Edwardian Dining Chair Update: Traditional Upholstery in Action

I’m excited to share the latest progress on my Edwardian dining chair project, which I’m upholstering using time-honored, traditional techniques as part of my Level 1 AMUSF diploma. After restoring the wood and achieving a dramatic, uniform black finish, I moved on to the heart of the upholstery process: rebuilding the seat from the ground up.

Webbing, Springs, and Lashing

The first step was securing new webbing to the seat frame, creating a strong foundation for the springs. I used a webbing stretcher to ensure each strip was tight and even—this is crucial for long-lasting support.

Next came the springs, and this is where things get really interesting—and a bit tricky! Upholstery work sometimes feels like you need more arms than you’ve got. Holding springs in place, maintaining tension on the lashing twine, and tying knots all at once is a real juggling act. I found myself wishing for an extra pair of hands more than once!

Knots and Lashing: The Art of Connection

Lashing the springs together and attaching them to the chair frame is a skill in itself. I used a variety of knots—each with its own purpose—to ensure the springs work together as one continuous system. This not only improves comfort but also helps the seat retain its shape over time. The process involves tying the springs to each other and to the frame, so they move in harmony and provide even support.

Achieving the Correct Chair Height

One of the most important details in traditional upholstery is getting the seat height just right. Before stripping down the chair, I measured the original height: 17 3/4 inches from the floor to the top of the roll stitched into the seat. The seat itself needs to be no higher than 4 inches, so I selected 4-inch, 10-gauge springs. To achieve the correct final height, these springs had to be compressed to 3 inches, with the last inch made up by the stuffing and top layers. Careful measuring and spring selection are essential to ensure the finished chair is comfortable and true to its original proportions.

A lesson in tension (and patience) followed as I attempted to secure the springs for the perfect height. After what felt like hours, I finally completed lashing the springs. I had stitched in temporary loops beforehand to hold the springs at 3 inches while I worked. The moment of truth came when I cut those temporary loops—only to watch in dismay as the springs sprang right back up to their full 4 inches! Clearly, my twine wasn’t tight enough. Perhaps it was a little too enthusiastic, but after all that effort, my hands simply couldn’t face undoing the lot and starting again. So, it’ll have to do! Sometimes, perfection has to take a back seat to perseverance.

Challenges and Solutions

One challenge was working with the uneven frame and mismatched woods, which made it tricky to get everything aligned. Patience and precision were key, and I found that double-checking each step helped avoid mistakes. The lashing process, with all its knots and tension, was a true test of dexterity and focus!

Here are a few practical tips that helped me tackle these challenges:

• Take your time with webbing and spring placement—accuracy here pays off in the final result.

• Use quality materials for lashing and twine; it makes a big difference in the chair’s longevity.

• Learn a few different knots and practice them before starting—each one serves a unique purpose in the lashing process.

• Always measure your chair before starting and plan your spring compression and stuffing to achieve the correct seat height.

  
  

Tips for Fellow Upholstery Enthusiasts

Every upholstery enthusiast, whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, can benefit from these valuable insights:

• Don’t be discouraged by setbacks! Every mistake is a learning opportunity (and sometimes, a good story).

• Document your process and take notes; it can help you refine your techniques for future projects.

• Consider taking online classes or watching tutorial videos to improve your skills and learn new techniques.

• Join local sewing or upholstery groups; sharing experiences and techniques can provide support and knowledge.

  
  

What’s Next?

With the springs (mostly) in place, next week I’ll be moving on to building up the layers of hessian and coir, using traditional materials and techniques. I can’t wait to see this Edwardian beauty come together!

If you’re interested in seeing the transformation, check out my before-and-after photos and follow along for more updates. And if you’re looking for unique, restored pieces for your home, keep an eye on my shop for new arrivals!