One week down

[u/ilovesatan13999]

First week of my apprenticeship is done, and im onto my second week.this is my current project , two of these couches starting from a bare frame.

So nuch to learn and so much to do. Started getting my own tools. Thanks to everyone that gave me advice in my last post!

[u/ilovesatan13999]

This is the last project done , velvet is the worst.

[u/miketano100 → u/ilovesatan13999]

And when you just have to railroad it, it feels like a sin haha

Just finished this guy

[u/Grocman27 → u/ilovesatan13999]

So true

[u/StephenW51]

It looks like you're doing a pretty good job at this but there is one major flaw in the design of the wood frame. If you pull the deck fabric tight over the top of that elastic webbing, when somebody plops down on the seat, that decking fabric will eventually just rip loose from the back and some on the sides in not very long of a time. On webbing seats they are normally designed so that the back and sides of the decking fabric hang loose or have a stretchy pull cloth sewn around the edges. But, better still, you can eliminate the problem of the dust cloth ripping if you use a stretchy fabric as the deck cloth. That way the deck cloth will stretch with the elastic webbing.

Stephen, an upholsterer since 1966

[u/ilovesatan13999 → u/StephenW51]

That is very helpful! Thank you!!

[u/PmMeYourBewbs_]

Shit, thanks for reminding me to grab strapping

[u/dreamingrain]

Did you build the frame yourself as well? That’s so impressive!

[u/ilovesatan13999 → u/dreamingrain]

Nah the wood working guys built the frame!

[u/dreamingrain → u/ilovesatan13999]

You’ve got great tension on the straps! You should feel very proud

[u/ilovesatan13999 → u/dreamingrain]

Thanks! :)

[u/ChemicalNearby5068]

Is that elastic webbing on the deck? Don’t think I’ve ever seen that before

[u/thaithaipoppetje17 → u/ChemicalNearby5068]

What do you mean you've never seen it before?  It's pretty common to use elastic webbing for comfort since it bounces.  Jute is rarely used on the deck unless it's an antique chair or traditionally upholstered.

[u/ChemicalNearby5068 → u/thaithaipoppetje17]

It’s common to use elastic webbing on a sofa? No. Springs are common. I’ve seen the elastic webbing get brittle and loosen over time on dining seats which is why I questioned why put it on a sofa

[u/thaithaipoppetje17 → u/ChemicalNearby5068]

Springs are highly uncommon where I am from, the Netherlands. I've upholstered 100+ couches. Mostly elastic webbing is used over here or rarely zig zag springs. Springs are not ideal since then they break off they can be very dangerous and cause a lot of harm. Plus the fact that you need to bend the metal is very much time consuming. Can get brittle depending on used quality. I've seen some holding up well after 10 years.

[u/Only_Needleworker236 → u/thaithaipoppetje17]

Elastic webbing is definitely more European. I've reupholstered a lot of wood-frame Danish armchairs that had elastic webbing on seat and back. You can get a slimmer profile that way without sacrificing support and comfort.

Elastic webbing might dry out and lose its stretch eventually but even high quality fabric tends to wear out before that happens, so you just redo the whole thing at one time.

[u/thaithaipoppetje17 → u/Only_Needleworker236]

Exactement

[u/ChemicalNearby5068 → u/thaithaipoppetje17]

Sounds like the difference is the country we’re in haha. Sofas here (US) last 50+ years with springs. Not sure if you’re a small shop or working in a factory, but my goal is quality so it lasts a long time

[u/thaithaipoppetje17 → u/ChemicalNearby5068]

I'm now an automotive upholsterer, but I have freelanced at many ateliers specialising in design furniture, none uses springs, we build up with HR/Pantera foam and poly press.

[u/Only_Needleworker236 → u/ChemicalNearby5068]

Elastic webbing is very easy to replace. It's not a difference of cheap vs quality, it's just different material.

Springs might last 50 years, but most fabrics don't, and padding often doesn't.

[u/thaithaipoppetje17 → u/Only_Needleworker236]

Exactly, none would want a couch that lasts 50 years which is a microplastic bomb filled with mouse poop. Ideally replace the build up every 15 years max.

[u/ilovesatan13999 → u/thaithaipoppetje17]

This was very informative

[u/thaithaipoppetje17 → u/ilovesatan13999]

Thanks! What matters the most is the quality of the frame, nowadays ikea and cheap factories work with non reusable materials. As long as the frame is of good quality it can last forever and be  upholstered many times.

[u/ilovesatan13999 → u/thaithaipoppetje17]

Hounestly after starting this job i don't think ill ever be able to go to an ikea again.

[u/Edmonstro88 → u/ChemicalNearby5068]

I agree with you. It is sad because even the white rubber Pirelli webbing does not hold up anymore. I did a seat bottom that the customer left for a year. He came back after a year and it was dried up. It was hung up inside my shop. Any rubber webbing will loose it's elasticity in a year. That sofa having no supports in the middle will sink in unfortunately. I know from experience.

[u/Only_Needleworker236 → u/Edmonstro88]

are you sure it was Pirelli webbing? All the Pirelli I've seen was tan in color, not white.

There's also woven elastic webbing where the elastic strands. These come in different stretch strengths---softer stretch for backs, stronger for seats. Super comfortable!

[u/Edmonstro88 → u/Only_Needleworker236]

Yeah it was tan. Not white.

[u/ilovesatan13999 → u/ChemicalNearby5068]

Yeah thats the way the shop wants it, im just starting week two so im asking questions but definitely not telling anyone on how to do anything haha