Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 2
Covering
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Covering
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Subject: Upholstery
Class: Senior Secondary 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 9
Theme: Upholstery Construction
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Develop pattern for covering. Measure and mark-out coveringmaterials. Cut out the coveringmaterials. Sew the coveringmaterial's. Fix the coveringmaterials.
2. 1. Definition of Covering in Upholstery "Covering" in upholstery refers to the process of applying the final outer fabric or material (e.g., textile, leather, leatherette) to an upholstered frame, concealing the internal padding, springs, and frame structure. It is the stage that gives the furniture its finished look, feel, and protection. 2.
2. Purpose of Covering To provide the desired aesthetic appeal to the furniture. To protect the internal components (padding, springs) from wear and tear. To offer comfort and a pleasant tactile experience for the user. To make the furniture easy to clean and maintain. To enhance the durability and longevity of the upholstered article. 2.
3. Processes of Covering an Upholstery Article Step 1: Developing Pattern for Covering Concept: A pattern is a template used to accurately cut covering fabric pieces that fit specific parts of the upholstered frame.
Methods of Pattern Development: Direct on Frame Method:
1. Place a piece of calico (muslin) or brown paper directly onto the section of the upholstered frame to be covered (e.g., seat, back, arm).
2. Smooth it out, ensuring it conforms to the curves and contours.
3. Mark the exact outline of the section, indicating where seams will join or where it will be attached to the frame.
4. Add seam allowances (typically 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm or 5⁄8" to 1") to all edges that will be sewn.
5. Cut out the calico/paper pattern.
Using Existing Cover (for re-upholstery):
1. Carefully dismantle the old cover, taking note of how each piece was attached and sewn.
2. Unpick the seams of the old cover pieces.
3. Press each piece flat to remove creases.
4. Use these old pieces directly as patterns for cutting new fabric, adding any necessary seam allowance if the original cover was too tight or worn at the seams.
Drafting on Paper:
1. Measure the dimensions (length, width, depth) of each section of the frame.
2. Sketch the shape of each section on paper.
3. Use a ruler and set square to draw the pattern pieces to scale, incorporating all curves and angles.
4. Add seam allowances.
Considerations: Grain Line: Indicate the direction of the fabric grain on the pattern (usually parallel to the warp threads for strength and stability).
Fabric Nap/Pile: For fabrics with nap (e.g., velvet, corduroy), all pattern pieces must be laid out in the same direction to ensure consistent colour and texture.
Pattern Repeats: For patterned fabrics (e.g., floral, geometric), ensure pattern alignment across adjoining pieces.
Selvage: The finished edge of the fabric, often used as a straight edge or where less strain occurs.
Step 2: Measuring and Marking-Out Covering Materials Tools: Measuring tape, ruler, tailor's chalk, fabric marker, set square.
Process:
1. Prepare Fabric: Lay the covering material flat on a large, clean surface, ensuring it is smooth and free from wrinkles. Fold if necessary, aligning selvages.
2. Lay Out Patterns: Place the developed patterns onto the fabric, adhering to the grain line, nap direction, and pattern repeats. Arrange them efficiently to minimize waste (known as "pattern layout" or "marker making").
3. Secure Patterns: Pin the patterns securely to the fabric to prevent shifting during marking.
4. Mark Out: Trace around the edges of each pattern piece using tailor's chalk or a fabric marker. Ensure all notches, dart lines, and other relevant markings are transferred.
5. Add Seam Allowances: If seam allowances were not included in the pattern, add them at this stage. (It is usually better to include them in the pattern during development).
Safety Precaution: Keep measuring tools clean and dry.
Step 3: Cutting Out the Covering Materials Tools: Upholstery shears (long, sharp blades), heavy-duty scissors, rotary cutter (if available and suitable for the fabric).
Process:
1. Precision: Carefully cut along the marked lines. For patterned fabrics, be extra vigilant about pattern matching.
2. Sharp Tools: Use sharp cutting tools to ensure clean, neat edges and prevent fraying or damage to the fabric.
3. Stable Surface: Cut on a flat, stable surface to ensure accuracy.
4. Notches: Cut small notches where indicated on the and hand-sewing.
5. Finishing Touches: Boxing/Borders: Attach separate fabric strips for side panels or borders, often requiring hand-stitching or specific stapling techniques.
Cording/Trims: Apply decorative cording, gimp, or braids to cover staples or raw edges. This is often done using adhesive or small decorative tacks.
Dust Cover/Bottom Cloth: Attach a layer of inexpensive fabric (e.g., calico, black cambric) to the underside of the frame to conceal the internal structure and prevent dust entry.
Safety Precaution: Always point staple gun away from yourself and others. Wear safety glasses. Be careful with sharp tools like tacks and chisels. 2.
4. Materials for Covering Textiles: Ankara/Brocade: Popular in Nigeria for their vibrant patterns and durability, often used for accent pieces or culturally themed furniture.
Cotton/Linen: Breathable, comfortable, but can wrinkle easily. Good for casual looks.
Velvet/Chenille: Luxurious feel, soft, but can be prone to crushing or marking.
Microfiber: Durable, stain-resistant, easy to clean.
Damask/Jacquard: Elegant, intricate patterns, good for formal settings.
Leather/Leatherette (PVC/PU Leather): Leather: Durable, develops a patina over time, luxurious, but expensive.
Leatherette: More affordable, easy to clean, available in many colours and textures, but less breathable than real leather.
Factors for Material Selection: Durability, cost, aesthetics, ease of cleaning, intended use, and client preference.
Precaution: Keep measuring tools clean and dry.
Step 3: Cutting Out the Covering Materials Tools: Upholstery shears (long, sharp blades), heavy-duty scissors, rotary cutter (if available and suitable for the fabric).
Process:
1. Precision: Carefully cut along the marked lines. For patterned fabrics, be extra vigilant about pattern matching.
2. Sharp Tools: Use sharp cutting tools to ensure clean, neat edges and prevent fraying or damage to the fabric.
3. Stable Surface: Cut on a flat, stable surface to ensure accuracy.
4. Notches: Cut small notches where indicated on the pattern to aid in alignment during sewing.
Safety Precaution: Always cut away from the body. Keep fingers clear of the cutting path. Store shears safely.
Step 4: Sewing the Covering Materials Tools: Industrial sewing machine (preferred for upholstery), domestic heavy-duty sewing machine, heavy-duty needles, strong upholstery thread (nylon or polyester).
Types of Seams: Plain Seam: Two pieces of fabric are joined face-to-face, sewn with a single row of stitches. Seam allowances are then pressed open or to one side and may be overlocked/zigzagged to prevent fraying. Commonly used for joining main sections.
French Seam: Encases the raw edges within the seam, providing a neat and strong finish. Suitable for lightweight to medium-weight fabrics.
Double-Stitched Seam (Topstitched Seam): A plain seam is sewn, then the seam allowance is pressed to one side and stitched down from the right side, creating a decorative and strong finish, often seen on cushions and arms.
Piping/Cording: A cord covered with fabric, inserted into a seam to create a decorative, defined edge.
Process:
1. Preparation: Pin fabric pieces right sides together, aligning notches and raw edges.
2. Stitching: Sew using a strong, even stitch length (e.g., 3-4 mm). Reinforce stress points (e.g., corners, where zippers will be inserted) with backstitching.
3. Seam Finish: Trim seam allowances if necessary, and finish raw edges (e.g., with an overlocker or zigzag stitch) to prevent fraying, especially for fabrics prone to shedding. Press seams for a crisp finish.
4. Zippers/Fasteners: Install zippers, Velcro, or other fasteners for removable covers (e.g., cushion covers).
Safety Precaution: Ensure proper machine threading and tension. Keep fingers away from the needle when sewing. Use thimble for hand sewing.
Step 5: Fixing the Covering Materials Concept: This is the final attachment of the sewn cover to the upholstered frame.
Tools: Staple gun (manual or pneumatic), upholstery tacks, hammer, webbing stretcher (if needed for tension), ripping chisel, needles (curved, straight), strong thread, regulating pins. Process (General Order of Attachment - may vary based on design):
1. Starting Point: Typically, the front edge of the seat is attached first, then the back, followed by the sides. Arms are usually covered separately and then attached or covered in sequence.
2. Securing Main Sections: Seat: Position the seat cover, align it centrally. Begin by stapling/tacking the front edge underneath the frame or to the front rail, pulling taut but not distorting. Then pull the cover over the seat and secure the back edge, ensuring even tension. Repeat for the sides.
Back: Secure the top edge, then pull down and secure the bottom edge. Then secure the sides.
Arms: Cover the inner arm first, working from top to bottom, then front to back. Then cover the outer arm.
3. Tensioning: Continuously pull the fabric taut and smooth as you work, removing any wrinkles or slack. A webbing stretcher can be used for significant tension, especially on seat backs.
4. Corners: Handle corners carefully, pleating or folding excess fabric neatly. Some corners may require cutting and hand-sewing.
5. Finishing Touches: Boxing/Borders: Attach separate fabric strips for side panels or borders, often requiring hand-stitching or specific stapling techniques.
Cording/Trims: Apply decorative cording, gimp, or braids to cover staples or raw edges. This is often done using adhesive or small decorative tacks.
Dust Cover/Bottom Cloth: Attach a layer of inexpensive fabric (e.g., calico, black cambric) to the underside of the frame to conceal the internal structure and prevent dust entry. * Safety Precaution:** Always point staple gun away from yourself and others. Wear safety glasses. Be 3.
1. Teacher Activities Introduction: Begin by reviewing previous knowledge on frame construction and padding. Engage students with questions about the importance of the outer fabric.
Theoretical Explanation: Explain the concepts of covering, its purpose, and the five main stages (pattern development, measuring/marking, cutting, sewing, fixing) using clear language, diagrams, and real-life examples of upholstered furniture.
Demonstration (Pattern Development): Using a small, pre-padded stool or chair frame, demonstrate how to create a calico pattern for the seat and back, emphasizing grain line and seam allowances. Show how to carefully unpick an old cover to use as a pattern. Demonstration (Measuring, Marking & Cutting): Demonstrate accurate pattern layout on a scrap fabric, ensuring economical use, considering nap/pattern repeats. Show proper techniques for marking with tailor's chalk and precise cutting with upholstery shears.
Demonstration (Sewing): Demonstrate basic plain seam construction on an industrial sewing machine using upholstery thread. Show how to sew in a decorative trim (e.g., piping) into a seam.
Demonstration (Fixing): Demonstrate the sequence of attaching a pre-sewn cover to the small frame using a staple gun, emphasizing tensioning, corner management, and neat finishing. Show how to apply a decorative gimp or braid to cover staples.
Supervision and Guidance: Circulate among students during practical activities, offering individual assistance, correcting techniques, and ensuring safety.
Facilitate Discussion: Lead discussions on material selection, challenges encountered during practical sessions, and best practices. 3.
2. Student Activities Active Listening and Observation: Students actively observe teacher demonstrations, taking notes.
Question and Answer: Students ask questions for clarification during explanations and demonstrations.
Group Discussion: Participate in class discussions about different fabric types, their suitability, and covering challenges.
Practical Pattern Development: Working in pairs or small groups, students develop paper or calico patterns for a specific section of a small mock-up frame or a practice block provided by the teacher, incorporating seam allowances and grain lines.
Measuring and Marking Practice: Using scrap fabric, students practice laying out their patterns, measuring, and marking cutting lines accurately.
Cutting Practice: Students cut out their marked fabric pieces using appropriate tools, focusing on precision.
Sewing Practice: Students practice sewing straight seams, incorporating piping (if applicable), using a sewing machine. They may sew together two or three practice pieces to form a mock-cover section.
Mock-Up Covering: In groups, students apply their sewn cover sections to small, pre-padded wooden blocks or miniature frames, practicing the fixing techniques (e.g., stapling, tacking) under supervision.
Peer Evaluation: Students observe and provide constructive feedback to their peers during practical sessions.
Entrepreneurship and Job Creation (Local Economy): The skills learned in "Covering" are directly applicable to starting and running a small upholstery business in Nigeria. Learners can become self-employed artisans, repairing old furniture for homes and offices, or crafting new custom pieces. This contributes to local job creation and reduces reliance on imported furniture, boosting the domestic economy. For example, a skilled upholsterer can specialize in renovating traditional 'Igbo' or 'Yoruba' chairs with modern fabrics, catering to local cultural aesthetics and preferences.
Home Improvement and DIY Culture: Homeowners often wish to update their furniture without buying new pieces. Knowledge of covering allows individuals to re-upholster their own dining chairs, sofa cushions, or headboards, saving money and personalizing their living spaces. This skill is particularly useful in an economy where disposable income might be limited, encouraging repair and reuse.
Sustainable Practices and Waste Reduction: By learning to re-cover furniture, students contribute to environmental sustainability. Instead of discarding old, worn-out furniture frames, they can be given a new lease of life with fresh padding and covering. This reduces landfill waste and promotes a circular economy within the furniture industry. This is particularly relevant in densely populated Nigerian cities where waste management is a challenge.