Spruce: A Step-by-Step Guide to Upholstery and Design

Absolutely love this book! I had seen so many and even had bought the "Professional Upholstering: All the Trade Secrets" and disliked it so much I had to return it. This one is the opposite of the other: the photos, print, paper are all of great quality and the images are very explanatory. The writer gives information in a clear manner and almost nothing is left to desire. Basically, she shows 5 different reupholstery projects, and because these are so different, one can refer to mix and match pieces of each project to cater for his/her own project. There is a color diagram in the beginning of the book that shows drawings of different pieces of furniture with a variety of arms, seats, wings, etc and then one can go to the pages that show how to reupholster each of these pieces. I am reupholstering my couch for the first time and this book has been absolutely indispensable to my project. Because my couch has round arms like one of the chairs she works with, I referred to the arms of the chair to reupholster the arms of my couch, but then used other references for other parts of my couch. In addition, the book has a comprehensive appendix also with great images and explanation about tools needed, how to strip furniture (of course, because this is the first step!), sewing tips and a wonderful glossary. Finally, someone who really desires to share knowledge in a clear manner! Worth every penny.

Fantastic book with detailed illustration and easy to follow instructions

I love this book. Amanda Brown has walked me through many an upholstery project and I now can consider myself a confident re-upholsterer. One tip that I would like to share is when making zippered box cushions, or zippered cushions of any kind, leave yourself at least an inch of extra zipper chain to slip the zipper pull on to, and do it in the direction that the zipper opens. If you look at the zipper chain fabric, there are a million arrow points that show the direction that the zip CLOSES so put your pull on in the opposing direction. If you have the extra zipper chain it will give you a little wiggle room to get the pull on without stressing the fabric. Amanda explains things very clearly and concisely and the photos of each operation are easy to understand. I am so glad that she is so successful.

The book centers primarily on chairs and sofa furniture upholstering. Projects are worked from start to finish. Concise instructions for measuring for fabric requirements, as well as preparing pillows for added flair. Although not geared for a true beginner, it provides guidance to approach the design aspect of selecting furniture and fabrics/colors in an easily-understood fashion. The result may be the lessening of anxiety when first faced with the actual task at hand!

Best upholstery book I've found so far. I'm building my own dinning room chairs from scratch (paper drawing and rough walnut lumber) and used it to upholster the first one with 8 way tied coil springs. This turned out to be too tall for the shape of the chair so I'm trying sinuous springs for #2 to compare. There is no good information in this book on how to install them, what tools to use, size of springs, how to cut to size etc. Other than that niche omission, a great book. The pictures are and instructions are clear. Especially good on the little tips that make the difference between something that looks a little clumsy and something that looks really sharp. A Keeper.

This book is so well written- has lots of step by step instructions and is laid out in a way that if you have any upholstered piece of furniture you can go to the guide and pick which set of instructions fit the part you are working on! I have had a chair and ottoman I have hated the fabric on for 20 yrs. This book has given me the tools and confidence to finally tackle this project with no worries. I lent it to a friend that is also an upholstery virgin other than recovering chair seats and she agrees....this book can guide you to completion of any upholstery project. Like a private course in your own home!! Covers everything from antique to modern styles. I couldn't ask for more- great job Amanda Brown!!

Who doesn’t like do it yourself (DIY) books? Well over the years I have purchased dozens of them. Many of them attempt to show how to accomplish anything. Well this book actually does it. From the “Mix ‘n’ Match Upholstery” pages, there is every kind of chair or couch shown and what chapter covers the repair or reupholstering technique. The author covers the basics first, like what kind of chair this is; to what kind of fabric is needed to the tools you will need to complete the job at hand. Estimating fabric yardage is covered. I have used this book to reupholster several chairs already and every time I open the book I learn something new. If you want to learn to reupholster or just some tips on how to repair some furniture you have, this is the book for it. The book is hard covered and full of excellent illustrations and photos, to walk you thru the complete project. I would recommend this book and definitely would purchase this book again if they release another version. Happy reupholstering everyone, Thank you.

I have never reupholstered a chair, but bought a really cool old chair from the thrift store that unfortunately smelled like cat pee, and thought how hard can it be?? I stripped it down to the wood and metal, repainted it, bought new foam and supplies and a different book on reupholstering, but then felt overwhelmed and abandoned it. It’s been sadly living in my basement now for years. Well I decided I should either finally finish it or pass the project on. I looked at an online upholstery course but that was well out of my budget. I bought this book instead, and it’s so good! Aimed at beginners who need to see every step and doesn’t just assume we know stuff, but also designed to jump straight to what applies to you. It also has some guidance on design. I do wish it showed some more projects. None of the projects in the book or the drawings of chairs look exactly like mine. But I feel like with the techniques shown I’ll be able to mix and match enough, and I’m motivated to give it another shot! I’ll update my review if/when I finish!

Interessant zu erfahren wie die Amerikanischen Kollegen ihre Arbeit verrichten. Die Techniken unterscheiden sich zwar aber nicht im Übermaß .

Me encanta lo entendible que es..

Excellent book and I am trying to implement it.

Ok