Reupholstering a Channel Back / Fluted Back Chair

Got an old chair with channeling / fluted back? Watch this video and learn how you can easily transform a channeled back chair with new decorative fabric from Sailrite to give it an updated stylish new look. This video tutorial was developed to show a beginner or upholster enthusiast how to DIY. Why pay a professional to reupholster your old chair, do it yourself and save!
Purchase all your supplies at: www.sailrite.com
Reupholstering a Channel Back / Fluted Back Chair Chapters:
Calculating Fabric Required - 0:34 min
Removing Old Fabric - 2:12 min
Evaluating & Repairing Seat Springs - 5:31 min
Patterning & Installing Seat - 11:13 min
Patterning & Sewing Inside Back Channels - 21:03 min
Stuffing Channels - 35:27 min
Installing Inside Back - 39:31 min
Making & Installing Piping - 50:39 min
Installing Outside Back - 57:55 min
Applying Piping Along Bottom Edge - 1:06:25 min
Applying Dust Cover - 1:11:38 min
Materials List - 1:14:27 min
Materials List:
Jute Webbing 3.5" - Item # 106824
Webbing Polypropylene 2" Black 800# - Item # 204420
Staples for EZE TC-08 Staple Gun 1/2" Crown (Galvanized) (3/8”) - Item # 104982*
P/Kaufmann Early Bird Stripe Sunshine Fabric - Item # 106611
Thread Nylon V-69 UV Bonded from Sailrite
Cushion Wrap Silk Film - Item # 103933
Polyester Batting White - Item # 100158
Medium 1/4" Welting Cord - Item # 107036 or Medium 5/32" Welting Cord - Item # 107035
Flexible Metal Tack Strip Medium Duty - Item # 106421
Cardboard Upholstery Tack Strip 1/2" - Item # 106420*
Cambric Dust Cover Black Fabric - Item # 106739
* Items included in Upholstery Tool Kit #107122
Tools List:
Tape measure*, Wire cutter, Pliers, Twine*, Scissors*, Seam ripper*, Marking pencil, Sewing Machine, Shop vac
Upholstery Tool Kit - Item # 107122
Tack & Staple Remover - Item # 104319*
Rawhide Upholstery Mallet - Item # 106423*
EZE TC-08 Short Nose Staple Gun-80 Series - 1/2 inch Crown - Item #104983*
Assorted Curved Hand Sewing Needles - Item # 100100*
Multi Use Pins 1 1/2" (250 Pins) - Item # 102985*
Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" - Item # 102400*
Comfort Grip Rotary Cutter 60mm - Item # 9655*
Cutting Mat 18" x 24" - Item # 102990*
Surebonder HE-750 Professional High Temp Glue Gun - Item # 103684
* Items included in Upholstery Tool Kit #107122
Purchase all your supplies at: www.sailrite.com

[@ninajmisfit13]

Glad I wasn’t the only one who thought it looked cute before!

[@adventurousspirit6628]

I love watching Cindy work, she does a wonderful job!

[@SailriteDIY]

I'm glad you enjoy watching Cindy's work!

[@KL-nw9mi]

I liked the chair before but enjoyed watching the process

[@jdog420100]

Me too!

[@sheep9944]

Yeah! The yellow, right? Lovely!

[@carolsummers7525]

Cindy's expert advice helped me give new life to my grandmother's old chairs

[@casegarver]

Tremendous skill. Thanks to Cindi for her work and everyone else we don't see for their work to produce the video.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks for the positive comments! You are welcome.

[@christypoos9728]

Love Cindy's work.

[@normasanchezimatrix]

I think the old fabric was way prettier

[@blumenaue7590]

No, the new is much more stylish. The softer yellow compliments the wood.

[@huntingfashiondolls3307]

Of course. New designs are cheaper and they have cocowashed everyone is stylish but what it is , is just cheaper material! Remember in the old days only whealty people could have nice furniture? Everything used was pure quality.

[@stephhatchett6546]

Outstanding! I've been doing upholstery for years, but learned "new tricks" from this great tutorial. Thanks!

[@bettysanborn1991]

Really good job! After watching this for over an hour I'd really like to get a better look at the finished chair

[@margaretmapes3474]

Cindy is a superstar! I just started watching these videos and have learned so much! I'm starting my first upholstery class later this week and can't wait!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks! Enjoy our upholstery classes.

[@eileenkitchen1564]

absolutely fascinated viewing this video, amazing job love it !!! thank you

[@juanrivas6649]

pues este video para mi es muy importante porque yo nunca he hecho una silla de esta clase les muchas gracias por la gran paciencia que tienen para mostrar lo aprendido que no cualquiera lo hace este trabajo es muy profesional.

[@spamskanal]

I love the old fabric mustard yellow beautiful. Thanks for uploading this video, i think its the best so far on that topic. And best camera work also.

[@rosemorris6465]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial it has taught me so much more than any previous videos. Thankyou.

[@mandyfish4142]

Cindy you are a marval, so professional and worth your weight in gold. Great job.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!

[@jens2763]

These videos are the best! Clear, concise, detailed & professional, making it easy for new reupholsters like me, to learn the steps.

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@monsooniphone]

Excellent work again. I do enjoy you're videos.

[@sheilab2154]

Cindy is very talented! She makes it look so easy. I am going to try to reupholster a chair like this. I hope it goes a smoothly as this video. Thanks so much. I think I learned a lot!

[@sierrasue4547]

The old chair was absolutely beautiful. What a shame. And with no pay off in the end.

[@suatumasa8396]

Its all about be patient when you decided to upholstery your chair! Good job guys!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!

[@franceshopper8624]

Thank you, great demo! I love the new fabric!!

[@cindymadrid4557]

Beautiful work !! ❤

[@llk3763]

Love these videos. Makes it easy to do what looks so complex - a channel back. I do like the new fabric for a bright modern look. It's fun to watch an expert work! Great camera work too. The materials list at the end is very helpful. Wish I lived nearby to take classes.

[@eharris1290]

I like the new fabric for today and it depends on where you want to use it. The previous fabric was pretty for more formal use; the new for modern or more casual use.

[@shonaranae4588]

Nifty trick to compress the stuffing.

[@blumenaue7590]

Cindy. Thank you so much. Your videos are the best. Kudos, of course to the excellent photographer.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!!

[@marykittycat]

Wow. I feel like I just got a master class in upholstery. The voice over guy was kind of killing me with his 1950s game show voice but Cindy is incredible. Thank you, Cindy!!!

[@misskim2058]

That’s funny, I much prefer his to the phony grating TV voices of today and th fake people. Don’t even watch TV anymore because it’s too irritating.

[@israelfernandez1533]

Very impressive. Thank you for showing these technics, im new to this and appreciate you help.

[@SailriteDIY]

+Israel Fernandez You are welcome!

[@mrbakerskatz]

Thanks Cindy , Great Job !

[@SailriteDIY]

+mrbakerskatz Thanks!!!

[@georgebelev1900]

Great job Lady!!!!!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!

[@jacquelinecabrera-lindonen1726]

Very well explained!! Thank you for the detailed demonstration and the notes with the materials items.

[@SailriteDIY]

I am glad you liked it!

[@raymondsalcido4731]

very nice I cant wait to find a channel back chair to redou thanks again.

[@alisonburgess345]

Amazing to watch! I might try a chair myself. I love your videos.

[@gracebishop7142]

Love this video! Very informative

[@F-J.]

I love the. Vaccumed kabab trick !! 😁

[@beverlycook4913]

So lovely!!!💓 Thank you for sharing with me. Hugs! I love learning... Blessings...

[@SailriteDIY]

Beverly Cook We are glad you liked it! Thanks

[@roxanagarcia4239]

Que trabajo tan prolijo, todos los días hay que aprender algo nuevo

[@SailriteDIY]

Tan verdadero.

[@chisexton5845]

Very nice and detailed video. I expect to do more sewing and upholstering in future, thanks for showing proper technique.

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!!!

[@bridgeth41]

Amazing job!

[@amira7071]

you do a verry awesome work. I enjoyed watching. From morocco

[@SailriteDIY]

+Anas Akhatiou Thanks for your positive comment!!!

[@edithhenson6917]

You did a great fantastic job!

[@joemug4079]

She’s definitely a pro at this....

[@helenacker4853]

Great video..thanks for showing us..you have given me some courage to give it a try

[@SailriteDIY]

Great! Let us know if you have any questions along the way.

[@coffeefiend3226]

looks good. I learned a lot. thanks

[@anndodds8781]

You made that look so accomplished. I'm going to try it myself. Great job!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks! Let us know if you have any questions.

[@anndodds8781]

Thank you so very much. I have two matching wooden chairs with partial cane backs. But I think I can do this. Thanks for encouragement.

[@mariaf5726]

Very good video. Thanks for posting it.

[@magikdust2095]

I think the fabric before was nicer, but it was still nice to see the process.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thank you for your feedback! I appreciate your honesty and I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the process.

[@wombatgirl598]

I loved the old one better with velvet... maybe a new velvet could have been better... however, a great video: very detailed video. Thank you

[@j.me.0311]

Great video!

[@SailriteDIY]

Awesome, glad you liked it.

[@deedeeinwi]

you do awesome work. I enjoyed watching.

[@SailriteDIY]

+DeeDee Martin Thanks for the positive comment!

[@nordecodidou6935]

i like it toooo

[@2012Helenka]

So nice job!🌺

[@mrstayrodney]

Your really good, thank you for this detailed video.

[@SailriteDIY]

We are very glad that you liked it!

[@lfuentes4098]

My dad is working on a loveseat with channel back and arms. Lots of work.

[@SailriteDIY]

That sounds like a challenging project! I hope your dad enjoys the process and the end result turns out amazing.

[@blumenaue7590]

I would have put Dacron on that top rail, one continuous piece before attaching the channeled back. Not finding fault. Wow. Learned so much here!!

[@SailriteDIY]

Great suggestion. Thanks!

[@basmebel9583]

good job

[@SailriteDIY]

+basmebel & Диваны Thank you!

[@joarascherrill6884]

Genial adorei bem detalhado hiper explicativo

[@SailriteDIY]

+Joara Scherrill Obrigado pelo seu comentário positivo!

[@zibusisotshuma6271]

Thank you thus very nice of you showing such a great job

[@SailriteDIY]

+Zibusiso Tshuma Glad you liked it!!!

[@user-lz5jp3tn4v]

Very good work I like to learn from you

[@alejc3223]

well done, you make it look easy, which I am sure is not...so thank you so much for wonderful videos.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks. Let us know if you have questions.

[@auntigingy8666]

It is extremely easy. It is more tedious than anything.

[@subaluxmiteeluck9581]

Great job 😘

[@user-vh4fs1ur2n]

I love your work

[@ValerieGriner]

AMAZING! I love every one of your videos and plan to give this a try. I have 2 fine pieces of furniture that need to be reupholstered, so I''ll be ordering all of my supplies from Sailrite. Thanks SO much for posting these videos!

[@SailriteDIY]

Glad to help. Thanks for supporting our work by buying your supplies and tools from Sailrite!!!!!!

[@Adriana-ej3qi]

it looked so much better velvet

[@user-lz5jp3tn4v]

Very good work I like to learn from you

[@SailriteDIY]

+‫ابو حمود المطيري‬‎ Thank you! Let us know if you have questions.

[@president197961]

You could have used a regulator for filling the bottom channels. Nice job!

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

Why didn't she use an edge roll along the wood at the top of chair, then place the poly over the roll for a smooth edge? Fun to watch and learn from this, the chair turned out nice. Thank you for making this vid!

[@beautifulday1007]

Exclente video !!

[@cantiliver26]

Excelente trabajo de la Señora. Muchas felicidades. Lastima que al final el vídeo de mérito. No sé hizo el antes y el después.

[@cinflishman4116]

EXCELLENT video!!! Instructions were very clear and easy to follow....I think, lol! Watching is one thing, hands on is something completely different, although, Cindy makes it look very doable!! I have a channel back chair which I would like to recover although I would like to remove the channels and make it a flat back. Being a novice would that be an easy task? The channels just look so involved and a little more of a challenge to accomplish at this stage of the game for me. Thanks so much for any assistance you could offer!!! Beautiful upholstery!!!!

[@SailriteDIY]

We are glad you liked the video. It is our hope that the video will make reupholstering this type of chair possible. We tried to give as much detail in how to make the channels as easy as possible. I am not sure I have more advice, sorry.

[@cinflishman4116]

This video was excellent and after watching a few other videos I will be able to follow this video for this chair except for replacing the channels as I want my chair to be without the channels!! Thanks again for sharing!!

[@mumandauntyglad]

I like the wheel cuter

[@mariateresaheininkval8526]

Bravo Madame ,👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇨🇭🍾🍾🍾

[@norasworld3535]

Nice job!!!! Think you Of course likr😙😙😙😙😙

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks!!!

[@teresarodriguez4278]

Great vedio

[@blancaw6280]

Now I remember why I threw the chair out! I would never have had the patience for all that!

[@fredagrim4728]

Very useful video

[@SailriteDIY]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@mmmaps]

That was surprisingly absorbing, Cindy! I never expected spending over an hour watching you upholstering, but I could not stop. Too bad that guy kept interrupting, touting his goods ;) We didn't even get much of a look at the finished product, he was so eager.

[@SailriteDIY]

+mmmaps These videos are not cheap to produce, so the advertising of the goods that Sailrite sells is the only way to keep the free videos coming.

[@mmmaps]

+Sailrite I understand this... I was just trying to be slightly funny while pointing out that after watching over an hour of this, I'd have liked to see the finished product :)

[@peggy67ful]

Heres this. A professional upholsterer would not come to the sailrite video to learn. Its more for people like me who are DIYing for ourselves in lieu of paying the pro. Sailrite does all this at their expense in hopes of views...which is compensated for per the agreements with You Tube. They didn't say its a workshop on upholstery! Thats a hands-on PAID class. Cindy does fine work and if nothing else she clears up some questions for the DIYers. Try to chill.

[@annaatkins6377]

Great job. I enjoyed watching I am going to subscribe.

[@SailriteDIY]

Thanks, we are glad you liked it.

[@joemug4079]

Can you recover the chair leaving the old fabric on?

[@cathyserafinowicz6374]

Wonderful,just what I was looking for. Do you ship your tool kit abroad? I live in England. Best wishes, Cathy.

[@SailriteDIY]

+Cathy Serafinowicz Yes, we ship world wide.

[@atst5522]

y use plastic for flute and what stuff we can fill in it fiber ?

[@Tnlopez74]

Hello, do you change the staples size or use a different gun when doing the curvees and cording?? Or just use the same size for all...?? Thank you

[@SailriteDIY]

No, we did not change the staple size. We used a 3/8" leg length staple for this whole chair.

[@adamcoker9782]

you can use any 3/8 crown upholstery staple

[@pretty-eyes]

what is that mat made of please (the one used under the rotary cutter when she cut the piping on the bias)

[@SailriteDIY]

I do not know. We do not make them. Here is a link: www.sailrite.com/Self-Healing-Rotary-Cutting-Mat-24-x-36

[@brit331]

Very helpful video but I’m really sad that you took the velvet off :(

[@hassanran3016]

Nice job. Im marocin Iwant working with you

[@holmarunter3918]

good job. but in terms of style it looked better before

[@RadicalXpressions]

Sailrite... I thought it was a much better fabric. We're always gonna have the haters... Gotta love 'em.

[@holmarunter3918]

+Marjorie Geigle who is hating here? you seem to be the one who starts hate when calling me a hater for no reason.

[@erieberrie85]

Apparently having an opposing opinion is considered 'hating' these days. I agree with you, I preferred the original fabric too, it's more my style.

[@NonyaSmith]

Whether it's more your style (or anyone else's) is irrelevant. The woman has no say in what fabric the customer selects. The purpose of the video is to demonstrate UPHOLSTERY process and technique, not period design or aesthetics.

[@limitlesspotential9599]

I find all your comments offensive. Wait... I'm not a snow flake. And I agree the first style was better and I agree, she can't choose what style the customer has. It is a great demonstration of what needs to be done. The video is greatly appreciated.

[@shishkabobmiller2693]

"These staple guns work great..." as the staple fails to shoot properly lol

[@losFondos]

Wait, where can I buy the necessary material?

[@SailriteDIY]

You can purchase fabric and supplies here: www.sailrite.com/

[@rozaliashaari1184]

@@SailriteDIY hai

[@partlyironic]

What a strange and uber old fashioned fabric you replaced it with! I honestly assumed you had just mixed up the before and after shots in your preview. Still, I guess as long as your happy!

[@judyduggan3302]

Are you always so negative. It would be interesting to see what you do and how well you upholster.

[@suzielozano470]

How do you reupholster a vinyl mid-century modern chair that's tufted without buttons I would like to put material

[@SailriteDIY]

I will add that to my future list of projects. Can you email me photos of your chair please: [e-mail]

[@stopthelies3973]

how much fabric for two chairs? Is it double or is there any savings? I think the ones I have are what they call slipper chairs, however it looks like the legs are the only difference.

[@SailriteDIY]

If you do two chairs you can usually order about 25% less fabric than it would take for just one. Use this calculator to help with your figures of how much fabric to order: www.fabric-calculator.com/chairs.aspx This chair takes about 3 yards.

[@stopthelies3973]

Thanks so much, but I don't see anything comparable to mine. Well there is one, but it looks like it is missing a cushion. Do you have any place I can send photos of my chairs for and estimate?

[@SailriteDIY]

Yes, send it to [e-mail]

[@stopthelies3973]

Thanks

[@robertkuivjogi7013]

Why didn't she change the springs? Will you make a video where you will teach how to restore an antique chair and an antique sofa with the new springs?

[@sarar1106]

it was hard for me to see the messy fabric folds, stapling, and the fabric peeking behind the piping around the leg after being hot glued

[@ferocient]

Yes! Same issues that bothered me. The left-hand fabric fold on the front of the seat was driving me crazy (among other issues).

[@AS-rc1jr]

🤩🤩🤩👍👍👍💕

[@imaginenonn37]

1 hr and 15 min video. Let's show the finished product for 2 seconds...

[@SailriteDIY]

Ya, that was an issue. The owner of the chair took it immediately after the chair was upholstered, without letting me know. I did not have a second chance to take more video of the finished chair. Sorry!

[@JohnLee-im7iu]

Is it saerrite or sailrite? Can’t tell how to say company name.

[@user-lz5jp3tn4v]

I want to learn from scratch

[@SailriteDIY]

+‫ابو حمود المطيري‬‎ I hope our video helps you get it done.

[@johnbaker7811]

I think you need an upholster to show you the proper way to do the spring work.

[@rickjames4882]

+John Baker How would you have handled the springs? I'm still learning myself so I appreciate any help.

[@RadicalXpressions]

+Rick James Great way to handle this rude comment. :)

[@mumandauntyglad]

he's only saying the truth. He obviously is a professional upholsterer.

[@NonyaSmith]

@Michael Leo Paglia That's obvious how exactly?

[@beverlycook4913]

John Baker Come on, be kind and share John. Do you know how? Seems good to me.

[@angelafothergill6481]

You should show what the chair is supposed to look like once fabric is off, not once was the entire chair shown.

[@liciaestrella]

I liked the original chair ☹️

[@SpiritBear12]

I don't really want this to be a bash session, but there are several things wrong here. The new fabric should have been ironed flat before attaching to the chair. Do not rely on stuffing and tugging on the fabric to remove creases. This is a cheap short cut. The folds in the front corners instead of stitching a box seam in the fabric was another short cut and the folds are too loose and don't look right. That contemporary fabric does not fit well with a classic chair like that. They should respect the style of chair and use a more classic pattern of the era that chair was made or another solid color. The dust cover under the chair is also cheap. You can see right through it and see the other fabric through it too. Yes, no one sees the under side of a chair very much, but since this chair has fairly long legs, and the bottom is more likely to be seen, a thicker fabric should have been used. I realize reupholstering a chair is a lot of work. Taking that into consideration, why not take the extra steps and get better fabrics and techniques for it?

[@HackThePlanetNow]

SpiritBear12 well the look is entirely up to them or the client but I agree everything should've been ironed. Did the original have a boxing stitch around the front?

[@salvadordasilva6147]

SpiritBear12 .