Part 21 - Webbing and covering the outside back

Part 21- Webbing and Covering the Outside Back

The bulk of our structure is now upholstered. The last thing to do is to work on the outside back.

1. Take your outside back piece and mark the centrepoint by folding in half and marking the crease with a Sharpie. Find the centrepoint of your frame by measuring the width of the top and dividing by two, then mark with a Sharpie.

1. Lay your outside back piece over your chair so it's wrong side up, the top edge is in line with the top of your chair frame and both centrepoints are matched up. Once in position, secure with a staple in the middle and at either end.

1. Take your back tack, and line it along the very top edge at the back of the frame. Insert a few staples to hold it in place as close to the top edge of the frame as you can.

1. At this point, you can fold over the back piece of fabric to check you're happy with the line created by the back tack and make any necessary adjustments.

1. Once you're happy, you can trim the back tack so it's just a few millimetres inside the frame of the chair and secure all the way along with permanent staples. Make sure to secure the bottom of each end too.

1. If the top edge of your chair is curved, make small cuts into the back tack card and you'll be able to bend it slightly to follow the curve.

1. To provide additional support and structure to the hollow back, you can attach plastic webbing. Follow the exact same process as you did for the arms. Depending on the shape of your chair, you may want to insert webbing side to side instead of going top to bottom.

1. If you're using a thin fabric, it might be worth inserting a layer of polyester so that the back feels plump and full.

1. When you're ready to secure the bottom of your back piece, begin by pulling it down firmly and securing in the middle with a permanent staple underneath the frame.

1. Pull down diagonally to secure each corner, making sure you are happy with the tension and the fabric is sitting straight.

1. You can now secure the bottom edge all the way along.

1. To finish off the sides, you will need to hand sew. Start by cutting away the excess fabric at the side so you just have roughly 1.5 cm extra for a seam allowance.

1. Tuck under this seam allowance to create a neat folded edge that lines up with the edge of your frame perfectly. When you're happy with how it looks from both sides, pin in place. Work your way all the way along the side of the chair.

1. Do the same for the bottom corner, trimming away excess and stapling into a neat fold. If you have any curves or shape to your back, you may need to make some cuts or pleats to get it to sit nicely. The same goes for working the fabric around the back of the arm.

1. Repeat this process to pin the other side of your chair in place.