How To: Reupholster a Tub Chair

This DIY project is a great way to update the look of your existing furniture.  How to recover a tub chair and completely change the look or style!

Happy Spring Remodelaholic readers.  Jaime from That’s My Letter here today to share an easy step by step reupholstery project. 

My friend recently was looking to get rid of two Ikea Tullsta tub chairs.  They were older, and dated.  The old fabric was a brown leather that just didn’t suit my style.  Time for a furniture makeover.

I reupholstered the chairs in a classic blue and white ticking upholstery fabric, added wheels for mobility and finished off the look with a red pillow trimmed in white pom poms.

These tub chairs are a great addition to our family room space and the wheels make them fun and completely mobile for additional seating where ever we need it.

 How to Reupholster a Tub Chair

Materials:

• tub chair
• 4 yards home décor upholstery fabric @ 54″ wide
• 10 yards cotton cording (1 package) (for piping or welting)
• 4 – 5″ swivel casters (2 with break)
• thread
•  

Tools:

• sewing machine
• scissors
• rotary cutter/box knife
• seam ripper
• self healing mat
• clear ruler
• 22″ heavy duty zipper
• staple gun ( I find staples are easier than tack strips)
• staples
• pliers
• flat head screwdriver (staple remover)

Step 1: Unscrew the wood legs and begin removing staples using flat head screwdriver and pliers from the black base cover.  Try to remove these pieces of fabric carefully without ripping so you can use some for pattern pieces in future steps.  Like this black cover will be saved and replaced after the pieces is reupholstered.

Step 2: Remove all the staples in order to loosen leather from frame.

Step 3: Gently pull leather off of frame keeping big pieces in tact to use as a pattern.

 Step 4: Label all original fabric pieces.  (You really only need one side of the leather pieces, just reverse to make the cuts for the other side other side.)

Step 5: Begin with largest piece (center back typically).  Place leather pattern on fold of new fabric and cut center back.  I opted to make fewer seams than the original leather by combining two panels.  Be sure to add any seam allowances that are necessary.  A larger seam allowance will help keep the seams stable when some one sits on the seat.

Note: before adding the fabric to the chair, check the existing padding.  It might need a fresh layer of quilting fabric to help fill out the new fabric you are adding, since the original padding may be a bit squished.  This will help your piece look full and new when you are done, rather than slightly squashed. 

Step 6: Begin sewing panels together.  Sew both the interior paneled sections together.   Then separately sew the exterior back pieces together  – but don’t sew those to each other just yet, we need to make the piping first.  

Step 7: To make the piping cut 2″ strips on the bias (meaning on the diagonal to there is a bit of pull or stretch to the fabric).

Step 8: To make the piping (or welting) sew binding strips together by lining up bias cut (A)  then sew pieces at a 90 angle (B).  Press seam open (C) and the final seam (D).  Make 10 yards of piping for each chair.

Step 9: Sew cotton cording into binding by placing cording in the middle and folding binding over.   Use a zipper foot to get seam as tight as possible.

Step 10: Pin the piping to top raw edge of interior back.

Step 11: Place exterior panel on top of interior (right sides together) matching up center backs.

Step 12: Sew panels together (still using zipper foot) with piping in between.  Start at the center back and complete one side.

 Step 12 continued: Sew other half of main body.

Step 13: Pin piping to raw edge of arm portion.

Step 14: Pin front arm piece at center top to main body portion then sew in place.

Step 15: Staple the excess fabric or raw edges of interior panels to crevice of frame at seat.  If any staples don’t fully set into the wood, just pound them in with a hammer.

Step 16: Turn the chair upside down and staple the raw edges of exterior panels to underside of the chair or chair base.  Trim the excess fabric if necessary to have a nice smooth base for the chair.

Step 17: Staple the front panel cover into the inside of the seat crevice and under base.  If desired you can stitch the seam of the front panel to the side pieces but it isn’t necessary.

Step 18: Replace black base cover (reserved when you removed it at the beginning) by using staples.

Step 19: Cut seat cushion pieces – top, bottom, side panel, piping

Step 20: Make zipper closure panel.

Step 21: Sew side panel to top with piping in between.  Repeat same process for bottom piece.

Step 22: Sew zipper panel onto side panel at ends.  Then pin piping in place and continue to finish sewing top and bottom panels.  ** Be sure to leave zipper open in order to turn right side out after sewing.

Note: Consider replacing the seat cushion with new foam if the chair seat is looking smashed.  This will really help with the final look of the chair.  If the original foam is still in good shape, you could consider wrapping the foam in a small layer of batting pad to help round out the cushion.  This will help it to appear fresh, fluffy and new and fill out the new fabric well. 

Step 23: At this point you can add the original legs or opt for fun rolling caters like we did.  we decided to add some color to the casters.  Paint interior of wheels, first white then red acrylic.  Seal red with clear gloss varnish to prevent chipping.

Step 24: Attach wheels to base, pre-drill and use wood screws to fit.

Your tub chair is ready, now try to keep your kids from rolling all around the house!

How to Reupholster a Tub Chair

Step by step guide

Print Recipe

Equipment

• sewing machine
• scissors
• rotary cutter/box knife
• seam ripper
• self healing mat
• clear ruler
• 22″ heavy duty zipper
• staple gun ( I find staples are easier than tack strips)
• staples
• pliers
• flat head screwdriver (staple remover)

Ingredients

• tub chair to reupholseter
• 4 yards home décor upholstery fabric @ 54″ wide
• 10 yards cotton cording 1 package (for piping or welting)
• thread
• 4 5" swivel casters 2 with break (optional)
• Paint optional

Instructions

• Step 1: Unscrew the wood legs and begin removing staples using flat head screwdriver and pliers from the black base cover.  Try to remove these pieces of fabric carefully without ripping so you can use some for pattern pieces in future steps.  Like this black cover will be saved and replaced after the pieces is reupholstered.
• Step 2: Remove all the staples in order to loosen leather from frame.
• Step 3: Gently pull leather off of frame keeping big pieces in tact to use as a pattern.
• Step 4: Label all original fabric pieces.  (You really only need one side of the leather pieces, just reverse to make the cuts for the other side other side.)
• Step 5: Begin with largest piece (center back typically).  Place leather pattern on fold of new fabric and cut center back.  I opted to make fewer seams than the original leather by combining two panels.  Be sure to add any seam allowances that are necessary.  A larger seam allowance will help keep the seams stable when some one sits on the seat.
• Note: before adding the fabric to the chair, check the existing padding.  It might need a fresh layer of quilting fabric to help fill out the new fabric you are adding, since the original padding may be a bit squished.  This will help your piece look full and new when you are done, rather than slightly squashed.
• Step 6: Begin sewing panels together.  Sew both the interior paneled sections together.   Then separately sew the exterior back pieces together  – but don’t sew those to each other just yet, we need to make the piping first.
• Step 7: To make the piping cut 2″ strips on the bias (meaning on the diagonal to there is a bit of pull or stretch to the fabric).
• Step 8: To make the piping (or welting) sew binding strips together by lining up bias cut (A)  then sew pieces at a 90 angle (B).  Press seam open (C) and the final seam (D).  Make 10 yards of piping for each chair.
• Step 9: Sew cotton cording into binding by placing cording in the middle and folding binding over.   Use a zipper foot to get seam as tight as possible.
• Step 10: Pin the piping to top raw edge of interior back.
• Step 11: Place exterior panel on top of interior (right sides together) matching up center backs.
• Step 12: Sew panels together (still using zipper foot) with piping in between.  Start at the center back and complete one side.
• Step 12 continued: Sew other half of main body.
• Step 13: Pin piping to raw edge of arm portion.
• Step 14: Pin front arm piece at center top to main body portion then sew in place.
• Step 15: Staple the excess fabric or raw edges of interior panels to crevice of frame at seat.  If any staples don’t fully set into the wood, just pound them in with a hammer.
• Step 16: Turn the chair upside down and staple the raw edges of exterior panels to underside of the chair or chair base.  Trim the excess fabric if necessary to have a nice smooth base for the chair.
• Step 17: Staple the front panel cover into the inside of the seat crevice and under base.  If desired you can stitch the seam of the front panel to the side pieces but it isn’t necessary.
• Step 18: Replace black base cover (reserved when you removed it at the beginning) by using staples.
• Step 19: Cut seat cushion pieces – top, bottom, side panel, piping
• Step 20: Make zipper closure panel.
• Step 21: Sew side panel to top with piping in between.  Repeat same process for bottom piece.
• Step 22: Sew zipper panel onto side panel at ends.  Then pin piping in place and continue to finish sewing top and bottom panels.  ** Be sure to leave zipper open in order to turn right side out after sewing.
• Note: Consider replacing the seat cushion with new foam if the chair seat is looking smashed.  This will really help with the final look of the chair.  If the original foam is still in good shape, you could consider wrapping the foam in a small layer of batting pad to help round out the cushion.  This will help it to appear fresh, fluffy and new and fill out the new fabric well.
• Step 23: At this point you can add the original legs or opt for fun rolling caters like we did.  we decided to add some color to the casters.  Paint interior of wheels, first white then red acrylic.  Seal red with clear gloss varnish to prevent chipping.
• Step 24: Attach wheels to base, pre-drill and use wood screws to fit.

Questions and Answers:

Can I reupholster a chair myself?

Absolutely you can! This can be a good beginner to intermediate DIY project for your home that give a huge impact on the pace when you are done.

You need a couple skills to accomplish this chair style since it is a bit more heavy in sewing. Bonus, if you have a friend that can help you learn as you go, that is a great way to get started as a beginner. Don’t feel like not knowing something on this list should stop you from trying.

• Know how to use and thread a sewing machine.
• Have a basic understanding on sewing. (ie sewing good side to good side, straight seams when sewing)
• Access to a couple tools (as listed in the tools list)

If a full reupholstery project seems daunting, consider a small dining chair with just a simple seat cushion as a first time project with a throw pillow. Once you have a couple small projects under your belt, it will help you feel able to try something bigger, without being totally fearful.

Can I reupholster over existing fabric?

Yes, but I would consider this more of an intermediate level job. For this you need to have some understanding of shape and cutting out fabric without the “pattern” that is the original pieces.

Removing the original pieces, gives you an exact pattern to follow which is why many people do this. If this is not an option, and you need to leave the original fabric in place, consider using an inexpensive muslin fabric to create a pattern as you go. If you cut it too small just sew on a strip to get the right size before you cut out the good fabric. This way, you don’t waste expensive fabric by accidentally cutting it too small OR too big.

This may be considered more of a slip cover. And you can check out a great slipcover tutorial here.

Can I use a hot glue gun for re-upholstery?

Personally I would think of hot glue as an assistant who holds things while you work on the project and not as a way to secure the seams together, unless it is truly your only option.

For example, you could use hot glue to help secure the excess fabric at the bottom of the chair, but I would also secure it with staples after the hot glue has cooled. Consider the glue as a fast hold option so that your fabric stays in place while you secure it.

Be cautious using hot glue, with some fabrics hot glue will darken or discolor that fabric when it bleeds through the fibers. This color change, or residue that comes though the fibers may be very noticeable. Because reupholstering a chair can be a relatively expensive project (all the fabric, padding or foam if needed) I do recommend trying to sew the pieces together so that it lasts long time.

If sewing is not your thing then consider building a piece of furniture.  I recently constructed this pipe and wood slats bed for my son:

All the details including construction plans and dimensions can be found here.

And of course don’t forget the handsome nightstand to go with the pipe bed:

This very masculine nightstand is a nice simple build you can check out here.

And lastly something for your dining or living room, my most recent build is this sliding barn door console:

It’s a knock off project and you won’t believe the retail price.  Never fear you can DIY this barn door console, link to plans in my post here.

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More reupholstering tips and tutorials:

Jaime Costiglio

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My name is Jaime Costiglio and I write the blog That's My Letter. What started off as a kitchen makeover documentation blog 3.5 years ago has warped into a full on project based blog focused on building, painting and sewing. All the project posts are DIY and include tutorials with photos. I typically stick to wood, paint and fabric as my mediums to build furniture and crafts, paint furniture, make signs, and use fabric to sew home decor, accessories and gifts. I reuse and repurpose consistently and always, always use what I have first before buying new.

• Build a GIANT Bulletin Board for under $50
• Bathroom Storage Cabinet using an old Window
• Build a Bookshelf with Adjustable Shelves
• DIY Wood Bunting with Fabric Letters