I just finished an insanely detailed purchase order for the upholstering of an antique bench and a whack of toss cushions which reminded me just how many tiny details there are in the art of sewing and upholstering, how much room there is for error when we aren’t clear and how many hard learned lessons I have under my designer belt. Would like to save you the headaches.
Stitchin’
If not specified, toss cushions will come with a welt (or piping) in the same fabric usually cut on the bias. But you could contrast welt (use another fabric for piping), knife edge (no piping), topstitch (a decorative stitch usually 1/4” from the seam) or baseball stitch (same as the topstitch but using a more substantial thread). I usually stay the course so will keep furniture consistent – either welted or not – and might play with the details for toss cushions but keep all of the toss cushions the same as well. I do like some sense of flow.
At the Centre
Large repeat patterns are stellar and impactful but not if they are off centre. Most larger furniture houses get it so if you are buying sofas, chairs, benches from Lee, Berhardt, Hickory Chair, other it generally goes without saying. But if you are going custom with a smaller house like Silva Upholstery or Aldo Custom Upholstery in Toronto, be specific. Also, you will need more fabric if the repeat is large – sometimes, up to 40% more – an important consideration in your budget planning.
Matchy Poo
Identical chairs need to be upholstered identically. Toss cushions, same rules. Let your Type A out and insist your ask for identical pieces be noted on a purchase order. Just gives you room and cause to return if they aren’t exactly what you were looking for.