Complete Step-by-Step Upholstery (Hardcover)

by David Sowle (Author), Ruth Dye (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With 15 easy to follow, fabulously illustrated step-by-step projects, this is just what the beginning upholsterer needs. The first eight items--including a drop-in-bottom chair, overstuffed seat, and box cushion--teach the fundamental techniques required to tackle any upholstery task that might arise. After that, it's time to get more creative, with a beautiful Art Deco armchair, chaise longue, leather chesterfield, and more. Each project includes a list of tools and materials, a quick overview of the key skills, and tip boxes to make the work go more smoothly.

About the Author
Ruth Dye took up upholstery as a hobby. As she gained more experience she found that she had a real aptitude for the craft; word spread and she soon found that she could earn her living doing upholstery. Together with her partner David they formed the business, Oldsofas.com, a website from which they sell upholstered furniture. They now have a thriving business and live and work in south-west Wales.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: New Holland (June 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843307979
• ISBN-13: 978-1843307976
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #364,493 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #29 in	Books > Home & Garden > Interior Design > Upholstery & Fabrics
  #75 in	Books > Home & Garden > How-to & Home Improvements > Furniture

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully photographed step-by-step instructions, December 4, 2006

By	JJ Johnson "JJ" (Urbana, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews

This book directs the reader through several projects, beginning with a very simple one to one that is quite complicated. Covers a wide range of techniques, and displays each step quite clearly with many good photographs. The book is particulary valuable for upholstering antique pieces with materials similar to what would have been original to the piece. There is not a piece of foam used in any of the projects. Some upholsterers find that the vegetable fiber is more difficult to smooth out than foam, particularly for the inexperienced student. But if you want to see traditional techniques beautifully illustrated, this is the book for you.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!, September 22, 2007

By	Jennfer Zimmerman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent resource for beginners and experts alike! Great photos and step by step instructions.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY INFORMATIVE WITH DETAILED INSTRUCTION, May 25, 2008

By	Artisans Workspace (NYC) - See all my reviews

This book is precisely for the beginner who wants to know how to do upholstery the traditional way -- not simply slap a piece of foam in place and call it a day. The steps involved may put some people off because it seems to be a lot of work. But upholstery IS a lot of work; and done this way, will last more than one's lifetime. If you are someone looking for shortcuts, then this is not the book for you. If you are interested in learning proper techniques that will stand the test of time, this is definitely a great reference -- you won't be disappointed.