How to reupholster a recliner seat

I found a recliner beside a Dumpster. The bones were good, but it needed a new seat because the vinyl had holes with stuffing coming through. I looked all over online for instructions, but had to figure this out on my own. I hope this helps someone else. Total cost for this project -- $2 in upholstery fabric -- $3 for fabric glue -- for a total of $5, give or take a few cents.

Step 1 Measure the fabric for your seat.

I found a box of upholstery fabric at a yard sale a few years ago. The larger sample pieces were 26 inches by 28 inches, which worked for this project.

For a recliner seat, measure the fabric larger than where you want to lay it --  leaving a 1/2 inch on the left, right and front. Leave about 4 inches of fabric on the back to glue and tuck into the back of the recliner.

The 1/2 inch edge on the left, right and front will be folded under, glued and stitched.

Comments

[MrCool00236]

i think you made it sad (sad face on back, first pic) lol

[SandLizard]

Thanks for this. I think it will help repair the damage my dog did to my sofa. I will have to add stuffing and foam rubber he tore out but your gluing and sewing i'ble will be a lot of help. Now to try to teach him not to tear up the furniture.

[gannon]

Excellent upcycling project-- thanks for sharing!

[Creativeman]

Good job, Tori....you're off to a great start! Cman

[torileigh]

Thanks! My dad walked in the room and plopped down and I cringed, but the stitches are holding really well. It's taken a beating from my kids as well and so far, so good. :)

[framistan]

Wow!!! a VERY creative fix. I had to click on your instructable, because i know SEWING would be almost impossible with a normal sewing machine. To machine sew this kind of fabric you would need a machine called a WALKING-FOOT machine... very expensive. I really like your solution to the problem!! You took something that was a piece of JUNK... and with only a curved needle and a little fabric made it into a very nice looking chair. Well done.