A Complete Guide to Modern Upholstery

Part 19 - Adding the polyester

with MICAELA SHARP — Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.

Lesson 25 of 68

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Part 19 - Adding the polyester - Video thumbnail

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To add fullness to your borders, it’s a good idea to add a layer of polyester on top of the back tack card.

From the Lesson Workbook

Part 19- Adding the Polyester

To add fullness to your borders, it's a good idea to add a layer of polyester on top of the back tack card.

  1. Cut lengths of polyester at the same width as your wooden board.
  2. Lay it along the side of your headboard, lining up the edge of the fabric with the edge of your back tack card.
  3. Apply a layer of spray glue along the edge of the wood, being careful not to get any on the main fabric of your headboard.
  4. Press your polyester fabric into the layer of glue to secure it.
  5. Repeat this process along the entire edge of your headboard.
  6. Trim down any excess or protruding polyester to remove bulk from the back of the headboard. If it's too bulky, it won't sit flat against the wall when you come to install it.
  7. Now you can begin to pull the border fabric over the layers of back tack card and polyester to secure it on the back of your headboard with permanent staples.
  8. Just as you have done before, you may need to make small cuts in the fabric to be able to manipulate the fabric into and around any curves in your design. If there are any stubborn creases that won't smooth, you can make neat pleats – just be sure to replicate these symmetrically on the other side of your headboard.
  9. Repeat this process along the entire edge of your headboard.
  10. Once you get to the bottom corners, fold in the raw edges of fabric to achieve a neat corner and secure with permanent staples on the back of the headboard.
  11. Trim away any excess fabric.
  12. You can either finish your headboard project here or, to give a professional finish, you can use your template fabric to neaten up the back of your headboard.
  13. To do this, lay the template on the back of your headboard and match up all the sides.
  14. Fold under the edges a few millimetres and secure neatly with permanent horizontal staples. Do this all the way around your headboard.

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Micaela Sharp

Your Instructor

Micaela Sharp

Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.

Micaela Sharp is a professional upholsterer, interior designer and broadcaster who champions the art of reupholstery and its ability to breathe new life into pre-loved furniture. Growing up, Micaela learnt both carpentry and sewing skills from her grandparents. It was this knowledge, alongside a passion for sustainability and longevity, that inspired her to take up upholstery and set up her own practice. Whether it’s designing furniture from scratch, reimagining a tired armchair into an heirloom to be cherished for years to come, or creating a room scheme layered with fabric and colour, Micaela brings her unique creativity and inventive flair to every project.

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