Sew it seams…
Though a very small detail, the type of seam used on upholstery can have a big impact on the feel of the piece. It’s a way to keep clean-lines or add visual interest to a piece. For example, welting tends to give items a bit of a transitional feel, while knife-edge seams are a little more modern. There’s also the double-stitch seam and square tufting. Let’s take a look at these types of seams…
(left to right: welting, knife-edge, double-stitch, square tufting)
Welting is piping along a seam. It can either be done in the same fabric that was used on the upholstery (self-welt) or the piping can be done in a different textile than the one used on the upholstered piece (contrast welt). Below are some examples of welting…
(l to r: contrast welt, self welt)
Knife-edge seams are simple – no piping, no extra detail, just two pieces of material sewn together. Here are some examples of knife-edge seams.
The Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chair is a great example square tufting (and self-welt!). High quality square tufting is achieved by sewing individual squares of fabric or leather together. The look of square tufting can also be achieved by folding the textile, sewing the folded edge of the fabric and then unfolding it. Square tufting is a great way to add visual interest to an upholstered piece.
Double-stitch refers to a stitch running along both sides of a knife-edge seam. Like square tufting, double-stitching is used to create interest. This detail is the least obvious of the seams. Check out an up close look at double-stitching.
Do you have a seam preference?
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On June 14th, 2011 1:04 pm
[...] Luna fabric with matte dark walnut legs. The back cushion is untufted and the entire chair features knife-edge seams. This chair would look great as a side chair in your bedroom or living room, or wherever else you [...]
On September 28th, 2011 11:31 pm
[...] http://blog.vastudc.com/2009/02/sew-it-seams/ [...]