How to Change the Fabric on Barstool Cushions

Preparation

• 1

  Turn the stool upside down to remove the staples on the bottom-side of the seat. Place the flat tip of the screwdriver along each staple and tap with a hammer to loosen staples. Pull out all the staples with pliers.

• 2

  Remove the old cushion fabric covering, and discard the cotton batting that covers the foam cushion. Replace the cotton batting with a piece of Dacron. Cut it in the shape of the cushion so that it is 1/4 inch wider than the foam cushion.

• 3

  Lay the fabric out and press flat. Lay the piece of Dacron on the back side of the new fabric. Trace the shape of the Dacron onto the fabric, adding 1/2 inch all the way around for a seam allowance. Cut the new piece of fabric for the seat cushion.

• 4

  Measure the side width of the cushion and also the distance around it. Cut a strip of fabric for the side of the cushion, allowing one inch for seams along all the edges.

Sew the cushion

• 5

  Measure and cut two lengths of cording that will fit around the cushion, plus one inch to ensure a good fit. Cut the strips of cording fabric the same length, plus one inch for seams, along with an additional inch of fabric for tuck-in at the ends. Cut the strips one and 1/2 inches wide. Stitch the strips of fabric together with a straight stitch. Wrap the fabric strips around the cording and sew using a zipper foot.

• 6

  Pin one length of the cording onto the fabric seat cover with right or print sides together. Make sure the raw edges of the fabric are also together.

• 7

  Sew, and start the stitching one inch from the end of the cording so that when the two ends of cording are joined together, one end of the fabric can be folded around the other end and the excess cording trimmed out. Remember to fold under the raw edge of the top layer of fabric when the two ends of the cording are butted together. Finish by stitching the seam closed.

• 8

  Pin and sew the side strip of fabric onto the seat cover and cording, right sides together. The cording should be between the seat cover and the side strip of fabric, with all raw edges facing the same direction.

Finish the seat cushion

• 9

  Use spray adhesive to attach Dacron to the foam cushion. Make sure that it is centered on the cushion.

• 10

  Pull the fabric seat cover over the foam cushion and Dacron, so it is even along the sides. Turn the stool upside down and staple the fabric sides to the bottom of the stool.

• 11

  Secure the fabric by situating the first two staples directly across from each other. The next two staples should be placed directly across from each other in the same manner, but across in a perpendicular direction. If you are covering a square cushion, the first staples should be placed in the center of each side. Pull the fabric snug but not so tight that it pulls the fabric out of shape.

• 12

  Staple the second piece of cording along the bottom edge of the cushion so that it protrudes slightly out from under the edge of the stool. Join the two ends of cording together in the same manner as the first, by folding one end of the fabric over the other and tucking the raw edge under so it has the appearance of a finished seam.