The Upholstery Forum

hi
i have a little Edwardian corner chair to reupholster as a beginners project.
i have stripped all the staples and old seat off.
i noticed that whoever upholstered this previously has not applied the webbing tacks in a "w" as the wooden frame is narrow only about an inch in width if that? The tacks used look quite big?? and only 3 in a straight line along the grain surely to do this is risk a split? i wondered how i will proceed with this myself.......maybe the tacks should be much smaller to manage to apply the new webbing in a group of 5?? i wouldn't want the framing to split? any advice would be gratefully received.
thank you

I would use the old holes and same sized tacks. My opinion only though.

I’m worried the wood will split if I do that?

I am not an antique furniture expert so I guess it depends if your trying to be period correct or not. Personally I would not us tacks. I would use staples and quite a few to be sure it holds well. I think 3 nails wont hold very long...

I'm also new to this but I have done similar in the past. My recommendation would be to fold over to double to material that is being held by the fasteners whichever you choose. Personally I think tacks are stronger than staples and if done correctly, look better. You could also sew the overlapped to make it even stronger.