How Do You Measure Fabric For Upholstery?
Estimating the amount of fabric you need for upholstery can be challenging. Take your measurements before removing the old fabric. If you rely on the frame dimensions, you will come up short. This article uses a chair as a sample re-upholstery project. Sketch a rough drawing of your chair for noting all your measurements. Use a tape measure to calculate the length and width of the chair’s arms. Use the widest point of the arm as your width measurement. Measure around the back of the chair frame to get its outside width. Measure the back frame top to bottom for the outside length. For inside back dimensions, spread your tape measure from one side of the chair back to the other to obtain width. For length, measure from the top of the chair to where the back meets the seat. Calculate your chair’s seat measurements by taking note of the width and length of cushion that is resting on the seat. If your chair has a gussett (see picture below) measure the length and width of this area as well.
