I am new to upholstery, with only a couple simple projects under my belt. I have a Pullman "revolving seat bed" that I would like to redo as the original fabric was in shreds. Unfortunately, when I got down to the springs, the twine tying them had all broken, so I am not sure how it was done. The seat has what I understand is called edge wire holding the outside springs in place.
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The bottom of the springs are supported with a grid of wires rather than webbing, and the top of the springs are all tied together with lighter wire.
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I think the springs were only tied down from front to back. I assume that you don't pull down the edge wire. If the springs are already tied together with wire, do I still need to tie them with twine to secure to the frame? Am I compressing them at all, or just securing them at the height they are at?
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Once I have fabric over the springs and start adding padding, do I need to form a pad over that edge wire so that it can't be felt?
I plan on padding the seat and back with foam. Is the "high density" stuff you can purchase at JoAnn fabrics too junky, or would it be okay?
there is a very good article on spring tie-ing under "how to upholster" at the top of this page.
8)Had to give myself a refresher last week with it.
Looks like you have a drop in unit. If all the wires are still in good shape you don't need to tie anything except the front and back like you said. When I cover the springs, usually with burlap, I like to tie some edge roll to the wire edge to soften it and make a nice rounded edge when you add the padding (If that's the look your going for). As far as foam I'd go to a high quality upholstery shop. You may spend a little more but the product will be better and they can steer you in the right direction as far as firmness. I like a little more firm on the seat and a little less on the back. Hope this helps and good luck.
I checked out the spring tying how-to. The edge wire is what is confusing me, and I haven't been able to find an example similar. I guess maybe I just ignore the edge, and tie the springs like normal?
Not to be nosy but let me get this straight. You have a Pullman bed. Like the beds on a Pullman car on a train? I've reupholstered a lot of interesting pieces but never a pullman bed. Its hard to tell exactly what you have by your pictures. I'm sure we can help you restore it with a little more info. If the springs are still in good shape reuse them. If the edge wire needs to be reattached to the springs this can be done with ether a crimping tool or lash them on with nylon twine. You don't need to compress this type of unit. When you cover them they will compress a little naturally.
Let me know if I can help more.