My daughter is expecting in the spring. I had this Victorian rocker in the pile of antiques that needed refurbishing and dug it out. Gotta have a rocker for the baby!I’ve stripped, repaired and refinished, now it’s time to upholster and I know nothing. Originally, this would have been done with horse hair, coil springs on jute webbing. When I stripped it, there was foam on jute. I’ve been doing some research and it seems the modern approach is a low stretch rubberized webbing, foam over and polyester batting, muslin cover, fabric. Some rubber webbing recommends using clips. Can the webbing be just stapled like jute, doubled over on the ends? The clips may present a problem attaching the back fabric. Any preferences for the back fabric attachment method? I don’t think I want to go decorative nail head on the back like I will on the front. What I stripped was binding tape and pin head nails. I’ve seen fold over continuous strips but don’t know if all the curves will work. Any hints on compression? I’m guessing I will have to sculpt the foam to form that rounded edge and pillow look. Is it all done with one density, seat and back? I don’t want it to be too firm but keep it supportive and durable. Any recommends on certain foams or suppliers? Has anyone done a similar project? I’m not sure how thick to make the foam and how much the fabric will pull it to the shape or if I should compress it a little when attaching the fabric. I welcome any experiences you would share, Thanks.
Replies
I've used the rubberized
I've used the rubberized webbing on 2 morris ottomans. Inside the frame I attached a 3/4" X 1" strip with a grove on the top to accept the clips. Just wedged them in. The webbing and clips have held with no problem except occasionally one loosens and I have to push it back in.. The webbing is pretty strong.
I'm no upholsterer, but I think that the foam with batting on top and then the fabric might be enough to shape the cushion.
ASK
You can use the jute webbing for the seat and back rest. Tacking with the staple gun. Followed as you have concluded with foam - batting, and a muslin cover. With the seat I would form a crown - building up slightly with the foam. Get different thickness of foam and fill in as you need.
Don't apply the fabric until all looks and feels good under the muslin. For edge treatment - either a tacking strip - the flexible one - or do a double welt to finish the edge.
SA
Hammer ,
We use a Bosch foam cutting saw but you can use an electric carving knife to shape your foam or a band saw to cut foam as well .
Don't buy cheap foam ,get it from an upholstery
supply do it once .
regards dusty
FWIW, there were a couple of episodes on New Yankee Workshop involving upholstery work. Watching the methods and techniques might be helpful.
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