Upholstery Glossary: Terms You Need To Know

Hey there, upholstery enthusiasts! Ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering what the heck people mean when they throw around terms like 'welt cord' or 'tacking strip'? Well, fret no more! This upholstery glossary is your friendly guide to demystifying the world of upholstery. We'll break down all the key terms, from the basics to the more technical stuff, so you can chat like a pro, whether you're a seasoned upholsterer or just starting out. Get ready to dive into the world of fabric, foam, and furniture! Let's get started, guys!

A is for... Arm, Apron, and Armrest – Decoding Upholstery Anatomy

Alright, let's kick things off with the A's! Understanding the basic parts of a piece of furniture is essential for any upholstery project. The arm of a sofa or chair is, well, the arm – the part you rest your arm on! The shape and design of the arm can drastically change the look of a piece. Think about the classic rolled arm versus a sleek, modern track arm. The apron is the decorative or functional panel that runs along the bottom edge of a piece of furniture, often connecting the legs. It can be simple or feature elaborate carvings, adding to the overall style. Finally, the armrest is the padded part of the arm, providing comfort and support. The design of the armrest, like the arm itself, can vary greatly. Knowing these basic terms helps you navigate design choices, understand repair needs, and communicate effectively with upholsterers. The arms are crucial, they can have different shapes, such as the rolled arm, which is the most classic and elegant. In addition, the arms can also be track arms, which are characterized by their simple, modern and straight lines. Knowing the differences is fundamental to understanding your furniture and making correct decisions. The apron is also important, it is the lowest part of the furniture, which joins the legs. It can be a very simple design, or you can have detailed carvings, which in turn gives the furniture a touch of elegance. And finally, the armrest, which is the padded part that allows us to rest our arms. These terms are fundamental, guys, so you can easily understand the language of upholstery and start doing your projects.

B is for... Back, Basting, and Bias – Unveiling Upholstery Techniques

Moving on to the B's, let's delve into some essential techniques and parts. The back of a chair or sofa is, of course, the part you lean against. Like arms, backs come in a variety of styles, from tight backs (where the upholstery is directly attached to the frame) to loose pillow backs (allowing for more plushness and movement). Basting is a temporary stitch used to hold fabric layers together before the final stitching or application of adhesive. It's a critical step in ensuring everything lines up perfectly. Think of it as the scaffolding that supports the final build. Bias refers to the diagonal direction of a fabric, which allows it to stretch and drape. Understanding bias is especially important when working with curves and intricate designs. Now, let's explore these concepts more deeply, because they are crucial to fully understanding the world of upholstery. The back is an extremely important part of furniture. The types of backs are varied, we have the tight backs, in which the upholstery adheres directly to the frame, or the loose pillow backs. Each one provides a different style and level of comfort. And of course, we can't forget about basting, which are temporary stitches that keep the fabric in place before the final stitching or the application of adhesive. Bias is also important, which indicates the diagonal direction of the fabric, allowing it to stretch and drape. These are important techniques for achieving a flawless finish. The knowledge of the B's allows you to navigate the techniques and styles of upholstery.

C is for... Cushion, Channeling, and Coil Springs – The Core of Comfort

Let's get cozy with the C's! Cushions are, without a doubt, a key element of any upholstered piece. They provide comfort and support, and their design can significantly impact the overall look. Channeling is a technique where vertical or horizontal seams are sewn into the upholstery to create a series of channels. This adds a tailored look and helps to keep the filling in place. Think of the classic Chesterfield sofa, with its deep buttoning and distinctive channels. Coil springs are an important internal component of some furniture. These provide support and resilience, contributing to the comfort and longevity of a piece. Knowing the difference between the C's is a must. The cushions are an extremely important element of any upholstered piece, because they provide comfort and support. The cushions can greatly affect the appearance of the furniture. Channeling is a technique that uses vertical or horizontal seams in the upholstery to create a series of channels, adding a tailored look. And we cannot forget the coil springs, which are an internal component that provide support and resilience. With the knowledge of the C's, you can feel confident when choosing furniture.

D is for... Decking, Drop-in Seat, and Dust Cover – Finishing Touches

Time for the D's, focusing on the finishing touches and structural elements. Decking refers to the fabric or material that covers the springs and frame of a seat, forming the foundation for the cushions. A drop-in seat is a seat cushion that can be easily removed, often found in dining chairs or smaller pieces. A dust cover is the fabric that's stapled to the bottom of the furniture, protecting the internal components from dust and damage. The D's are important, because they are the finishing touches. Decking is the fabric that covers the springs and the frame of the seat, which forms the basis for the cushions. The drop-in seats are cushions that can be easily removed, and dust covers are fabrics that are attached to the bottom of the furniture, protecting the internal components. These details can improve the durability and overall aesthetic of your furniture. Understanding these terms will help you appreciate the craft of upholstery and the attention to detail that goes into creating a high-quality piece.

E is for... Edge Roll, Elastic, and Eyelet – Details Matter

Let's keep going with the E's! The edge roll is a rolled edge that's sewn into the fabric to give a clean finish, and enhance the shape of the piece. Elastic is a stretchable material used in upholstery for support and shaping. Think of it used in seat platforms or to create curves. An eyelet is a small hole, often reinforced, used for lacing or decorative purposes. The edge roll is what allows the perfect finish of the edges. Elastic is used for support and shaping. The eyelets are small holes that are reinforced and used for lacing or decoration. These details will help to give a touch of elegance to your furniture. These details show the commitment to quality and the value of your furniture.

F is for... Fabric, Frame, and Foam – The Building Blocks

Okay, let's explore the F's! Fabric is the textile used to cover the furniture, and the choices are endless! From cotton and linen to velvet and leather, the fabric selection greatly impacts both style and durability. The frame is the structural skeleton of the furniture, typically made of wood or metal. It provides the support and shape for the piece. Foam is a common filling material for cushions and padding, available in various densities and thicknesses. We can't forget about the frame. The fabric is the textile that is used to cover the furniture, and the frame is the structural skeleton, which gives it support and shape. And of course, the foam, which is the filling material, which can have different densities. It's the choice of fabric that sets the style, and the frame gives the support. The foam can make your furniture more or less comfortable. These are the foundations of upholstery.

G is for... Gimp, Grading, and Gusset – More Essential Terms

Let's unravel the G's! Gimp is a decorative trim, usually a narrow woven ribbon, used to cover seams and edges. Grading refers to the process of adjusting a pattern to fit different sizes or shapes. A gusset is a triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric used to add fullness or shape to a piece. Gimp is a decorative detail that can add a touch of elegance, covering the edges and seams. Grading is the process that allows the pattern to adjust to different sizes. And a gusset is a piece of fabric used to add shape or fullness. These terms show the attention to detail, which makes the upholstered pieces unique.

H is for... Hem, Hopsacking, and Horsehair – Materials and Techniques

Let's keep going with the H's! The hem is the folded edge of fabric, usually sewn to prevent fraying and provide a clean finish. Hopsacking is a type of durable, loosely woven fabric often used for upholstery. Horsehair is a traditional filling material, known for its resilience and ability to retain shape. The hem is used for a clean finish and prevents fraying. Hopsacking is a durable fabric used for upholstery, and horsehair is known for its resilience. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the variety of materials and the techniques used in upholstery.

I is for... Inlay, Interlining, and Inside Back – More Insights

Let's get into the I's! An inlay is a decorative design element incorporated into the surface of the furniture. Interlining is a layer of fabric placed between the cover fabric and the filling to add bulk, improve insulation, or prevent wear. The inside back is the upholstered portion of the back of a piece of furniture. These terms will help you understand the details of the pieces. An inlay adds a touch of design to the furniture, interlining adds a layer to improve the quality of the furniture. The inside back is where we rest our backs. These are details that showcase the high quality of your furniture.

J is for... Jute Webbing and Joining – Exploring Construction

Let's hit the J's! Jute webbing is a strong, natural fiber webbing used to support springs and create a foundation for upholstery. Joining refers to the various methods used to connect the different parts of a furniture frame. Jute webbing is essential, because it is used to support the springs. Joining, is the process of connecting the frame parts. These are techniques that affect the durability of your furniture.

K is for... Kick Pleat, Knotting, and Knife Edge – Shaping and Detailing

Let's get to the K's! A kick pleat is a short, decorative slit at the bottom of a skirted piece of furniture. Knotting is a technique used to secure springs in place. A knife edge is a sharp, tailored edge often used on cushions. A kick pleat adds a decorative detail to the skirted furniture. The knotting technique secures the springs. The knife edge is used in cushions. These are the details that provide elegance to the furniture.

L is for... Lining, Loose Cushion, and Lumber – Key Elements

Let's learn the L's! Lining is a fabric used to cover the inside surfaces of a piece of furniture. A loose cushion is a cushion that is not permanently attached to the furniture frame. Lumber is the wood used to build the furniture frame. Lining is a fabric that covers the inside surfaces of the furniture. The loose cushions are removable. Lumber is used to build the frame. These elements are key to the construction of your furniture.

M is for... Mattress Stitch, Muslin, and Molded Foam – Finishing Touches

Time for the M's! The mattress stitch is a nearly invisible hand stitch used to join fabric pieces. Muslin is a plain-woven cotton fabric used for pattern making, toiles, and sometimes as an under layer in upholstery. Molded foam is foam that is shaped using a mold, resulting in a more precise and consistent shape. The mattress stitch is an almost invisible stitch to join the pieces. Muslin is used for pattern making, and molded foam provides a consistent shape. These terms help you understand the variety of techniques and materials used.

N is for... Nailhead Trim, Needle, and Nap – Style and Texture

Let's see the N's! Nailhead trim consists of individual decorative nails used to attach fabric and add a stylish detail. A needle is an essential tool for sewing and upholstery. Nap is the direction of the fibers on a fabric, which affects its appearance and how it catches the light. Nailhead trim adds a stylish detail, and the needle is essential for upholstery. Nap is the direction of the fabric's fibers. These details can improve the style and appearance of your furniture.

O is for... Ottoman, Overstuffed, and Outline Stitch – Expanding Your Knowledge

Let's discover the O's! An ottoman is a low, upholstered piece of furniture, often used as a footrest or seat. Overstuffed refers to furniture that is heavily padded. An outline stitch is a decorative stitch used to define edges or create patterns. The ottoman is the classic footrest, overstuffed furniture is heavily padded. The outline stitch defines the edges. These terms show the variety and construction of the furniture.

P is for... Piping, Pattern Matching, and Padding – Essential Techniques

Ready for the P's? Piping is a fabric-covered cord that is sewn into the seams for a decorative and structural effect. Pattern matching is the technique of aligning fabric patterns across seams. Padding is the cushioning material used to add comfort and shape to upholstered pieces. Piping adds a decorative effect to the seams. Pattern matching aligns the fabrics and padding adds comfort to the pieces. These terms highlight the precision and artistry of upholstery.

Q is for... Quilting, Quilt Batting, and Quarter-Sawn – Exploring Techniques

Let's understand the Q's! Quilting is the process of stitching multiple layers of fabric together to create a padded, decorative effect. Quilt batting is the filling material used in quilts and some upholstered pieces. Quarter-sawn refers to a method of cutting wood that results in a more stable and durable frame. Quilting and quilt batting create a decorative effect. Quarter-sawn wood provides a more durable frame. These terms highlight some more specific upholstery techniques.

R is for... Reupholstery, Rouching, and Rail – Repair and Design

Alright, it's the R's turn! Reupholstery is the process of replacing the fabric and padding on an existing piece of furniture. Rouching is a gathering technique used to create fullness or texture in the fabric. A rail is a horizontal piece of wood that forms part of the furniture frame. Reupholstery breathes new life into old pieces, rouching creates texture in the fabrics and the rail is a part of the furniture frame. These are important for repair and design.

S is for... Seam, Skirt, and Spring – The Details

Let's dive into the S's! A seam is the line where two pieces of fabric are joined together. A skirt is a fabric panel that hangs down from the base of a piece of furniture, often concealing the legs. A spring is a component used to provide support and resilience in the furniture. The seam joins the fabrics, the skirt adds a design and the spring provides support. These are some of the most basic elements for upholstery.

T is for... Tack, Trim, and Tufting – Texture and Style

Let's get the T's! A tack is a small nail used to attach fabric to the frame. Trim is a decorative embellishment, such as fringe or braid. Tufting is a technique where the fabric is gathered and secured with buttons or stitches, creating a textured surface. The tack is used to attach the fabric, the trim is a decoration and tufting creates the textured surface. These will allow you to add your unique style to your furniture.

U is for... Underlining, Upholstery, and Upcycle – Refinement

On to the U's! Underlining is a layer of fabric sewn to the back of the cover fabric to add stability or prevent wear. Upholstery is the process of covering furniture with fabric, padding, and springs. Upcycle is the practice of repurposing existing furniture by changing its appearance or function. Underlining adds stability to the fabrics, upholstery is the process of covering furniture and upcycling repurposes existing furniture. These terms show the steps to create unique pieces.

V is for... Velvet, Viscose, and Victorian – Exploring Materials and Styles

Now, the V's! Velvet is a luxurious fabric with a soft, dense pile. Viscose is a type of rayon fabric often used for upholstery. Victorian refers to a style of furniture and design characterized by ornate details. Velvet is a luxurious fabric, viscose is a type of fabric and Victorian style is characterized by ornate details. These are important terms for style and design.

W is for... Welt Cord, Webbing, and Washable – Key Features

Let's learn the W's! Welt cord is a fabric-covered cord used to trim seams and add a decorative touch. Webbing is a strong, woven material used to support springs and create a foundation. Washable refers to fabrics that can be cleaned with water. The welt cord trims the seams, webbing supports the springs and washable fabrics can be cleaned with water. These are important in terms of quality and style.

X is for... Xenon Lighting – No common upholstery terms begin with X.

Sorry guys, there aren't many common upholstery terms starting with X! But hey, you can always use xenon lighting to brighten up your work space while you're at it! Let's get creative! Maybe the X marks the spot where you'll start your next project!

Y is for... Yarn Dye, Yield, and Yoke – Important Details

Moving on to the Y's! Yarn dye is a fabric where the yarns are dyed before weaving, resulting in a more vibrant and durable color. Yield refers to the amount of fabric needed to complete a project. A yoke is a shaped piece of fabric that provides structure or detail to a piece of furniture. Yarn dye provides durability and yield indicates how much fabric you will need, while the yoke adds structure to the furniture. These terms refer to the quality and the building of your furniture.

Z is for... Zigzag Stitch and Zipper – The Final Touches

Finally, the Z's! A zigzag stitch is a type of stitch used to secure fabric edges and prevent fraying. A zipper is a closure device used on cushions, pillows, and other upholstery items. The zigzag stitch secures the edges and the zipper closes the pieces of furniture. These are the final touches of a good upholstered piece.

Conclusion: Your Upholstery Journey Starts Now!

There you have it, folks! Your complete upholstery glossary, packed with terms to get you started on your journey. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, understanding these terms is the key to success. So, grab your tools, your fabric, and your newfound knowledge, and get ready to transform your furniture! Happy upholstering!