How to Reupholster a Wingback Chair! PART 1: Tearing Down the Chair - Thrift Diving

PART 1 of 10: I'm taking an upholstery class and decided to reupholster this wingback chair that I had bought years ago from the thrift store for $60. In this video, I show you how I was taught to teardown a wingback to remove the back and sides of the chair. I won't be finished this chair until closer to the end of the month. So be sure to 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 WINGBACK CHAIR 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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Check out my Project Gallery:
thriftdiving.com/projects?utm...
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Serena Appiah
P.O. Box 463
Spencerville, MD 20858

[@curtainsup9]

certain pieces can be removed by grasping with the pliers and doing a rolling motion ( rolling the fabric around the pliers ) instead of pulling the fabric. It's a little quicker and easier. Always remove ALL the old fabric and all the staples. Anything else is a lazy way. ( and your new cover won't go on as nice. ) Also when pulling individual staples, be careful. You can hurt yourself. Wear garden gloves to prevent blisters. Tearing down furniture is hard dirty work. Don't leave any broken staples. Pull the little pieces out with pliers or hammer it in or it will find you.

[@camillep2634]

That is a nice looking chair. I would have started out slow myself removing the staples and fabric so that I could use the existing fabric as a pattern to cut the new fabric. Definitely can't wait to see the rest and the end result.

[@laceylives]

The gentleman who was teaching has such a soothing voice!

[@paynehollis]

I absolutely love you for this. Sincerely. Learning exactly what goes into a 100% rehab re-upholstering project like this is incredible, and really serves to inform my personal decision making on “how deep” to dive. Thank you so much. You have a new and avid follower!

[@kimberlyk1114]

I will definitely stay tuned to see how the chair turns out, as someone who worked in the upholstery industry the process can be challenging sometimes but oh so rewarding

[@ThriftDiving]

Ooh, I hope I please you with the end result, Kimberly!! :)

[@loribragg2947]

You are a woman after my own heart! I LOVE new challenges! I've taught myself how to make swag-and-jabot drapes, restore antique furniture, and even some construction (I've dug a drainfield, helped put on a new roof, hung and finished drywall, put in patio pavers). But, I have a great antique wing chair and an antique channel back chair that scare me to death. 😂🤣😂 So, I love your patient, clear, step-by-step tutorial. Hoping to conquer the unconquerable after watching your series of videos. And HEY--thrift stores and antique stores ROCK, especially in Florida. 😜

[@PrissyLungs]

Wow this was very straightforward and simple to follow. Attempting to reupholster a great chair this spring once the snow melts and this makes me feel so much more confident!

[@99999cathy]

Oh my, so many steps. I would never remember what order and where to go next! Can't wait to see the finished project.

[@ThriftDiving]

I know, Kathleen! That's why I took such extensive video so that I didn't forget a THING! Now I must write up the blog post so that I REALLY don't forget the process! :) LOL

[@DimplesDeep1]

This is super exciting! I can't wait for the big reveal thanks for taking us with you!

[@rubymimosa]

Oh wow, the blue of that fabric really was beautiful before it faded. Excited to see the rest of this project!

[@elizabeths.7779]

I just thought I'd let you know. I found your video so very helpful. I tackled my own reupholstering project and it was a success! I shared your video on a group page along with my completed project chair. Everyone loved it and asked how I did it. Well, I sent at least a thousand people your way with this video link. Your video was instrumental in giving me the courage to turn an ugly thrifty find into a treasure.

[@lisadee0276]

Elizabeth Shirey you go gurl!!

[@dalecooper7309]

I've actually just bought a pair of these for an upholstery project so I shall definetly be using your videos as a guide as you explain and make it look so easy. Thanks

[@CzarKarcz]

You can really see how faded that fabric that seems fine is when you begin to remove pieces and expose edges that haven't faded. Reupholstering my wingback since my cat ruined all of the embroidered fabric on it, using this series as a guide. Thanks for spreading your knowledge!

[@kaiblack3334]

I'm excited about seeing this project. My grandmother always said she was going to reupholster something bless her she never did. Lol I can't wait

[@ThriftDiving]

Oh no... sorry to hear that! A great idea would be to reupholster a chair in her honor and call it your "grandma" chair! :)

[@Journey2me]

I'm weirdly excited to see the rest of the process 😍😍

[@ThriftDiving]

YAY!! I was hoping people wouldn't be upset that I didn't show a full "before" and "after" but it's too much to put all in one video, you know?

[@mctron22rd]

I like that you are using a ferrier tool to pull out that fabric! Those pliers are used to cut horse hooves and take out the tacs from a horse's shoes! Perfect for this job!

[@evelynj.amponsah8417]

Serena Thanks for taking us along to your class. Great info going to call my Fabric store now to see if they offer upholstery classes. Can't wait until the next segment.

[@ThriftDiving]

Hi, Evelyn! Yes, you should definitely call. It's fun doing these types of classes. Life is about learning and growing, no matter how old you are, no matter what you have going on in your life. :) Let me know if you have any close by! You'll enjoy it.

[@MakeupForMatureSkin]

I've reupholstered an antique chair with the wood arms as shown in the video. That's really easy to do. But I've never had the guts to reupholster a wing chair.

[@ThriftDiving]

Hey, Anne! Yeah, a wing chair is like The GrandDaddy of Reupholstered Furniture. hahaha. I decided that this would be the best chair while under the guidance of someone who knows what they're doing. After doing this chair, I feel I could do nearly ANYTHING, so the skills will be quite valuable. I have an Ethan Allan sofa that I'll do next!

[@Alesya81]

Legit the best upholstery video out there!!! Thank you 🙏

[@joyceroquemore959]

Loved this!! I am trying to save my chair and just started researching and found this video. I should have searched for your information first since I am already a subscriber of yours…nevertheless I still found it 😂❤

[@vonreeves17]

Can't wait to see how you sew up the seat cushion! 😊

[@ThriftDiving]

I will show you, for sure! :)

[@JenniferDecorates]

Excellent video! Reupholstering seems so scary! But, you made this much easier by going step-by-step!! Great job!

[@madisonjones9874]

Your videos are so refreshing

[@IrsidaSheshi]

Serena, you're seriously the best! And I don't usually comment on videos either, but I wanted to comment on yours because I love how thorough you are with your videos and want to show my support and love for them. Keep on rocking!

[@ThriftDiving]

Aww, Irsida, thank you!!! This means so much! I am glad you decided to comment. Your feedback keeps me going.:)

[@lyndamadrid-miller695]

Can’t wait to see the next video of your wing back chair!

[@lindapedigo5422]

Thank you thank you thank you. You are sooooo good. I found this so interesting and am wanting to try it myself.

[@MyName-hf8tn]

Tfs! I know that chair was lovely with the blue and white upholstery in it's day. You're right, give it a fresh, clean face now. I respect how u venture into new things! I'll stay tuned as I'm already subscribed😊

[@ThriftDiving]

I agree! The fabric was reeeeaaalllly pretty, just so faded. I had some fabric I was going to use, but I feel like I should get new fabric that might be more neutral and less trendy. I'll keep you posted on what I decide to use! :) Thank you for following along!!!!

[@jessicaraine8403]

Thank you for this. I have a small curvy chair that I love but it desperately needs recovering!

[@letanyasfamilycrafting5622]

I love seeing the process and I just know it's going to turn out so Gorgeous!

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks, Letanya! I think it will, too! I'm re-thinking the fabric I am going to use, only because I was going to use the same fabric that I used on this other chair I did this month. But I think I may want to try something different! We shall see....Thanks for following along!

[@MAHWL]

That's awesome Serena!!! ... i volunteered at an upholstery shop a few years ago just to learn how to do that, i also learned how to strip stain off wood and repair wooden furniture... it is so much fun and i can tell you like it too!!!

[@ThriftDiving]

What a great experience, Maria! How long did you get to volunteer for? I remember stopping at a shop once asking to volunteer and I felt like they looked at me like I was crazy! LOL. Do you do a bunch of projects now?

[@donnabeem3036]

It's just so cool that you're doing a chair like that because I have a best friend that has a chair exactly like that and man she's going to love your video cuz she wants to redo her chair also man I'm loving your tutorials so far

[@juliepowell6656]

Can't wait for the next one!!!

[@Theheartfeltinspiration]

I’m so glad you’re showing us step by step! I watching and learning!👍🏾

[@ThriftDiving]

You got it!! You should have seen me when I got to class--my stupid phone has 20% battery and cut off on me! So I left class, went to my car for a conference call, and charged my phone just so I could take pictures and video to do this video! LOL. I couldn't leave you guys hanging and not show you what I am learning! If I learn, you learn. :)

[@Theheartfeltinspiration]

Thrift Diving awesome! That sounds like me. My phone is at 20% right now! 😂 Keep up the great work! You are certainly inspiring me!

[@naturalgalwilliams]

I've always wanted to do apolstery. I can't wait for the the next class! I feel like I'm taking part, yeah!

[@ThriftDiving]

LOL, and you didn't have to pay a dime! :) The class was actually pretty affordable at $299 for 6 sessions (4 hours each session). 24 hours of upholstery for $299! Can't beat that!

[@huxwonder7588]

As soon as our city open back up I have a wing back chair I'm going to do love your video

[@nyag1764]

I mean, my goodness! These videos are so well done!

[@janeyday5151]

Oooo that looks scary! Never knew so much went into making a chair! No wonder new ones are so expensive! Will be watching to see how you fix it up

[@jeandunne]

My husband and I took an upholstery class together and did a wing back chair as well. It was a lot of fun and we learned so much. Great experience.

[@denissesilva07]

I love antiques! I wish i could refurnish furniture!

[@ThriftDiving]

You totally can, Denisse! Try some classes, and do some tests on smaller pieces until you feel more comfortable with it! :)

[@blessedandbeautiful8365]

I’m encouraged!!! 😊 tfs a d your curls were looking good good

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!! My hair was wet in the beginning, but at the end, they're dry. I actually thought my hair looked good at the end, too, because I can actually SEE the highlights I had gotten earlier this year. They're so slight that I barely see them! :)

[@natashaverbaan7724]

Serena, am definately staying tuned to this project series

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks, Natasha! I think it will turn out good! :) (I HOPE!)

[@natashaverbaan7724]

What I know it will turn out perfect!!! I've been loving your videos!!

[@vallong6490]

I'm new to your channel, I'm so inspired!

[@donnam.dominick5576]

Eager to see the rest of the process as you get time to post it! NOW I understand why the upholsters quoted such a big figure to redo a favorite chair! That's a lot of work. I'm still saving to have them do it, but gee - maybe after you finish sharing the process, I might try it on my own. Yeah, sure, in what universe would that be? LOL]

[@ThriftDiving]

Hey, you should TOTALLY try it!! Once I started ripping it all apart, it didn't look that intimidating! I will definitely share the rest of the process for you!

[@caseyrandolph4000]

Wish I had your video a couple months ago. My neighbor curbsided 2 wing back chairs. 😣 free...as bad as i really want one for a reading corner, I didn't know how or where to start with it. Now I know...thanks a bunch for this video

[@ThriftDiving]

YAY! Glad this video series will help you when you ever have the chance to get your hands on one again! :)

[@dianawilliams-coe7747]

New to the channel, won a wingback chair in an auction and now I need to have it reupholster watch every video

[@CorryJoe]

What an interesting process!!

[@ThriftDiving]

It really was, Corry! I had NOOO idea how to get started, but the instructor made it clear that you remove it in layers based on what's covering up what. So starting at the bottom, the dust cover came right off....then the bottom cording...then the back...It was easy once I got started! :)

[@mimisabatino1375]

I give you a lot of credit for even thinking of tackling this project! Good luck, can't wait to see the final reveal!

[@ThriftDiving]

+Mimi Sabatino Lol, well, I was thinking it’s best to go big since I’ll have an instructor to bounce ideas off of! :)

[@lysiemoto]

this was actually helpful :) thanks! wish me luck - I've got two of them lol

[@eydnamortensen5985]

Can't wait to see the next video! Just subscribed to your channel. Best wishes from Denmark :)

[@steverickard4633]

Well done! I can't wait to see the fabric you choose. Top tip: don't throw out the fabric you removed! Use a template for new fabric. (I am sure You know this already as you are a pro!)

[@califdad4]

I see the color difference , that was a great looking chair pre fading I had 2 great large Sam Moore wing chairs in a flame stitch, ( light colored flame stitch) but the fabric worn out and between fabric and labor it was just too much and they went away, sadly . Loved those chairs

[@lucero7625]

Very interesting and informative 😉

[@mkofftiger]

The shape of the wings and cabriole on the legs makes me think this is a "Centennial Chair." They were produced in the 1870's and '80's in honor of the War for Independence and The Constitution. I have a pair that I bought about 30 years apart. Beautiful chairs...

[@iamblessed513]

Great video! I have wanted to do this project!..

[@aleechaadams2691]

My friend....my mom just passed and she had 5 of them and guess who got them all. Ok ME and I need to redo them thank you.🥰

[@poppyshoessp]

I'm yelling, rip it Serena! 😄 Can't wait to see the end results. Fabric is indeed expensive.

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, girl, rip that stuff off! I felt like a bad*ss by the time I was done. You should have seen me when I was removing the staples from the bottom dust cover. I was going all slow and removing EACH ONE, and the instructor was like, "no, no, just rip it." lol. I have always thought to remove it gently to keep the pieces to use to make the next pattern, but the instructor said he will teach me how to measure. Or rather, I should say, teach US to measure. LOL. Because you are going to learn, too! :)

[@poppyshoessp]

Thrift Diving Yes. *WE* will learn

[@alicegonzalez2264]

poppyshoessp is

[@marymary5494]

Excellent, thank you. 👌💕

[@LifeonGreenwoodwithCaron]

I'm exhausted just watching this, Serena. More power to you. You're a better woman than I! I'll keep watching to see how this chair turns out.

[@ThriftDiving]

LOL, Caron, I know! I couldn't believe it took me so long today just to remove the sides and back! The instructor was very quick with his removal! Me?? Slow as heck! LOL

[@jerodlastname498]

Yeah, I see why you want to rip that fabric off. The was such a pretty blue color that had faded. I really do love chairs like the wing back. I just think they're stunning, comfortable, and cozy. Can't wait to see the other parts of you finishing this chair! ❤

[@ThriftDiving]

Yeah, it's a shame it was so faded. I was telling hubby that I wanted to rip off the rest of the fabric and he was like, "No, just cover it up to save money! If you think it's dirty, steam clean it!" So, I'll likely keep the inside part on, but you'll get to see that in upcoming videos! I'm sure it's comfy. But it's been too dirty for me to even ATTEMPT to sit on it. HAHAHA

[@jerodlastname498]

Thrift Diving Yeah, saving money is important. But I'd be like you and wanting all the old fabric ripped off. Lol. But, at lease you'll know how to just cover up some fabric on a chair to save more money/cut small corners. But yes, I wouldn't have sat on that chair either. 😆

[@califdad4]

@@jerodlastname498 it likely got dirtier sitting in her garage for 3 years LOL

[@mallymakings2853]

I’m very excited about this project. I completely understand why you’re reupholstering this chair but, oh my goodness, what stunning fabric you’re removing. I hope we won’t have to wait a week to see the next instalment? Sending you some love from England.xxx

[@suzannedawson6330]

OMG! Makes a giant mess, but so interesting. Can’t wait for the next video

[@ThriftDiving]

You can find all the videos in the playlist in the description! :)

[@jeanettedawson8500]

The silver metal strip on the curve is called ply grip.

[@rebeccacarraway480]

I would chew my arm off to be able to take an upholstery class 😑. But right now I need another hobby like I need a hole in my head 🤯

[@ThriftDiving]

Hahaha! I feel you on that one! Lol

[@cat_strangler2603]

“This is part one, of what’s probably going to be a three part series” She just did part 9.

[@nevillelongbottom1628]

But thank god because I want to do this myself and it really looks like the more detail the better

[@jonayoung6214]

Ugh really?!?!?!

[@petraa.k.a.granolahead2436]

Great information. Thanks. I'm trying it myself. Lol

[@kimeshiadaniels4543]

oh my goodness!!! thank you!!!!!

[@ThriftDiving]

Sounds like you've got a wingback chair that you'd like to reupholster too? :)

[@simongray6773]

When are you sharing the rest of the videos?? I'm dying to learn the rest of the process

[@miscelaneosymas9923]

So so so so great

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!!

[@minalgawande2116]

Hi I'm from India , I like your videos & awesome transformation of old furniture plz share with us how to polish wooden surface thanks for giving ideas

[@jeandudley7841]

I JUST LOOOOVVVVEEE YA!!

[@mariallknowing9273]

New to your videos and loving them! Any chance you have recovered sofa?

[@joywalsh6150]

That fabric is very similar to the fabric on my sofas but i have it in red and gold! Itll be interesting to see how you change it up!

[@ThriftDiving]

Hey there, Joy! It's a pretty fabric, so I'm sure your sofa is pretty, too! :)

[@malissawhite4569]

I plan to take upholstery classes after I finish my current education next year.

[@ThriftDiving]

That's a great idea, Malissa. I think even if you can watch a KZbin video, having an instructor there to guide you is so beneficial. You'll be happy you signed up for one! :) Let me know how it goes!!

[@davebond7380]

Try a smaller light weight pair of pincers, also a tight fitting pair rubber gloves like gardeners use. Also maybe an old chisel and mallet

[@leatherlovelyph7gabbie-gol915]

omg you weren't kidding! that fabric was blue! haha

[@michellesoomro7946]

Did anyone else start remembering surgeries you have watched online or in botched? It seems very surgical and methodical with a degree of art and intuition.

[@antonioosoriokory]

Felicidades por todo el esmero puesto en este trabajo !!!!Mi familia por mas de 40 años se a dedicado a fabicar sofas y sofas cama y claro tenemos el servicio de Re-Tapizado es una actividad muy grata se conocen a muchas familias y en ocasiones los clientes piden trabajos que llegan a resultados geniales les comparto uno de mis trabajos saludos afectuosos desde la Ciudad de México. @

[@opi1412]

Oh dear i wish i seen this before trying to take mine apart it would have made it so much easier. Lol

[@baljeet50]

Hi Serena how much these classes costs and where exactly do they teach? I am keen to learn as well. x

[@carolj2013]

I have two Lane wing back chairs, one is a recliner (my FAVORITE) that I got for free (yes, I curb crawled these). They are in desperate need of reupholstering. One I've put a slipcover on for now; the recliner has been a little more difficult to find a slipcover for at a reasonable price. These are great chairs with excellent "bones"; well worth recovering in my book. I've had one quote from an upholstery shop of $350, plus material. You make this look so easy (I especially like the "just rip it off" part! I'm really good at that!); I am tempted to try. Almost. I did notice that those staples and tacks tend to fly around. If doing at home, would laying a tarp down first make it easier to clean up?

[@curtainsup9]

Carol, /the labor is a bargain for wing chairs. Doing reupholstery work is HARD Work. A sharpened tack puller works good on staples if you don't have proper tools.

[@califdad4]

$350 in labor is cheap, just find some deal on fabric. I wanted to get my big Sam Moore wing chairs redone, but when I found a fabric that I knew would look great on them, and found out it was $100 a yard, I decided I needed to find new chairs, but never found anything that sat as well at those

[@suzannedawson6330]

Are those pliers made especially for upholstery?

[@Edtuta37]

What is that first tool she used called??

[@tbrowntracyj]

You have such a pretty face Your video making skills are good You are a nice teacher Thank you Miss Lady

[@jessicachasse1584]

How do you get coupons for the thrift store?

[@jenniestaples5394]

When do you tackle the wooden legs? That is the part I'm interested in please.

[@ThriftDiving]

Soon, Jennie! I have been busy and haven't had time to tackle the legs, or anything else, for that matter. But it's coming soon! :)

[@Rakaye25]

What upholstery class were you taking?

[@elmyra.jackson]

Are those a special type of pliers?

[@mrbells8998]

7 plus parts to reupholstering a chair??!! wow this is a lot of investment in my youtube viewing time. ive started now so im gonna have to finish. argh !! looks like im getting no sleep tonight x x

[@melissastugis38]

You're.my hero lifting that chair all by myself and I love what you have done to this chair. Do you sale your furniture after redoing it?

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks, Melissa! Nope, I don't sell anything I do. I used to have a booth for a short 6 months but the work involved was not worth the reward! LOL. I think I need a bigger house so I can keep doing projects!

[@jeanettedawson8500]

what tool is that? No staple remover or prying tool.

[@vlvchii]

I have one like this that is falling apart. It belonged to my great grandmother and I wanna keep it so bad but it's gonna need help

[@kristinebarski110]

you put plastic in, how is that good for my garden? I love the concept!

[@sheilajoseph5494]

You know this video is good cause I don't even own a winged back chair!

[@mildredvoll4870]

My Mom had a wingback chair. 1940's.

[@madaisyandme4831]

What about using your steamer to clean it?

[@ThriftDiving]

I wish it were that easy, but this chair was stinky through-and-through. :)

[@repentrepurposerefurbish3307]

I keep putting off reupholstering 10 parsons chairs. 6 0f them have tufted buttons. 4 0f them have rolled backs and skirts. I'm overwhelmed. The fabric for the 6 chairs are 20.99 a yard. The 4 chairs with the rolled backs and skirts are. 18.99 a yard. Too expensive. That's why I'm not motivated, but, I love love the fabric.

[@LadyLuvGemStones]

👍👍

[@wk1810]

I love this video, but looking at all that old batting being exposed I kept waiting for a bug to scurry out. Sorry, my imagination got the best of me!

[@tuvelat7302]

Take pictures as you remove the layers, so you can remember what order things were.

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, definitely! Sometimes, though, even with pictures, it can be hard to remember! LOL Better yet, take VIDEO!

[@tuvelat7302]

@@ThriftDiving That works, too! I recovered a child's chair a few years ago and I'm trying to work up the nerve to start on a wingback.

[@ThriftDiving]

Good luck with it! I still never finished the cushion and refinishing the feet! I have moved on to other projects, so I need to come back to it. Try to get it done all in one go. This one took me FOREVEERRRRR. :)

[@Alma-zi9yc]

I’m terrified of these kind of chair after I finished reading junji ito’s comic of ultra creepy stalker dude living on the chajr

[@brittanykarlek4973]

He has a nice accent lol...Caught me off guard because it went from the accent I was used to to another accent I don't think I've ever heard.