Product Description

Revamping a favourite family heirloom or quickly recovering dining chairs really can give a room a new sense of style. Acquiring the skills needed for such a transformation might seem rather daunting, but The Essential Guide to Upholstery removes the mystery. All the essential techniques are explained through the process of reupholstering a typical armchair, with detailed photographs and illustrations every step of the way. There are 25 specially chosen projects presented in the same clear way, from a simple drop-in seat for a country chair to a dramatic day bed with sophisticated scrolls. The book also offers reassuring advice and lots of exciting ideas on colours, patterns and textures so you can indulge in the fun of choosing fabrics and trimmings confidently to create an individual statement. Key points: contains practical, easy-to-follow information; all the essential techniques are explained with step-by-step text; the perfect companion volume for home upholsterers to get professional results.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8922 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 264 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
The title, The Essential Guide to Upholstery is perfect for this beautiful, comprehensive and sumptuous volume. It does not simply possess the practical DIY air of so many upholstery books but rather seduces you into a world of opulence and elegance. First comes an interesting historical introduction, then useful hints on materials, tools and obtaining furniture in need of upholstering as Gates quickly gets into the essential techniques. The first subject is that typical junk shop find, a dilapidated but potentially desirable armchair. As with all the 25 projects, every stage of the restoration process is presented through detailed illustrated and photographed instructions, with close ups of the trickiest bits. These projects range from simple upright dining chairs to a decadently decorative day bed. With each of these projects come plenty of suggestions on colour, fabric and trimmings, nothing too prescriptive though as the emphasis throughout is very much on the fun and satisfaction of transforming an unloved piece of furniture rather than obsessing over historic authenticity.

The layout and photography throughout are a pleasure to behold and the important ingredient, planning, is manifestly demonstrated in the presentation of this book. Throughout, you get the feeling that you are in the safe hands of an expert, which indeed you are. The author, Dorothy Gates is an authority on upholstery and what she tells you is borne out of a lifetime's experience. Taught by her father, she was the first female President of the Association of Master Upholsters and Soft Furnishers and has passed her skills onto her sons and many students. The Glossary and Suppliers and Institutions sections are further evidence of her generous desire to pass down her knowledge. She gives you confidence and enthusiasm to tackle tasks that previously you might have hesitated over. The Essential Guide to Upholstery is a book of admirable provenance--there is probably nothing better in its field. --Teresa Falinska

From the Publisher
The most comprehensive guide to all aspects of upholstery.
Covering both traditional and modern upholstery techniques, this is the definitive guide to successful reupholstering. Providing basic skills and advice, the book also presents 25 projects for a range of different furniture styles.

Offering practical hints on assessing work, estimating materials and choosing a style, The Essential Guide to Upholstery contains ‘all you need to know’ to create the perfect finish. In combining practical information with inspiring ideas, this book is a thorough grounding for absolute beginners, the perfect companion for recreational courses, and a resource full of challenging ideas for the more experienced upholsterer.

Customer Reviews

What can I upholster first??!!
Having received this book as a b'day pressie, I had to ask my sister "Where are the tools to go with it? I want to start NOW!!" I am so inspired by this beautiful book - the things you can do to an old, icky piece of furniture are just amazing. Dorothy Gates has included projects from beginner level (that's me!)up, explains how to do the basic stuff, gives detailed material lists of what you will need for each project, discusses colour schemes, textures and trimmings, gives tips for setting up your work space, AND provides a substantial list of suppliers at the back of book...so you can get started straight away! There are hundreds of colour drawings and photographs illustrating projects ranging from dining chairs and armchairs to day beds, footstools, blanket boxes and lounge suites. There's a glossary at the back in case you forget what a tack roll is, and a working order checklist at the front (so once you know what you are doing, you can simply refer to that to make sure you don't miss a step, instead of reading a whole chapter again!) Truly, an excellent book! Thank you Dorothy Gates - you have inspired me to begin a new hobby!

Review of Essestial Guide to Upholstery
I belonged to an upholstery class and we all placed a mass order because we were so impressed with the book. It is full of colour photographs of projects. Information on upholstery materials/tools, how to complete different projects - maybe not in as much detail as a beginner would like, or need - and lots of inspiration with regard to using materials and trimmings.

essential guide to upholstery
exactly what you need to get started, the perfect bible for anyone going into re upholstery.