How to Measure The Print Area for Chair Upholstery

Upholstering a chair in the western style can be a rewarding project, whether you're revitalizing a heirloom piece or tackling a new DIY endeavor. One crucial step in this process is accurately sizing the fabric print you need. To ensure you have enough material and avoid costly mistakes, follow these essential tips for measuring your fabric requirements.

Measure Before Tear Down (if possible)

If you're reupholstering a chair and plan to keep the existing padding thickness, start by measuring the width and height of the areas to be upholstered before dismantling the chair. This will give you a clear idea of the fabric needed for each section, ensuring a precise fit. If you’re planning to replace or add padding, make sure to include the thickness of the new padding in your measurements.

Measure the Widest Parts (for overall fabric/print area)

When measuring the overall print area, always account for the widest parts of both the width and height of the chair. This approach ensures that you cover all areas that need upholstery and provides a buffer for any unexpected issues during installation. Take careful note of these measurements to determine the exact amount of fabric/print area you'll need.

Measure the Narrowest Parts (if you are working with an image design)

When measuring for an image design, also account for the narrowest parts of both the width and height of the chair. This ensures that your image does not get cut off at the edges and fits nicely in the space for maximum effect.

Factor in Fabric Stretch

Different fabrics behave differently. Some materials, particularly those with a bit of stretch, may require adjustments to your measurements. To account for this, consider subtracting 1/2 to 1 inch from your measurements. This adjustment helps accommodate the natural stretch of the fabric and prevents excess slack that can lead to a poorly fitted upholstery job.

Add Seam Allowance

It’s important to factor in seam allowances to your total fabric measurements. An additional 1 inch should be added to the width and height measurements of the printed area for seam allowance. This extra fabric will cover the area needed for stapling, trimming, and ensuring the fabric aligns properly.

Be Aware of Color Variations

Finally, remember that fabric colors and patterns might appear differently on your monitor than they do in real life and due to the nature of printing to fabric colors will appear slightly duller than the image file. Monitor settings, brightness, and color calibration can all affect how colors are displayed. There will likely be slight variations between what you see on screen and the actual printed fabric.

Want more detailed information?

Sierra over at the The Rusted Roan has several options to help.

 

Want a custom image designed for you?

Here at Roamin The West I can bring your inspiration and vision to life with my custom design service. I will transform your ideas, photos or artwork into unique, personalized designs for your next upholstery or decor project. Let me create the perfect design that reflects your style and imagination.  Tailored to your specified dimensions and delivered straight to your inbox. Simply upload the file to your fabric printer of choice, select your fabric, and head to checkout. Click here to learn more  https://roaminthewest.com/collections/western-upholstery-custom-orders

 

Conclusion

Accurate fabric sizing is critical to a successful upholstery project. By measuring carefully, considering fabric stretch, adding seam allowances, and being mindful of color variations, you can achieve a beautifully upholstered chair. Happy upholstering!

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