![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2235691B-E096-4EAE-AE47-FB74D63C7CAF.jpeg?resize=336%2C252&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Stripes are Easier to Cut!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/A0A48444-FE37-4CF7-BF20-A9C9CA0D55AC.jpeg?resize=363%2C272&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBelieve it or not, stripes are the easiest pattern to plan out and cut. If you think about the task of cutting the fabric pieces for your chair, you are measuring and cutting along the weave of the fabric. With a stripe fabric, you have the guide of the stripe, so you only need to measure once, and cut the length with the stripe. With a patterned fabric, you need to line up and consider the pattern in both directions – horizontally and vertically. With stripes, it\u2019s only one direction you need to worry about. All your pieces will have the same center mark, so once you get the hang of it, cutting with stripes is an easier process than any other pattern.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBe Sure to Center Your Main Stripe!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/9A88AD59-2AF9-412D-AF22-E7F0D75901F9-1024x768.jpeg?resize=341%2C256&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAbout that center stripe\u2026you do <\/em>need to make sure you\u2019re getting the correct center mark placed perfectly on the chair, but only at the front. Measure and mark the center of the chair on the front rail, and also at the back of the chair. Don\u2019t trust any center points that may have been added by past upholsterers, they were not as much of a perfectionist as you and I.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTension is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/8D354215-D2B0-4FB9-83C3-0369330842F2.jpeg?resize=376%2C282&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nI feel tense. Do you <\/em>feel tense? Let\u2019s work on that. Fabric tension is always <\/em>important in upholstery, but with stripes, it is key to get the front to back tension correct first, and then lightly pull to the sides so that the stripes don\u2019t sway. You need to get the fabric tight, but overly taut fabric will quiver, so always pull hardest along the stripe.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUse a Stapler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5C1CD32A-3228-4EA4-8B33-CDE5A4DC3351.jpeg?resize=324%2C432&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA plier stapler<\/a> will absolutely save your life here. It\u2019s easy to match the stripes up along the front and back panels but keeping <\/em>them lined up when you sew is a whole other thing. Stapling the pieces together first will save you a lot of time and aggravation.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStripes Can\u2019t <\/em>Always Line Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/086FA27B-07A4-43B2-A762-EE9FADFCD813-768x1024.jpeg?resize=311%2C415&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWrapping a flat fabric around a curvy chair will always require some accommodation in the stripe alignment. The important thing is to line up the center stripes, and the rest will do what it\u2019s going to do. It\u2019s also very important to make sure that both sides of the chair are lined up in the same spots. As long as the alignment looks well-considered, and the sides mirror each other, it will look correct.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUpholster Both Sides at Once<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/06FAF91B-B80E-4170-9A95-1155045F09E0.jpeg?resize=302%2C403&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t already do this, upholstering both arms at the same time will allow you to match the stripes perfectly. As I mentioned already, a well-considered pattern alignment is impressive and correct. The arms should be a mirror image of each other. If the pattern is off just a little, it will be noticeable with a bold stripe. Don\u2019t let this intimidate you. Doing the arms at the same time makes it easier to get it right, and with practice, your stripes will impress!
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAllow Extra Fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/FE79A09F-AAFA-4A7F-896B-10BF03815509.jpeg?resize=353%2C471&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t make life harder than it needs to be. Allowing extra fabric will allow you to easily line up the stripes with accuracy. This is true with all your cut pieces, so allow a few inches to have some give and take. Hmmm, this sounds a lot like my waist band rule. But I digress. <\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStripes Always Run Perpendicular <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/02FAE609-71EE-43BB-B547-7D176147A97E.jpeg?resize=354%2C354&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOn the outside, it\u2019s important to run the stripes perpendicular to the floor. On the outside wings, for example, you might be caught in a dilemma to run the stripes evenly with the insides, or line them up with the frame, or run them with the arms, or, or, or\u2026<\/em>. Always run them in line with the outside arms<\/strong>. They need to be absolutely straight.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t Cut on the Bias<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/422990F4-32F4-48A7-986D-74A37AD7C1ED.jpeg?resize=358%2C478&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis seems to be a controversial topic in the upholstery world, but bias piping is a big no-no in my shop. It is hardly ever necessary for a proper fit, it takes up an excessive amount of fabric and it looks sloppy on a patterned chair. I would never consider it with striped fabric. With practice, stripes are very easy to line up on piping, and the look is beyond impressive.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Cushion Stripes Should Wrap Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/95919488-57EE-4219-8210-806351C8DE20.jpeg?resize=362%2C272&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUm, what? <\/em>If you normally cut your panels in the same direction, which you should btw, in the case of stripes you need to check to see if the pattern will perfectly align when the panels are sewn together. Sometimes that stripe pattern needs to be turned around to line up, or wrap around <\/em>the cushion. It should be noted that if this is the case, the cushion stripes will only line up with the inside back and seat edge when the cushion is placed with the top side up. When turned over, it will not be perfect. It\u2019s still correct.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Zipper Panel Must Also Line Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upholstery.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/33005F20-220D-452A-8269-6E3377F91D20.jpeg?resize=346%2C462&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe back of the cushion is almost<\/em> as important as the front when you\u2019re working with stripes. Stripes are bold, and the look should be seamless running down the front of the chair. Pattern matching is one of those beautiful details in upholstery, and we all know that details matter. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re just beginning to develop you upholstery skills, you may want to read books on upholstery, such as this one<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBelieve it or not, stripes are the easiest pattern to plan out and cut. If you think about the task of cutting the fabric pieces for your chair, you are measuring and cutting along the weave of the fabric. With a stripe fabric, you have the guide of the stripe, so you only need to measure once, and cut the length with the stripe. With a patterned fabric, you need to line up and consider the pattern in both directions – horizontally and vertically. With stripes, it\u2019s only one direction you need to worry about. All your pieces will have the same center mark, so once you get the hang of it, cutting with stripes is an easier process than any other pattern.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Be Sure to Center Your Main Stripe!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAbout that center stripe\u2026you do <\/em>need to make sure you\u2019re getting the correct center mark placed perfectly on the chair, but only at the front. Measure and mark the center of the chair on the front rail, and also at the back of the chair. Don\u2019t trust any center points that may have been added by past upholsterers, they were not as much of a perfectionist as you and I.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTension is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nI feel tense. Do you <\/em>feel tense? Let\u2019s work on that. Fabric tension is always <\/em>important in upholstery, but with stripes, it is key to get the front to back tension correct first, and then lightly pull to the sides so that the stripes don\u2019t sway. You need to get the fabric tight, but overly taut fabric will quiver, so always pull hardest along the stripe.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUse a Stapler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA plier stapler<\/a> will absolutely save your life here. It\u2019s easy to match the stripes up along the front and back panels but keeping <\/em>them lined up when you sew is a whole other thing. Stapling the pieces together first will save you a lot of time and aggravation.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStripes Can\u2019t <\/em>Always Line Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWrapping a flat fabric around a curvy chair will always require some accommodation in the stripe alignment. The important thing is to line up the center stripes, and the rest will do what it\u2019s going to do. It\u2019s also very important to make sure that both sides of the chair are lined up in the same spots. As long as the alignment looks well-considered, and the sides mirror each other, it will look correct.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUpholster Both Sides at Once<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t already do this, upholstering both arms at the same time will allow you to match the stripes perfectly. As I mentioned already, a well-considered pattern alignment is impressive and correct. The arms should be a mirror image of each other. If the pattern is off just a little, it will be noticeable with a bold stripe. Don\u2019t let this intimidate you. Doing the arms at the same time makes it easier to get it right, and with practice, your stripes will impress!
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAllow Extra Fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t make life harder than it needs to be. Allowing extra fabric will allow you to easily line up the stripes with accuracy. This is true with all your cut pieces, so allow a few inches to have some give and take. Hmmm, this sounds a lot like my waist band rule. But I digress. <\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStripes Always Run Perpendicular <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOn the outside, it\u2019s important to run the stripes perpendicular to the floor. On the outside wings, for example, you might be caught in a dilemma to run the stripes evenly with the insides, or line them up with the frame, or run them with the arms, or, or, or\u2026<\/em>. Always run them in line with the outside arms<\/strong>. They need to be absolutely straight.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t Cut on the Bias<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis seems to be a controversial topic in the upholstery world, but bias piping is a big no-no in my shop. It is hardly ever necessary for a proper fit, it takes up an excessive amount of fabric and it looks sloppy on a patterned chair. I would never consider it with striped fabric. With practice, stripes are very easy to line up on piping, and the look is beyond impressive.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Cushion Stripes Should Wrap Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUm, what? <\/em>If you normally cut your panels in the same direction, which you should btw, in the case of stripes you need to check to see if the pattern will perfectly align when the panels are sewn together. Sometimes that stripe pattern needs to be turned around to line up, or wrap around <\/em>the cushion. It should be noted that if this is the case, the cushion stripes will only line up with the inside back and seat edge when the cushion is placed with the top side up. When turned over, it will not be perfect. It\u2019s still correct.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Zipper Panel Must Also Line Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe back of the cushion is almost<\/em> as important as the front when you\u2019re working with stripes. Stripes are bold, and the look should be seamless running down the front of the chair. Pattern matching is one of those beautiful details in upholstery, and we all know that details matter. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re just beginning to develop you upholstery skills, you may want to read books on upholstery, such as this one<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAbout that center stripe\u2026you do <\/em>need to make sure you\u2019re getting the correct center mark placed perfectly on the chair, but only at the front. Measure and mark the center of the chair on the front rail, and also at the back of the chair. Don\u2019t trust any center points that may have been added by past upholsterers, they were not as much of a perfectionist as you and I. I feel tense. Do you <\/em>feel tense? Let\u2019s work on that. Fabric tension is always <\/em>important in upholstery, but with stripes, it is key to get the front to back tension correct first, and then lightly pull to the sides so that the stripes don\u2019t sway. You need to get the fabric tight, but overly taut fabric will quiver, so always pull hardest along the stripe. A plier stapler<\/a> will absolutely save your life here. It\u2019s easy to match the stripes up along the front and back panels but keeping <\/em>them lined up when you sew is a whole other thing. Stapling the pieces together first will save you a lot of time and aggravation. Wrapping a flat fabric around a curvy chair will always require some accommodation in the stripe alignment. The important thing is to line up the center stripes, and the rest will do what it\u2019s going to do. It\u2019s also very important to make sure that both sides of the chair are lined up in the same spots. As long as the alignment looks well-considered, and the sides mirror each other, it will look correct. If you don\u2019t already do this, upholstering both arms at the same time will allow you to match the stripes perfectly. As I mentioned already, a well-considered pattern alignment is impressive and correct. The arms should be a mirror image of each other. If the pattern is off just a little, it will be noticeable with a bold stripe. Don\u2019t let this intimidate you. Doing the arms at the same time makes it easier to get it right, and with practice, your stripes will impress! Don\u2019t make life harder than it needs to be. Allowing extra fabric will allow you to easily line up the stripes with accuracy. This is true with all your cut pieces, so allow a few inches to have some give and take. Hmmm, this sounds a lot like my waist band rule. But I digress. <\/em> On the outside, it\u2019s important to run the stripes perpendicular to the floor. On the outside wings, for example, you might be caught in a dilemma to run the stripes evenly with the insides, or line them up with the frame, or run them with the arms, or, or, or\u2026<\/em>. Always run them in line with the outside arms<\/strong>. They need to be absolutely straight. This seems to be a controversial topic in the upholstery world, but bias piping is a big no-no in my shop. It is hardly ever necessary for a proper fit, it takes up an excessive amount of fabric and it looks sloppy on a patterned chair. I would never consider it with striped fabric. With practice, stripes are very easy to line up on piping, and the look is beyond impressive. Um, what? <\/em>If you normally cut your panels in the same direction, which you should btw, in the case of stripes you need to check to see if the pattern will perfectly align when the panels are sewn together. Sometimes that stripe pattern needs to be turned around to line up, or wrap around <\/em>the cushion. It should be noted that if this is the case, the cushion stripes will only line up with the inside back and seat edge when the cushion is placed with the top side up. When turned over, it will not be perfect. It\u2019s still correct. The back of the cushion is almost<\/em> as important as the front when you\u2019re working with stripes. Stripes are bold, and the look should be seamless running down the front of the chair. Pattern matching is one of those beautiful details in upholstery, and we all know that details matter. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re just beginning to develop you upholstery skills, you may want to read books on upholstery, such as this one<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTension is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUse a Stapler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStripes Can\u2019t <\/em>Always Line Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUpholster Both Sides at Once<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAllow Extra Fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStripes Always Run Perpendicular <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t Cut on the Bias<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Cushion Stripes Should Wrap Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Zipper Panel Must Also Line Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n