How would you reupholster an antique channel-back chair?

Question

I have a channel-back chair that I got from my grandmother a few years ago. It belonged to my great grandmother. I love the chair. It's comfortable and has a great shape.

Trouble is, it's a hideous shade of goldish pea soup green in a gross scratchy fabric.

I want to reupholster it. I've never reupholstered anything before, but I have a staple gun and I'm good at sewing.

How would I do it? The channel-backing is the part that I'm most worried about. It looks kind of like these chairs:

http://www.emupholsterers.com/images/Items%20for%20sale/Channel%20fan%20chair.JPG

http://a4.vox.com/6a00cd978c8049f9cc00cd978c829cf9cc-320pi

http://www.belinainteriors.com/photos/upholstery_one.jpg

I know I could ask my grandmother for help, since she's the one who made it goldish pea-soup green in the first place, but I wanted to see if you guys had any ideas first.

Answer 1

I would see if a pro would do this for you, or if you are good with a sewing machine then go to the library and get a book. You might see if someone in your area does auto upholstery and have it done like a old 32 ford or a 64 Chrysler back seat

Answer 2

GO TO WALMART AND LOOK U THE DISH DEDERANT ISLE AND GET SOME RITE DYE AND DYE IT DIFFRENT COLOR(s) OR LYKE HE SAID GET APRO!!

Answer 3

Usually when you take apart a chair you can see how it was put together in the first place.  Often, you will start with the underneath and the back.  I have not done that type of chair, but the best help I found was in a couple books at the library.  They had really good pictures and info on many types of chairs.  There will be some special stuff you will need to buy  at a fabric store, like the tack strips that go around some edges.  Also, I found I needed an electric stapler to get the power necessary.   But it really isn't that hard and I bet you can do it.

Answer 4

Is there an upholstery class in adult ed or through the extension office near you?  

You might also look up Singer's "Simply Upholstery" book for some basic information.