Should i do my own upholstry?

so I should at least try the wifes sewing machine begore I buy anything...That could save $500 to $1000.
There is a HUGE fabric store not too far away HR Harris, they will have what I want!
 
Keith,
Tom's tip may be a good one.
I just did an online search for "walking foot attachment" and came up with lots of hits that were pretty cheap.
Maybe your $3K isn't at risk quite yet.
 
so I should at least try the wifes sewing machine begore I buy anything...That could save $500 to $1000.
There is a HUGE fabric store not too far away HR Harris, they will have what I want!
Like i mentioned. My mother-in-law did mine with her standard machine. Same one she makes elf costumes and my curtains with. It was so long ago there is a potential they even used the one my wife has.

Make sure you take a look at rochford supply. Foam, batting, and fabric.

I think there is a fabric warehouse too. I wonder if jeff wolf bought his?
 
Keith, I would google how to do corners in upholstering so you can do the best job. Some of my corners look good but others, probably the first ones I did came out a tad frumpy. Anyhow, for me the corners were the challenge.

Tom
 
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I have done regular furniture upholstery and found it like many GMC projects - if you had three to do, the third one would be downright easy. The learning curve is the effort. And it alwayes proves to be much more time than I predict as well.

As to machinery, I watch slickdeals.net and it had what is marketed as tougher machine

Brother ST371HD​

on Amazon for $150...

Seems like a decent option if you don't already have a machine. I have done all my previous efforts with a regular duty machine, and the fabric density and layers for corners and such are where a heavy machine gets relevant.
 
No I'm too busy, but I will ( hopefully ) retire this spring and will have time for more projects!
Keith... you're being selfish! Your job is getting in the way of us living vicariously through your upholstery project. If the job is the main problem I can make a phone call and the job goes away...you also won't be able to fly so you'll have to use your GMC Motorhome! 🤨

You don't need an industrial machine, though they're helpful. I made the cushions for the Birchaven at Bean Station on Marti Samsel's 1950's Singer Featherweight, a portable machine with a single stitch.

It was my first time making cushions, YouTube research, abracadabra, cushions. Came out well.