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[Monkeyman]

Am reupholstering a cushion for a chair using an upholstery velvet and have nearly completed it!

However I can't get this corner seam to sit flat:

Velvet - 01.png (325.58 KiB) Viewed 6879 times

Velvet - 02.png (379.67 KiB) Viewed 6879 times

The rest of the seams on the chair are fine, but none of them are on the corners like these ones.

Any idea where I'm going wrong?

[Cody]

This is a guess but the cover may be too tight. And so the material is trying to stretch which is really can’t. You’ll notice it more on the corner where it’s 2 directions and fighting each other vs the flat middle. Maybe if you could round the foam corner just slightly to give you a bit more room without sewing it over again

[Monkeyman]

Thanks for your reply! It actually used to be lot worse when it the cushion was looser, here's a photo of before:



I wonder whether if I put it under more tension whether it would be smoother?

[Wduffy]

A couple of things to consider:
1. Are you using match marks? It looks like the wrinkles are in the boxing. The boxing look like it is gathered. You maybe pulling or pushing the layers out of alignment.
2. I find for light materials it is best not to use a walking foot machine.

[Monkeyman]

Thanks, to answer your questions:

1. Initially I didn't use matching marks, but have since done so and it improved the overall shape of the cushion.
2. Have just been using a normal foot.

Was thinking of sewing the seam allowance flat, because I suspect it's the peculiar angle which the fabric is bending which is causing the distortion:



Do you think this would be a possible solution or is it kinda weird and not a common practice?

The other thing is I'm going to put 4 No. buttons in the same cushion (in tufts), so maybe I shouldn't be so concerned about the ripples, what do you think?

[Cody]

I’m not sure on these lighter materials, but I have seen the seam in car seats to help flatte the seam out.

[John]

Try steaming the seam and pulling it tight to get the thread to relax. Sometimes on lighter weight fabric the stitch will be tight and cause wrinkles.
Also its possible your pattern is misaligned

I hope this helps!

[willy66]

Am reupholstering a cushion for a chair using an upholstery velvet and have nearly completed it! I also wonder how to make durags just like the ones from here read more.

However I can't get this corner seam to sit flat:

Velvet - 01.png
Velvet - 02.png

The rest of the seams on the chair are fine, but none of them are on the corners like these ones.

Any idea where I'm going wrong?

Congratulations on reupholstering your chair! It's a rewarding project, but corners can be tricky. From the images you've shared, it looks like the velvet is bunching up at the corner seam. Here are some tips to help you get that corner seam to sit flat:

Trim Excess Fabric: Ensure that there isn't too much fabric in the corner. Trim any excess fabric on both sides, leaving about 1/4 inch (or a bit more if the fabric is thick) to work with.

Notch the Corners: On the seam allowance, make small V-shaped notches in the fabric near the corner. This will help reduce bulk and allow the fabric to lie flatter.

Press the Seam: After notching, press the seam open and flat with an iron. Use a pressing cloth to protect the velvet from heat and steam directly.

Use Clips or Pins: To hold the fabric in place, use clips or pins. Start at the corner and work your way along both sides, easing the fabric as needed.

Sew Slowly: When sewing the corner, go slowly and use a hand wheel if your sewing machine has one. This will help you maintain control and keep the fabric flat.

Backstitch Securely: At the corner, backstitch securely to lock the seam in place. It's important to reinforce the corner to prevent unraveling.

Check Tension and Stitch Length: Ensure your sewing machine's tension is set correctly for your fabric, and use an appropriate stitch length for the thickness of the fabric.

Practice on a Scrap: If you're still having trouble, it might be helpful to practice on a scrap piece of velvet to get the hang of sewing corners with this specific fabric.

Remember, working with velvet can be challenging due to its pile and thickness. Take your time, and don't hesitate to rip out seams and try again if needed. Your patience will pay off, and I'm sure your reupholstered chair will look fantastic when you're done!

[Riwaka1]

Hi, velvet takes a little practice and everyone has their own way of doing it. I would try and sew in the opposite direction to what you did and pull the fabric through from the back as you sew it. Just a small bit of tension when pulling it.
Hope this helps