Modern DIY Upholstery: Step-by-Step Upholstery and Reupholstery Projects for Beginners and Beyond

by Vicky Grubb

Modern DIY Upholstery shows the hobby sewer or complete newcomer how to make the leap into home upholstery taking you gently by the hand, demonstrating the simple techniques you need to bring your love of fabric to upholstered items for the home. Not a dry, highly technical professional upholstery manual, this bright and accessible book presents 10 simple projects using modern methods that are quick and easy to achieve. You will be taken step-by-step through the process of upholstery of desirable pieces of furniture – using items found at antique markets, street sales and thrift stores that are designed up and given a modern twist. You will then learn all about fabric choice and other materials, discover the essential techniques and then embark on the projects which include a simple stool, a vintage sewing box, a blanket box or ottoman, a fluted headboard, a Danish dining chair, a bedroom/nursing chair, a patchwork armchair and a mid-century design two-seater sofa, all guided by the author's expert instruction. QR codes will take you to time-lapse videos of the construction of each project – the only book to attempt such a feat!

Genres: Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

Author, upholstery teacher and vintage fabric hoarder. Works out of #theupholsterystudio, Bournemouth.

Reviews

[Pamela Huxtable · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but the tutorial that most matches my project has convinced me to take it to an upholstery shop.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting upholstery book. I realized the importance of having the "Techniques" section at the beginning of the book as I had to refer to the back, often, to understand many of the project instructions. So, problem with the book's organization. That said, many of the projects looked great but the fabric selections I thought were horrendous. The only two I cared for were the armchair (on the front cover) and the headboard (page 58) - both rather Marimekko-reminiscent. The Buttoned Footstool (page 72) was a very clever way to do buttoned "tufting" - I'd never seen it done that way before and seems much easier. Lots of transformations in here, but most just aren't my style.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well illustrated using more modern materials like hot glue and the like and aimed at simpler upholstery styles. It does include making a basic seat cushion. The directions are very easy to follow and there are videos online. There are more comprehensive books out there but the older ones stress techniques beyond my meager sewing capabilities and I haven't found a more modern complete guide yet.

[Marcy Graybill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really impressed with the book, there are much better guides out there.