Tapestry material

Essential tools

• Garnishing hammer — its narrow tip allows you to plant a seed in a small space. The magnetic version holds the nail in place and frees one hand: on an entire job site, the difference is considerable.
• Staple remover — to remove old upholstery. It's the tool we use the longest, and the only one that makes hair loss bearable.
• Strap tensioner — essential for obtaining the correct tension. No arm equals it.
• Carrelet — long straight needle with two points, to pass through a thick filling from side to side.
• Curved needle — for sewing flat on a surface where you cannot go underneath: laying braid, background stitches, binding.
• Upholstery pliers — for pulling and holding fabric taut while attaching.

Seeds or staples?

seeds , these small flat-headed nails, are the traditional fastener. They are planted with a hammer, removed cleanly and hold perfectly in solid wood. They require more time but allow progressive installation: you can plant halfway, adjust the tension, then press in definitively.

The staples, installed with a pneumatic or manual stapler, go much faster. It is the choice of professionals on mass construction sites. They are less suitable for old or fragile wood, which they can split.

For a first project, the seed remains more tolerant of error.

The magnetic hammer gesture

Present the seed on the magnetic end of the tip, position it, and give a first light blow to prime it. Then turn the hammer over to use the striking face and drive in with one or two straight blows.

First plant all your seeds halfway up, check the tension of the fabric across the entire panel, and only then press in completely. Correcting after the fact is much more laborious.

Maintain your tools

Upholstery tools oxidize: wipe them after use and store them in a dry place. A blunt point of a blank or curved needle catches the fabric instead of passing through it—replace it rather than force it.

Also discover

Discover our departmentupholstery , our upholstery fabrics and our finishing braids .