form fitting leather upholstery

[bobnwv]

hello folks,

I used to post occ. on the old format (years ago),  but never on this one.

But I will give it a shot today because I need advice and I know there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this forum.

Problem:  I am redoing a very old barber chair that has a round seat and a round back.  On the back , in particular,  the wear surface is nearly flat but
when the leather falls over the edge to the tack line there is not one pucker or wrinkle.  It appears to have been preformed to a shape much like
a screw-on can lid.

If I am not clear with that description, imagine putting a tablecloth on a round table and the cloth did not have any folds as it hung over the edge of the table.

HOW'D THEY DO THAT?   Thanks for any suggestions.  Bobnwv

[SHHR]

From what you are explaining, it sounds to me you just need to pull it really tight. The leather will take the shape well. the tighter you pull, any wrinkles will work themselves around to the backside of the panel then will be held there with tacks or staples. Always pull with the wrinkle too and not perpendicular to it.
Kyle

[JuneC]

I know Karen used to wet-form leather to all sorts of shapes without wrinkles or seams.  Sure miss her on this forum.  She had some unique skills and a unique way to showcasing them.  Maybe a google search for wetting leather for shaping? 

June

[Cheryl]

Wetting the back of your leather with a water/glycerin mix seems to help me  sometimes.   I would  wet it on the back real well and just  see if I couldn't  palm it out.