A Complete Guide to Upholstery Basics for Easy DIY Projects

DIY Upholstery Basics

DIY upholstery basics start with picking a piece with a simple shape and a fabric with a sturdy weave and a forgiving texture that's easy to match. Beyond that, if you can cut out a pattern, sew a straight seam, and wield a staple gun (and we know you can), you're well on your way to a speedy recovery of just about anything you choose.

3 No-Fuss Projects

Our three easy projects will turn you into a pro upholsterer in no time:

• Tailored tufted wall (easiest)
• Knockout upholstered headboard (still easy)
• Elegant slipper chair (will be easy with our step-by-step guide).

Tufted Wall

A padded wall feels cozy in a bedroom, keeps the room warmer, and muffles sound. We used an electric staple gun to attach quilt batting to the wall and then stretched 54-inch-wide fabric panels over it, stapling at the edge of each panel.

Upholstered Headboard

We cut the headboard from plywood, then padded it with foam. A tight-fitting slipcover is stapled to the bottom of the frame. Piping (also called welting) accentuates the shape of the headboard and adds extra strength to seams.

Recovered Chair

We took this slipper chair from clunky to chic by giving it a new covering of icy-blue fabric and lots of dressmaker details. Welting around the seat gives the illusion of a separate cushion, pleats and a covered button accentuate the rolled back, and the new skirt camouflages a chunky seat and squat legs.

Common Upholstery Techniques

Many of today's upholstery basics, tools, and techniques are the same as those used 200 years ago.