Thinking you can do a small upholstery job at home yourself? Well, you can. If, that is, you have the right materials, machine and know-how. You don’t have to be a real upholsterer to get the job done, though. Just follow a few tips and you’ll be proud of the finished furniture. Cutting and sewing the pieces together will be challenging but another obstacle could be the buttons. Here are a few tips on working with upholstery buttons:
Most people don’t have an upholstery button maker at home. Therefore, you must consider other options. One option is to take a piece of the intended fabric or vinyl to an upholstery shop and ask them to make the buttons for you. It’s not expensive to have them done and, generally, you can have them made while you wait. The upholsterer can show you several different sizes and designs of buttons.
Another choice is to visit a store that sells sewing notions. You’ll often find home button-making kits that will help you put the buttons together yourself. You’ll cut swatches of fabric, lay the rounded top of the button on the cloth, then fold the cloth over it. A second piece – the back of the button – will be pushed into the first piece. There’s usually a small wooden tool that will assist you in pushing the front and back button pieces together.
Cut corners, if you want, and use ordinary shank buttons for your upholstery job. No one says the buttons absolutely have to be upholstered. Large shank buttons can often take the place of the upholstered types. Shank buttons are available in many sizes, shapes and colors to suit your needs.
One thing you’ll definitely need if you’re going to install buttons in furniture is a very long needle. You won’t find these button needles at just any old store. Stores that sell regular sewing supplies don’t usually carry the extra long needles. Purchase one from an upholsterer or look online for the unique needles. They’re not ultra-expensive and one will last you a lifetime.
To begin the process of attaching the buttons cut a long piece of button twine. The twine is not large in diameter but is very strong. Cut a very long piece; you can trim it later. You don’t want to come up short on the twine since it will have to be long enough to be doubled, pass through the chair, and reach to the nearest wooden piece where it can be stapled.
Thread the button onto the twine. Bring both ends of the twine together and position the button in the center. Pass both ends of the twine through the eye of the button needle. The places where your buttons will go should be distinctly marked with chalk or a disappearing ink marker. Push the needle through the first mark.
If you have any trouble pushing the needle through remove it and try again. Forcing the needle means you could bend or even break it. After pushing the needle through pull the twine all the way through as well. Remove the needle and set it aside. Pull the twine until the button sinks to the position you want it to be. Each button should be sunken to the same depth to get the right look.
After you’ve positioned the button take a wad of cotton and place it against the chair back or other furniture piece. Tie the twine over the top of the cotton wad and tighten it. Tie a knot to secure. The wad of cotton will prevent the twine from pulling back out.
Take the ends of the twine and pull them to the top or sides of the back of the furniture piece. Staple them against the wood, pull the ends of the twine to the opposite way they’re facing, and staple again. It’s not harmful to staple the twine three or four times to make sure it is secure. When all the buttons are in place you can then trim the excess twine.
You’ll have success doing your own small upholstery job if you use the right tools and machines. Take your time, measure and cut exactly, and use quality material. All these things will ensure that your finished project will look fantastic.
Reference:
- Purchase upholstery supplies here: www.diyupholsterysupply.com
