My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

[Gpayne]

Turns out, Hancock Fabrics had a 30% off all vinyl sale this weekend. So, I stocked up and headed to the house. After much begging and solemn oaths, I finally managed to convince my love to let me use her sewing machine. After a few missed attempts and some colorful language, I managed to get three cusihions to look halfway satisfactory. Nowhere near what they were when new, but heck, we're not working on the Titanic, right? Now I've only got four more to go. Of course, I'm already out of red vinyl because I miscalculated the amount I would need. I just hope it's still on sale next week.

 

[Boats-A-lots]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

Looks great! My wife wouldn't let me near her sewing machines no matter what I promised her.

 

[Gpayne]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

She made me use her beginner machine. I'm not even allowed to look at her fancy machine.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

You used a plastic liner between the vinyl and the foam right?

Polyester thread right?

 

[JoLin]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

Good for you!

All these recents attempts have convinced me that I oughta try it this winter. My cockpit bolsters are in the worst shape (literally falling apart), and I figure that's a good place to start. I'm asking all the friends and relatives if they have a machine gathering dust somewhere.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

Great.

We have a few people that dabble with seating

I will move this to the restoration section where we can share this wealth of knowledge.

Jo Anns fabrics always has some great coupons on line for discounts and they work on the marine vinyl!

 

[Gpayne]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

Thanks Bob! BruceB, yes on both. Good tough poly thread and plastic. Went back to Hancock for some more red after work today, 'bout to head into the room to get some more done. For those of you considering doing your own seats, I strongly recommend an electric staple gun. MUCH easier! Just be careful, whatever its pointed at will have staples in it as soon as you pull the trigger.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

Pneumatic staple gun is what I use. Make sure you use stainless staples.

 

[sphelps]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

Looks good ! Getting set up for my seat project . Hope to start sewing this weekend ..

 

[Gpayne]

Re: My first foray into the wonderful world of upholstery

Update, I finished all 7 seats. The last one came out MUCH better than the first one! I also made a new vinyl cover for the engine cover. I'll post some pics tomorrow after I get them installed back in the boat. All in all, it really wasn't that bad of a job. I did 7 cushions with new wood bases and vinyl, reused the foam, and I figure I've got less than $100 in the whole job. I'm guessin an upholstery shop wouldv'e charged me $300+. Sure, they wouldv'e done a much better job than me, but for an old 17' open bow my sewing skills will suffice just fine. For those of you considering doing yours, I found the best prices on vinyl at Hancock Fabrics. Just hope you don't have to buy any foam. I think they make it with gold or something, it's crazy expensive!!