Help and advice for a novice planning to recover seating!

[Keyair]

Oh, forgot to ask...

In every video I see, guys glue a layer of foam to the back of the leather... Yet our AZ Leather sofa's have nothing behind them.

Can someone advise/explain why and if I need to do it, what type/thickness?

[impulse]

Use the existing fabric as patterns, but make sure you label which piece is from where. Calculate the sq footage needed, but because leather hides are an irregular shape, you need to allow 1/3 wastage. If the leather is of good quality there is no need to line with foam. I have successfully reupholstered 10-15 sofas and chairs using this method.

Lois

[Keyair]

Thanks Lois!

Also, is there advice for leather direction? I know and feel leather has different stretch, and dont know if that is a factor for this type of work...

[Keyair]

Any comment on my question above?

 

Also, what do you all use to mark the faces of leather that will come off?

[Mark842]

1 hour ago, Keyair said:

Any comment on my question above?

 

Also, what do you all use to mark the faces of leather that will come off?

For that type leather I like silver marking pens like these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leather-Tools-Silver-Marking-Pen-and-Clean-Pen-Kit-For-Leather-Craft-Total-11PCS-/331297528837?hash=item4d22df1c05:g:tyYAAOSwEK9T9mUA

I didn't buy mine there but that was the first pic I found. They mark great and most leather you don't need the clean pen to remove it, just use a damp cloth.

[Keyair]

I spent some time photographing the Sofa and Dinette in the Motorhome, to get some feedback on construction.

This is the sofa...

The backrest flips to make a bed like this...

The underside of the sofa looks like this... Looks to have springing, foam and a steel frame.

The backside of the backrest is just folded together and tack-stripped onto the wooden backrest.

I am unsure how to do this so, I think I will tackle the Dinette cushions first!

The dinette is simple... two facing couches with a a pair of simple cushions each side. The base cushion has a curved face.

 For some reason the pic I took of it assembled didnt make it!

Here are the cushions..

 

[Keyair]

I think I will remake these cushions completely.... the foam feels too soft.

It is about 4 or 5" thick.

So, here are my newbie questions...

1/ What foam would you all advise to use or a 2 layer combo of foams?

2/ As I plan to remake these with new foam, and leather, should I use leather for the underside, or something else... If I use leather I am worried they will slide around!

[Tholek]

14 hours ago, Keyair said:

I think I will remake these cushions completely.... the foam feels too soft.

It is about 4 or 5" thick.

So, here are my newbie questions...

1/ What foam would you all advise to use or a 2 layer combo of foams?

2/ As I plan to remake these with new foam, and leather, should I use leather for the underside, or something else... If I use leather I am worried they will slide around!

I wanted to ask you if you was to destroy the actual sofas by the stitching line and unfold them would you not get the exact size your looking for?

For your questions, I would personally use upholstery foam also they shouldn't slide around.

[Keyair]

Sizes: I could unpick the original cushions, of coarse, but as they are loose, ie, not fixed to the base structure, I don't think the actual finished size is critical if I am 1/2" or 10mm oversize! I think I will just take the measurements off these cushions and leave them intact.

Not sure if what I wrote was clear... The sliding about I am talking about is the cushion on its structure... remember this is a motorhome, and people maybe sitting on these as its going down the road, or sleeping on them when they are in bed position. I don't want the base cushion slipping out of position, or the backrests falling over.

The original cushions had hook Velcro on the base and backrest, so I am wondering if I add some "Tongues" or flap tabs with Velcro to keep them in place...

Pic of original setup below.

As far as the foam goes, I am not sure what "Upholstery Foam" is over here in the USA... maybe someone can chime in with advice of weight or firmness... remember the base is wood and these cushions are either seating or a bed...

Having looked at the original cushions today, I note there are no zips or openings in them. I assume I should plan a zip into one of the depth panels? What type of zip is suitable??

So much to learn!!!!

 

 

[NVLeatherWorx]

@Keyair  As a newbie you may want to have such a huge task completed by a professional.  It is nice that you are wanting to put yourself out there and do you own recovering work but if you do not have experience with the materials and trade of making furniture you destined for disaster.  Furniture finishers spend years learning the skills and techniques to do what they do as do the rest of us who are true tradesmen and craftsmen, it isn't something you just "decide to do" because it looks cool.