How to Remove Fabric from Furniture Before Reupholstering
If you’ve ever flipped a chair upside down and stared at a sea of staples wondering where do I even start? — you’re not alone.
I remember thinking that when I reupholstered my first chair. So of course I did what any resourceful person would do, I grabbed a flat head screw driver and went to town. As I began researching and learning more about the craft of upholstery I found out that there are better tools and an easier way.
I have created a short video, linked below, to help my upholstery students prepare their furniture for upcoming workshops. Removing old fabric is the very first step, and it can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. My hope is that it might not only be helpful to my students but also anyone else interested in giving reupholstery a try.
Here’s a few tips to remember when removing fabric that I didn’t cover in the video.
Label and save fabric pieces if you plan to reuse them as patterns
Take photos as you go — they’re incredibly helpful when reassembling
Go slow — speed comes with practice, not force
Stripping a piece down to its frame isn’t just about getting the old fabric off — it can also teach you a lot about how to put it back together. Paying attention during this stage will make reupholstering much easier later.
Click here to Watch the video on Youtube
Tools I used in the video
note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
C.S. Osborne No. 120 staple lifter or
C.S. Osborne 124 Staple Remover similar to the Berry
Dremel Multitool newer model but similar than the one I bought and have been using since 2018
Removing old upholstery is hands-on, a little messy, and surprisingly satisfying.
If this is your first time, give yourself permission to learn as you go. And if you’re one of my students — I can’t wait to see what you bring to the workshop.
Happy staple pulling.
-Michelle