Step By Step Process And Items Needed To Reupholster A Bench Seat With Arms
The decorative lines and awe-inspiring cushioning of your rolled arm bench make it an attractive addition to any room of your house, whether it’s laze in a sunny window or nestled at the foot of your bed. After a short period of time, wear & sunshine will easily damage and fade your fabric leaving your well-liked bench looking like a shade of its former self.
You can easily reupholster your bench seat with arms by collecting certain items and then going through the step by step process to achieve the desired result.
Things You Will Need
- Pliers, Fabric & Straight Pins
- Needle, Thread & Fabric Marker
- Upholstery Foam (Optional)
- Spray Adhesive, Staple Gun & Staples
- Cotton Batting (Optional)
Step 1: Measuring
- First of all, you have to measure your bench seat from the bottom of the left side, over & up the arm, across your seat & down to the bottom of the right side, by following the contours of your bench. You also need to add 6 inches to get the actual length of fabric you will need.
- Now you need to measure your bench from front to back, starting at the bottom edge of your front. Also, add 6 inches to get the actual width of fabric you need.
- Finally, measure the length, width & height of your cushion, if there is cushion available. Also, add 1 inch to each measurement in order to get the actual amount of fabric you need.
Step 2: Cushion
- After following all the previous steps, now simply remove your cushion. Also, remove your fabric if the fabric is damaged or stained.
- Now you need to fold your fabric with the right sides facing innermost. Now cut out a bottom & top piece of your fabric, 2 fabric pieces for the long sides & 2 fabric pieces for the short sides.
- Pin the cushion fabric side pieces together with their right sides facing inward. Sew them together, using 1/2-inch seams.
- Next, simply pin the sides to the top piece of your fabric with right sides together. Be sure that the corners line up and then sew them together by using 1/2-inch seams.
- Pin your bottom piece to the side pieces with the right sides unneurotic. Simply sew 1 long side and both short sides & the outer 3rd from each corner on the 4th sides together by using 1/2-inch seams.
- Turn your cushion cover right side out & slip your cushion into it. Now close the opening with the help of a needle & thread by using a blind stitch.
Step 3: Bench
- Turn your bench over & then pull out all of the staples by using needle-nose pliers. Remove your old fabric and keep each section in 1 piece, if it is possible. Label each fabric piece as you remove it so you will know where your new fabric pieces go.
- Now you need to remove your old foam if it is necessary. Now cut a piece of 2-inch to 4-inch dense upholstery foam to fit your bench. Spray your bench by using adhesive & set your foam in place.
- Now layout your new fabric with facing downward(the printed side). Now, place cotton batting on top of the fabric to get a little extra softness, if desired. Place the old fabric pieces on top & right side down. Pin your fabrics together.
- Cut around your old fabric & leave at least 1 inch extra of your new fabric & batting.
- Now, put your new fabric on your bench by following the labels on your old fabric. Pleat your fabric at the sides of your rolled arms to make it fit adequately. You may need to take the help of two people for a taut fit. Turn your bench over and then secure your fabric to the underside by using your staple gun.
- Finally, right your bench & set your cushion on top.
Tip
- You need to use a thread & needle to place a few invisible stitches to hold your fabric pleats taut against the curve of your bench arm while you get the bottom side stapled.