Under the Springs (Day 7 of 31)

This weeks upholstery class was a long one (3posts), and the 7th of 31 for the challenge...for all 31, go here

After you have done all the spring work you need to reinforce the webbing beneeth the springs. You will notice that the springs are sewn to the webbing underneath

When I flipped the chair over, this is what I found

Two layers of webbing. As I mentioned in the previous post, this chair had been worked on at least once before. The second layer was probably added for reinforcement when the springs were tied a second time.

Since the condition of the top webbing (red) was poor

I am going to remove it using the same method as stripping the chair

you can see the hand sewing that holds the springs on the first layer

once that top layer is removed, shop-vac the dust, and add a fresh new layer. Here are the supplies I used

Jute webbing and a web stretcher (a pair of pliers would work)

Staple the strapping with the raw edge facing into the center of the chair

then, fold the webbing back on itself

and staple again

next, using the stretcher, stab the webbing

rest the rubber end of the stretcher against the frame of the chair (if you are using a pliers just pull the webbing you do not to scratch or dent the wood frame). Stretch the webbing

when you have tightened the webbing to your satisfaction, it should be tighter than the current old webbing the goal is to bring back the resistance of the springs for a firmer seat...

staple down

trim off excess

fold back over, staple again

continue until one direction is finished

changing direction, start the other way, same as before and weave like a basket

streatch, pull, staple until you are finished

just for a frame of refference, this is quite tight. You could bounce a quarter on this.

This is how I reinforce my chair. Take what works for you and feel free to improvise for a solution to your specific project. The next installment for this project will be next Wednesday. Hope to see you then.