A Complete Guide to Modern Upholstery

Part 11 - Sewing the borders

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

Lesson 37 of 68

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Each border piece can now be attached to the top side of your cushion cover – this step may take a little while if you need to pattern match.

From the Lesson Workbook

Part 11- Sewing the Borders

Each border piece can now be attached to the top side of your cushion cover – this step may take a little while if you need to pattern match.

  1. Start with the front border and the top side of the cushion fabric. Place both face up first if you need to line up a pattern, then flip the border fabric over so the pieces are face together and line up the raw edges along the bottom.
  1. Pin all the way along to secure. It's a good idea to keep folding the fabric back to check on the alignment as you go.
  1. Take the fabric to your sewing machine, and using a piping foot, sew the pieces together using a straight stitch as close to the piping as you can. Start and end an inch or two shy of the corners.
  1. Leave the corners clear, as we'll tackle these later to attach the borders together.
  1. When it comes to sewing the side border pieces, pattern matching may be less important or not required at all, depending on your fabric.
  1. Place the side border face down onto the top side of the cushion fabric, lining up the raw edges along the bottom and making sure you still have an even excess either side. Pin in place if you find it helpful.
  1. Again, take this to your sewing machine, and using a piping foot, sew the pieces together using a straight stitch as close to the piping as you can. Start and end an inch or two shy of the corners.
  1. Repeat these two processes to pattern match and attach your back border, and to attach the remaining side border; remember to leave all four corners open.

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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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