Spruce: A Step-by-Step Guide to Upholstery and Design Hardcover – Illustrated, October 22, 2013

Absolutely love this book! I had seen so many and even had bought the "Professional Upholstering: All the Trade Secrets" and disliked it so much I had to return it. This one is the opposite of the other: the photos, print, paper are all of great quality and the images are very explanatory. The writer gives information in a clear manner and almost nothing is left to desire. Basically, she shows 5 different reupholstery projects, and because these are so different, one can refer to mix and match pieces of each project to cater for his/her own project. There is a color diagram in the beginning of the book that shows drawings of different pieces of furniture with a variety of arms, seats, wings, etc and then one can go to the pages that show how to reupholster each of these pieces. I am reupholstering my couch for the first time and this book has been absolutely indispensable to my project. Because my couch has round arms like one of the chairs she works with, I referred to the arms of the chair to reupholster the arms of my couch, but then used other references for other parts of my couch. In addition, the book has a comprehensive appendix also with great images and explanation about tools needed, how to strip furniture (of course, because this is the first step!), sewing tips and a wonderful glossary. Finally, someone who really desires to share knowledge in a clear manner! Worth every penny.

Doing Uph for 40 years this book is very detailed and on the mark, no shortcuts

good book for an apprentice, clear instructions

Love the photos and directions and all the tips on all the equipment needed to dive in to upholstery.

Best upholstery book I've found so far. I'm building my own dinning room chairs from scratch (paper drawing and rough walnut lumber) and used it to upholster the first one with 8 way tied coil springs. This turned out to be too tall for the shape of the chair so I'm trying sinuous springs for #2 to compare. There is no good information in this book on how to install them, what tools to use, size of springs, how to cut to size etc. Other than that niche omission, a great book.The pictures are and instructions are clear. Especially good on the little tips that make the difference between something that looks a little clumsy and something that looks really sharp. A Keeper.

Who doesn’t like do it yourself (DIY) books? Well over the years I have purchased dozens of them. Many of them attempt to show how to accomplish anything. Well this book actually does it. From the “Mix ‘n’ Match Upholstery” pages, there is every kind of chair or couch shown and what chapter covers the repair or reupholstering technique.The author covers the basics first, like what kind of chair this is; to what kind of fabric is needed to the tools you will need to complete the job at hand. Estimating fabric yardage is covered.I have used this book to reupholster several chairs already and every time I open the book I learn something new. If you want to learn to reupholster or just some tips on how to repair some furniture you have, this is the book for it. The book is hard covered and full of excellent illustrations and photos, to walk you thru the complete project.I would recommend this book and definitely would purchase this book again if they release another version.Happy reupholstering everyone, Thank you.

The book centers primarily on chairs and sofa furniture upholstering. Projects are worked from start to finish. Concise instructions for measuring for fabric requirements, as well as preparing pillows for added flair. Although not geared for a true beginner, it provides guidance to approach the design aspect of selecting furniture and fabrics/colors in an easily-understood fashion. The result may be the lessening of anxiety when first faced with the actual task at hand!

This is the best book I have ever read on upholstery techniques.