Chapter I: Preface

The purpose of this book is to give information concerning the methods by which upholstery work may be successfully carried on in school shops. The added beauty and comfort given to furniture by upholstery makes work of this character worth while. If period furniture is to be reproduced or modified, the worker must understand the art of upholstering.

The tendency to reproduce or copy good old pieces of furniture should be encouraged, for only in this way may a student obtain a proper background, from which may be developed a new style. New ideas, derived from the best of the old, are likely to serve humanity in the best way.

The study of the art of upholstery is an interesting one. It leads into many avenues of interest and profit, such as the history and methods of weaving; the processes of tanning and coloring; the manufacture and history of textiles; and the like. Such correlation is valuable, and each is distinctly educational.

I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to Prof. Chas. A. Bennett for valuable suggestions and inspiration; to David H. Tingwall for valuable help, and photographs; to A. C. Newell for suggestions on the outlines; to Wm. F. Tuttle for the photographs of antiquarian furniture taken at the Art Institute of Chicago; to Bessie Bennett for certain information about the furniture; to John R. Fasier for the drawing in Fig. 28; and to my former and present Bradley students for inspiration and help.

The practical contents have been verified and corroborated by Henry Euler, a practical upholsterer for fifty-nine years, and by Herman Schwartling who has followed the trade for thirty years.

EMIL A. JOHNSON.

Peoria, Illinois, February, 1919.

CONTENTS

PART I

PAGE

CHAPTER I. HISTORICAL 7

CHAPTER II. TOOLS AND MATERIALS 11

Tools 11

Materials 11

PART II

UPHOLSTERY WITHOUT SPRINGS

CHAPTER III. UPHOLSTERING BOARD STRUCTURES 16

A Low Footstool 16

A Cart 17

A Leg Rest 17

A Footstool 21

Materials Required 23

CHAPTER IV. UPHOLSTERING CHAIR SEATS 24

A Chair Seat 24

A Set-in Seat 27

CHAPTER V. UPHOLSTERING A FRAMED STRUCTURE 28

Footstool 28

Procedure 29

Materials 36

Order of Procedure 37

Different Methods 37

PART III

UPHOLSTERY WITH SPRINGS

CHAPTER VI. MAKING A HARD-EDGE SEAT 38

Method 38

Process 40

A Queen Anne Stool 47

CHAPTER VII. RE-UPHOLSTERING 50

Old Furniture 50

CHAPTER VIII. SPRING-EDGE UPHOLSTERY 53

OUTLINES 60

INDEX 64