Hello! I thought I'd pop in with a post about some of my favorite upholstery tools. I'm a self taught Upholsterer and I know a lot of you that follow me are as well. When you are self taught you pick up tips here there and everywhere. Hopefully one of these is new for you.
They all would make great additions to your toolbox.
note: These are not affiliate links, I chose them because you don’t need a special trade account to order them.
First up
The Regulator.
This little tool has so many uses. Here's a few.
-Its great for tucking extra fabric when tufting or pleating.
-Manipulate Dacron or Batting around to smooth out lumps.
-Get that perfect crease after you attach double cord welting.
-Use it to tuck fabric into Plygrip
Before I had one I used a butter knife or screw driver. Hey, they worked but this works better.
Next up
The Plier Stapler
I wrote a blog post quite some time ago about using staples instead of pins when sewing. It is amazing how much it can help with keeping things lined up. For more details check out the post
. Back then I was using a regular old office stapler. It worked but the plier stapler works a lot better. I have gotten much better at sewing over the years but sometimes with certain fabrics like slippery velvet its the best way to keep it from puckering and sliding all over the place. It's great for matching up patterns and most important you won't poke yourself with 1000 pins.
Seam Guide.
This little gadget is quite handy when sewing up cushions or pillows that don't have piping. Magnets on the bottom hold it in place. (as long as our machine is metal) It creates a nice edge to run your fabric against to help you achieve consistent seams. I just slide it over to the side and it stays on my machine out of the way til I need it again.
Staple Puller
This one is my favorite tools for stripping furniture. I have several kinds for different issues but this is the one I find myself grabbing the most. It has two pointy tips that really get under those staple. I like the handle shape. I started out using a tack puller for just about everything and when I found this tool it made it a lot easier.
Spruce Upholstery & Design Book
This book is a must have for upholsters. It gives excellent step by step instructions on several different types of projects using modern techniques. It's done in a clear, not to wordy, great photographs kind of way. I have several books and this is my favorite. Its a pretty book with great projects.
And since it's almost Christmas why not just go for it.
Juki 1541S with servo motor.
I know it's a little pricier then the rest but if you are in the market it's one to consider.
I bought this machine a couple years ago and I love it. I bought new because I am not mechanical and I didn't want to have to figure our how to use something that probably wouldn't have a manual or might need some work done. If something does go wrong with my machine I can YouTube it and there are tons of videos. I don't have a link but I bought mine on EBAY so you can start there.
Well there you have it. A few of my favorite things I have in my tool box. Hopefully you found something useful.
-Michelle