Upholstery and Fabrics - Reupholstering Retro 50's Chairs
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Chepski
03-08-09, 08:01 PM
Hi,
I am wanting to attempt reupholstering some retro 50's vinyl kitchen chairs. The concept is pretty straight forward, i.e. pull apart the old chair, match the fabric shape, sew and re-fit.
What I'm unsure of is, can I use a standard sewing machine to sew vinyl or do I need something more heavy duty?
Cheers...
I am wanting to attempt reupholstering some retro 50's vinyl kitchen chairs. The concept is pretty straight forward, i.e. pull apart the old chair, match the fabric shape, sew and re-fit.
What I'm unsure of is, can I use a standard sewing machine to sew vinyl or do I need something more heavy duty?
Cheers...
Shadeladie
03-09-09, 07:22 AM
Hi and welcome to the forum! You don't necessarily need a special machine, but it may depend on the one you have. What machine do you have?
If it's an older, mechanical model, you should have no problem. Just use a larger needle size (16 or maybe an 18) and use a good quality polyester thread, not a bargain brand.
If it's a cheap Walmart type machine, well just try it and see if it can handle it or not.
If it's an older, mechanical model, you should have no problem. Just use a larger needle size (16 or maybe an 18) and use a good quality polyester thread, not a bargain brand.
If it's a cheap Walmart type machine, well just try it and see if it can handle it or not.
Chepski
03-10-09, 04:51 AM
Hi. Thanks for the reply and advice. Our sewing machine is an older type but I'll have to check it out to be sure (it's in the garage). When you say mechanical type, are you referring to the ability to override the power switch and manually work the machine?
Cheers....
Cheers....
Shadeladie
03-10-09, 08:11 AM
By mechanical I simply mean a basic metal, heavy duty machine, not plastic. Doesn't have to be electronic or computerized.
mightymoose
03-23-09, 09:11 PM
Hi,
I am wanting to attempt reupholstering some retro 50's vinyl kitchen chairs. The concept is pretty straight forward, i.e. pull apart the old chair, match the fabric shape, sew and re-fit.
What I'm unsure of is, can I use a standard sewing machine to sew vinyl or do I need something more heavy duty?
Cheers...
Don't know but if your machine is good enough, get the proper needle. Probably 50's style has piping/welting and I doubt a home machine can do all four layers (a facing, border and piping). Also, make a new template, if you "match the fabric shape", it may have stretched and distorted a bit.
Question for you, what kind of chair is it, kitchen, club or what?
I am wanting to attempt reupholstering some retro 50's vinyl kitchen chairs. The concept is pretty straight forward, i.e. pull apart the old chair, match the fabric shape, sew and re-fit.
What I'm unsure of is, can I use a standard sewing machine to sew vinyl or do I need something more heavy duty?
Cheers...
Don't know but if your machine is good enough, get the proper needle. Probably 50's style has piping/welting and I doubt a home machine can do all four layers (a facing, border and piping). Also, make a new template, if you "match the fabric shape", it may have stretched and distorted a bit.
Question for you, what kind of chair is it, kitchen, club or what?
Chepski
03-26-09, 03:21 AM
Don't know but if your machine is good enough, get the proper needle. Probably 50's style has piping/welting and I doubt a home machine can do all four layers (a facing, border and piping). Also, make a new template, if you "match the fabric shape", it may have stretched and distorted a bit.
Question for you, what kind of chair is it, kitchen, club or what?
They're kitchen chairs. Don't know where to start to make a new template though....
Question for you, what kind of chair is it, kitchen, club or what?
They're kitchen chairs. Don't know where to start to make a new template though....