! Hope your RV projects come out great! Let us know if you have questions.

[@reneescofield8690]

Can you reuse the SKRIM? Keep up the demo using the machine settings. I am considering a purchase of this particular one. It seems user friendly. Your pointing out setting usage in this video is helpful. Especially tutoring about the tension settings do's and don't. Wondering if tension setting had anything to do with the wrinkles on the arms of the helm seat? Or ought there be more foam to compensate and build up thus less wrinkles? Could slits been cut in fabric to help with rounding corners for smoother tack downs = less wrinkles at bottom?

[@SailriteDIY]

I typically do not reuse the Dura Skrim Pattern Material since it is usually cut up and marked heavily for a project. It is also not very expensive. Wrinkles in vinyl seating applications is usually not due to improper thread tension, but rather patterning. True, more foam can help alleviate some wrinkles and also cutting slits for rounding areas helps a ton. You have learned much, I can tell by the questions your asking, well done!

[@VangoghsDoggo]

The reason the front corner was an issue is because you do not upholster the front and back in one whole piece. You upholster the front inside (red) and attach that to the top of the arm and the seat. Then you staple down the arm upholstery starting at the center back and working down to the seat. Put your foam art strip inside of that then pull the arm fabric over the top of that around to the back of the chair. You apply the back, usually with a piped edge stapling up under the fabric into the chair back. Effectively you are using the staple gun to create the back seam. Another way is to insert a steel bendable tack strip if you don't have piping. Watch a video on how to upholster a barrel chair or similar char and you will notice, everything is continually pulled to the back or bottom. A lot of these seats were originally upholstered using a jig, so they could put everything on in one piece.

[@SailriteDIY]

Excellent comment and suggestion. Thanks!!!!

[@JGaz]

👍👍👍👍top❗️

[@r.c.6745]

Very well done. Excellent craftsmanship and video editing. We will be purchasing that sewing machine and materials from you for upholstery work here in the shop.

[@SailriteDIY]

Please do!

[@reggiesessions115]

I was looking for channeling, but I could do this instead for vintage boat seats? I would get batting or foam? It looks like the vintage seats have a batting covered in plastic.

[@SailriteDIY]

Yes, you can make your own channeling. We also have pre-made channeling at this link: www.sailrite.com/search?keywords=channeling If you make your own channeling you can use Sew Foam or Batting with Spun Bonded Pillow Protector 60" Fabric as the backing: www.sailrite.com/Spun-Bonded-Pillow-Protector-60-Fabric-5Yds

[@jennifertremblay3732]

That's a very good video and I learned a lot! I do not find in the material list what type of fabric you used at the end ... The red rectangular..?

[@SailriteDIY]

We used Sunbrella Horizon Vinyl Fabric: www.sailrite.com/Sunbrella-Horizon-10200-0015-Capriccio-Burgundy-54-Vinyl-Fabric

[@aldaarFurnitureArts]

Thank you for clarifying the details, really creative. I wish you success. I hope to become like you. Please confirm my comment.

[@SailriteDIY]

You can do it!

[@aldaarFurnitureArts]

@@SailriteDIY Thank you and good luck

[@patchadams4me]

What was that noise again that your machine makes when you zigzag? Lol. You guys are great!

[@joycemileur2065]

I am upholstering a helm chair I have some wrinkle in the top front I have tried all kinks of streaming and I can't get them out. Do you think I need to resew to front to the arm piece?

[@SailriteDIY]

Can you send me a photo to evaluate? [e-mail]

[@Therealabedjoud]

Out of curiosity, why didn’t you add the seam allowance to the front and back panels? Thank you for the amazing videos!

[@SailriteDIY]

Wanted a nice tight fit, so we could stretch the 4 way stretch vinyl in place over the structure.

[@rajendraroka6429]

Do you need any skill worker for your company?

[@AriVovp]

Wow