The Upholster.com Forum

General Upholstery Questions and Comments => General Discussion => Topic started by: Virgs Sew n Sew on September 23, 2014, 01:31:03 pm

Title: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Virgs Sew n Sew on September 23, 2014, 01:31:03 pm
Hey Darren:

I've just about got the volkswagon whipped into submission ; )  only 5 more chairs for the restaurant to recover and the bridesmaid dress will be altered by COB Thursday so I'm ready to further venture into the land of Channel back chairs and loveseats.  I know in my original thread you said that you had some shortcuts you would share with me and the rest of us newby's.  I'm frothing at the bit to get going on that project.  Have welting sewn and skirting made.  Worked on the seat over the weekend also.  So, I'm ready to hear your shortcuts so I can start gameplanning this.

Thanks bunches!

Virginia
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Darren Henry on September 23, 2014, 04:31:53 pm
I should re-read your first post first---but need to repair the motorhome and maybe actually eat something this week [maybe the streak I took cruising with me over the weekend and BBQ'd last night]. I can't afford to miss any more  meals unless I put a grill on the shower drain.

The main point was avoiding using piping tins as Paul and Dennis mentioned. Or at the very least not having to invest in them for a one-off job. The other was going to discuss "fill" for these channel backs.

Just so we are all on page; let me explain a couple of terms I'll be using.

FACE FABRIC= the fabric you see when the job is complete.
BACKING (FABRIC) = the muslin or ticking type fabric you sew the face fabric to.
STRAIGHT RUN= the channels are all "rectangles" that can be done in large panel.
CURVED RUN= pie shaped pieces cut to go around a curve that is slanted.  ;) top curve is going to be longer,right?

The short version is ----cut the backing over sized/do your sewing/cut the backing from top to bottom in the centre/ add your fill/ close up the backing. I generally go 1 1/2-2 " so that I have some "wiggle room". THAT SAID I always put a solid layer or Herculite,burlap, whatever over the back springs---not just some jute webbing.

If you choose to go "old school" --- you can improvise piping tins out of boat window plastic. One the size of the face fabric -1/2"---One backing size - 1/2"---sew one side together and leave the other open. It'll get you through---silicone helps.
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: chrisberry12 on September 24, 2014, 08:21:53 pm
You can cut a cardboard tube in half for piping tins also if you have a band saw. I wrap my channel padding in Dacron to help slide in and smooth out any bumps in the cotton or kapok channels. I make my muslin backing cut same as fabric pieces, much easier to upholster rather then sewing your channels to a sheet of muslin backing. Allows for more movement and lining up. Everyone has their style or methos of doing Channels. Pipping tins are not all that expensive so down the road you could get them. Have fun

Chris
Www.onislandupholstery.com
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: cthomps on September 26, 2014, 05:35:57 am
If I was going to invest in tins, what is the most common size to add to my tool box?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: sofadoc on September 26, 2014, 09:56:10 am
Quote from: cthomps on September 26, 2014, 05:35:57 am
If I was going to invest in tins, what is the most common size to add to my tool box?  Thanks.
Many suppliers only carry one size. Some list sizes of 2", 3", and 4". I have all 3, but I use the 4" tins well over 90% of the time.
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Virgs Sew n Sew on September 27, 2014, 07:34:36 am
Quote from: sofadoc on September 26, 2014, 09:56:10 am
Many suppliers only carry one size. Some list sizes of 2", 3", and 4". I have all 3, but I use the 4" tins well over 90% of the time. 
[/quote]

Is that simply the width of the fabric?  I'm looking at my filling and pushing it tight, it looks like a 4 incher.

Thanks 

Virginia
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: sofadoc on September 27, 2014, 08:01:53 am
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi775.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy33%2Fsofadoc%2Fth_DSC05530.jpg&hash=916f7f1e9bdda28c456b6567a5a0569a) (http://s775.photobucket.com/user/sofadoc/media/DSC05530.jpg.html)

The set on the far right is my trusty set that was handed down from my grandparents. They used them in the 60's. I've used them ever since.

The other 2 sets I acquired from a shop that closed. I rarely use them.

It's hard to tell exactly where to measure them. So I'm really not sure what size my trusty set is. They measure 5" at the widest point. The smaller ones on the far left measure 3" at their widest point.
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Darren Henry on October 04, 2014, 07:56:03 am
How are things going on this Virginia? I'll need a little heads up to find or replicate the vids I had on the subject. No pressure --- just asking.
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Virgs Sew n Sew on October 04, 2014, 08:48:51 am
Kind of in a rut.  Have gotten the pleating ready to go, as well as the welting.  Need to decide if I'm going to make the channel back form or buy one (that is my weekend decision).  I've gotten wrapped around the axle so to speak with the VW.  I've spent way too much time on it this week with not much to show for it.  Top is on but there's a cable that is supposed to suck the top (just in front of the welting) into a U channel.  All I have to show for my efforts is one hellacious back ache.  Probably something a fused spiney should avoid but I love walking that fine line.

Anyway, I'll decide on that this weekend as well as watch the links that are posted in the earlier thread and intend to spend most of my mornings next week on the chair.  I got more than a little behind the last couple of weeks between being sick and Carly issues.  Hoping for smooth sailing for a while.

Virginia
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Darren Henry on October 05, 2014, 06:02:01 am
Sorry to hear you're having trouble with the bug on top of a really tough week. You'll have to make Bob do the vacuuming after he rolls you in liniment until back mends.

QuoteNeed to decide if I'm going to make the channel back form or buy one


We must call it something different up here. What is a channel back form?
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Virgs Sew n Sew on October 05, 2014, 08:16:40 am
Quote from: Darren Henry on October 05, 2014, 06:02:01 am

We must call it something different up here. What is a channel back form?


Duh on my part -- looking earlier in the thread, I think I mean piping tins.  Those are what make those really cool backs with each piece uniform in width???

Virginia
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Virgs Sew n Sew on October 05, 2014, 05:39:18 pm
Quote from: Darren Henry on October 05, 2014, 06:02:01 am
Sorry to hear you're having trouble with the bug on top of a really tough week.


Finally, after 4 days of trying, made progress on the top.  A boat customer came over while I was in the garage and expressed an interest in the bug.  I explained to him what was supposed to happen with the cable, top and U or J channel (always forget which it is).  Took much trial and error but we were finally able to get the cable worked around the back of the bug and into the channel.  One nut did work its way loose so I'll have to use pliers to extricate it from its current position tomorrow but at least solid progress.  Customer said that he was more than willing to work with it again tomorrow evening should I still be having problems.  I told him if I am having problems working that cable out to where the nut can be attached, I'll call him and if he helps, I'll lessen his labor charges on his upcoming boat project I'm doing for him.  Seems like a great deal for me.  Bob is willing but he's got enough health issues that he doesn't need to be standing around fighting with this thing. 

Anyway, a nice positive way for a Sunday afternoon to turn into.  : )

Virginia
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Virgs Sew n Sew on October 07, 2014, 06:07:24 am
Quote from: Darren Henry on September 23, 2014, 04:31:53 pm

The short version is ----cut the backing over sized/do your sewing/cut the backing from top to bottom in the centre/ add your fill/ close up the backing. I generally go 1 1/2-2 " so that I have some "wiggle room". THAT SAID I always put a solid layer or Herculite,burlap, whatever over the back springs---not just some jute webbing.



Darren:

Short version:  are you doing this without piping tins, ie, sewing the backing to the fabric and then filling/closing?  You are cutting an individual backing for each piece and then sewing together after they are filled?

I think I've decided that the short version would be better for me at this point.  I have all the front pieces cut, just not sure of the backing.  Once I have that figured out, I'm ready to start flying!!!

Thanks!

Virginia
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Darren Henry on October 07, 2014, 04:35:06 pm
I do this without any type of piping tins for the most part. I do two different ways depending on the back:

On a straight run (picture a bench with a row of rectangular channels) , I figure out the width of material to cover each section [thickness of the foam X 2 + width of section - how much do I want to squeeze the foam down X how many sections]. I then sew a piece of fabric that big to the backing on chalk marks that correspond to that measurement. I then cut the backing in the centre of each section, add my fill (usually foam) and then staple &/or hand stitch the back to the width of each section.

On a slanted curve (corner---triangular pieces) I cut and sew individual panels for both sides, and then treat like above.

The fill goes in after everything is sewn, regardless. And the the backing is "taken in" to reach our target dimensions.
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Virgs Sew n Sew on October 08, 2014, 06:45:03 am
Thanks!

Should be a relatively quiet morning for a change.  Hope to get a good start this morning while it's too chilly to work in the garage on the bug.

Virginia
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Virgs Sew n Sew on November 06, 2014, 05:51:24 pm
I'm having a chatty day I think.  Have gotten work done, just not as productive as the last three days have been.  Since the bug and I are at odds, I've been playing with the channel backs.  I'm not using foam as I had already purchased replacement material, pretty much identical to what we took out.  Saved the horse hair and will put it back in at the appropriate time.

I started sewing once before but, despite my labeling everything, I was doing things half *** backward so had to tear out my stitching.  Fortunately, I also took pictures every step of the way so I put my laptop next to the chair and got out the original pieces to make sure that I had my head screwed on correctly as to how the pieces were originally pieced.  Since I did that, things have gone more smoothly.  Piecing the channels is going well as once I understood the process, it is very similar to paper piecing while quilting (no paper involved here but a similar process in my mind).  Tomorrow I'll sew the bottom seam shut and figure out how to stuff them to achieve the result I want.  If that goes well, I'm ready to start putting the chair back together.  Still have the loveseat setting out commiserating with the bug but I figure to be tearing that sucker out sometime next week.  I had a lot of trepidation about this project when I first started researching, but I find myself really enjoying this process.  Nice that I'm working on this at the same time as the bug so at least I'm feeling positive about something : (

Virginia
Title: Re: Darren, Ready for Channel Back Shortcuts
Post by: Darren Henry on November 07, 2014, 04:37:23 am
QuoteTomorrow I'll sew the bottom seam shut and figure out how to stuff them to achieve the result I want[/quote

]

I do it the other way round. After I have all the panels (fronts and backs) sewn together I cut the backs in half top to bottom [remember I cut them the same size as the fronts] and add my fill. I then draw the backs in to where I want them and staple or hand stitch the two halves together.