The Upholstery Forum

Hello, is it necessary to skive the edges of two pieces of upholstery leather before stitching them together with a french seam if they are used for upholstering a foam seat? I am sure that for upholstering harder surfaces shaving off half the thickness of the leather is imperative to keep the seam flat and neat. However, what about softer foam? Would the foam right under thick, "non-skived" seam compress enough to make it flat? Would appreciate any feedback! Best, s.

I never Skive the edges of french seams on seats. The only time you really need to do that is on hard surfaces like a dashboard.

Thank you, John! This is what I thought, which makes things a bit easier: no extra tools and techniques to learn and practice for now. Best, s.

Anytime! To be honest very few trimmers even own a skiver.

John wrote: ↑Fri Jun 21, 2019 5:54 pm Anytime! To be honest very few trimmers even own a skiver.

I own a skiver, but that is because I make wallets, purses, and gun holsters. Don't remember using it on seats or anything else

@Kra z Bill what skiver do you own? Would you recommend it to others??

How about the use of an exactoknife?

John wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2019 7:45 pm @Kra z Bill what skiver do you own? Would you recommend it to others??

I use these two on edges https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/super-skiver and https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/safety-beveler and then I have a machine that I run belts and straps thru to thin them down a bit. I will try to get a picture of it one here later.

Good to know! Thanks!