Furniture upholstery for schools

by Emil Aldren Johnson

A CART.—The different processes for upholstering a cart, illustrated in Fig. [9], are identical to those just described, with the exception that a margin is left at the edges of the seat. The cart suggests a very practical application of simple upholstery, either in covering a wood seat or in replacing a worn upholstered seat.

FIG. 6

A LEG REST.—The processes of upholstering the leg rest shown in Fig. [10] vary substantially from those already discussed. Here is the first introduction to a hard edge. Reference to Fig. [10] will show how this edge is made. Chamfer the upper arris of the seat as wide as the tack head and drive the tacks in at right angles to the chamfer. This method avoids splitting the corners. The near side of the illustration shows a piece of burlap tacked with two-thirds of its width overhanging. Use 4-oz. tacks for this purpose, and tack in such a way that the heads of the tacks are even with the edge of the seat.

After the burlap has been secured in this way insert a small roll of tow or a strand or two of welt cord under the burlap at the edge of the seat. The diameter of this roll may vary from ¼ to ½ inch as desired. Bring the burlap over and around the firmly packed tow or cord, and tack down extremely close to the roll, keeping the roll round. Special effort should be made to keep the roll smooth and even, for its form determines the final form. The rear side of the illustration, Fig. [10], shows the completed roll.

FIG. 7

Strips of webbing may be employed in place of burlap. Webbing is a closer woven fabric than burlap, and in consequence produces a more even roll. And webbing cord is preferable to tow for it requires less time to place and results in a smooth edging.

The strip of soft wood shown in the illustration is called an upholstery block. Gimp and muslin are secured to this block. Without these blocks, one at each end, the cover could not be placed without much labor and resulting unsightly folds at the corners.

After the corner strips are placed and the rolls formed, place sufficient tow on the seat to produce a slightly rounded top when the tow is pressed down firmly with the hands. The tow must be picked, that is, pulled out thoroly to make it even and fluffy. Place over this a piece of muslin, tacking it temporarily at the center of each side with several 2½-oz. tacks. These should be only partly driven, a process called slip-tacking or loose-tacking. Stretch it tightly, and bring the threads of the muslin in line with the edges of the seat. Next pull out the tacks from one side and re-stretch the muslin by stroking it several times with the left hand, always holding it with the right. Do this on each side in succession. An expert workman will hold the tacks in his mouth and the hammer in the right hand during the whole process. After the muslin has been placed use the regulator and re-distribute the tow should any unevenness exist. This process is called regulating.