Renovation of the victorian armchair, Part 4: the seat back - top fabric

This part covers the upholster of the seat back:

Measure for top fabric ensuring allowance is made for the fit of the fabric under the arms and round the scalloped shape of the top of the seat back.

Place the fabric against the seat and 'fit' it to the back, ensuring a snug fit.

Once you are satisfied with the fit, secure the top centre with a couple of staple to hold the fabric in place, and then mark the cuts for the arms (Y cut), and the bottom corners (T cut) where the back meets the seat. Snip the cuts just short at first to test the fit, and if the fabric bunches cut further to ensure a good fit.  

Care is taken around the arms, as in this case they have a flat underside and a curved top - snip around the curve to fit the arm, and then define with piping. Cut the piping away where it meets the side of the chair at the end of the arm - strip the piping out of the fabric sleeve - staple this so as to avoid excessive bulk.

Having cut around the arms, secure the fabric beneath the arms, and then above the arms and top edge working towards the corners - here you can deal with any excess fabric.  Snip a 'V' at the edge of the scallop  at the back, so the fabric fits well. Then secure the seat at the bottom at the tacking rail at the back of the chair. Work the velvet to ensure a good fit - but do not overstretch so causing pulls in the fabric as this will create an uneven finish.

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