Mastering the Basics of Upholstery Supplies

chair finished with braid

Mastering the Basics of Upholstery Supplies

Mastering the Basics of Upholstery Supplies

Whether you’re seasoned when it comes to upholstery work, have a one-off job to get done, or you’re finding your feet with the popular hobby, there are quite a few tools you’re going to need to make your next project more manageable.

Most upholstery tools you’ll need to get the job done can be found online, or you can support your local upholstery/arts and craft store by seeing what they’ve in stock. Going in-store or ordering from an upholstery store will also give you the chance to ask questions and learn more about your equipment. But what should you be shopping for, why, and what supplies do you need to be focusing on?

In today’s guide, you’re going to find out.

  • A Sewing Machine 

While a sewing machine may not be necessary for all of your projects, if you’re planning on doing a lot of upholstery or have more complicated projects to complete, a sewing machine will be your best friend. You don’t even need to buy a super expensive one. A good, reliable basic sewing machine with several attachment sets will be plenty to get most jobs done.

  • Staple Remover

Upholstery staples can be quite challenging to deal with. Instead of putting your fingers at risk or being silly and using something like a knife or scissors, a good, high-quality staple puller is essential. If you’re dealing with both staples and tacks, you can find a combo tool that will pull both with ease!

  • Staple Gun

Almost any upholstery project that you tackle will require a staple gun. It’s just one of those tools that if you don’t need now, then you’ll need sooner rather than later. There are multiple stapler options, but a electric staple gun will be your best option for comfort and ease of use. But it’s very worthwhile since it will make your project easier. 

  • Soft Tape Measure 

Every upholstery project requires a lot of measuring, and no matter what you do, you just can’t get around that fact. Soft tape measures are better than normal metal tape measures because of how flexible they are and how easily they can curve around your piece of furniture. If you’re a one-person team, then a soft tape measurer can easily be pinned in place to free up your hand.

  • Fabric Scissors

If you’re going to splurge on any of your tools, then your fabric scissors are the ones to do it on. Poor quality scissors can be dull and never seem to get sharp enough to cut easily. This can cause miscuts and wasting fabric or more fraying of the fabric than necessary. A good pair of fabric scissors will be your best upholstery friend.

  • Hand Upholstery Needles

Sometimes a sewing machine just can’t do what sewing by hand can. Whether you’re adding decorative options such as buttons or fringe or just trying to get your last couple of stitches on your cushions done, hand sewing can be your best option. Strong and sturdy upholstery needles can be a lifesaver for simple fixes such as small tears or mishaps.

Conclusion

While it’s possible to go without some of these tools, investing in them will definitely help you in the long run. Upholstery can be tricky, but the right set of tools can make it a lot easier. You can also buy upholstery tool sets that include some of these things, plus much more useful upholstery tools. If upholstery is something that you enjoy doing, then investing in high-quality tools will be the best decision you’ll make in the long run.

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