🎥 How to use cardboard tack strip for upholstery finishes

Cardboard tack strip is a handy material used by upholsterers to create a neat, smooth finish—especially on the outside backs or arms of furniture. It's great for back tacking, but you can also use it for things like attaching welting or reinforcing seams.

One of the most common spots you’ll see cardboard tack strip used is along the top of outside panels. It helps give the fabric a clean edge without a line of staples showing. The cardboard gives you a firm base to staple into, while also keeping the fabric straight and tidy.

Here’s a simple way to use cardboard tack strip on the outside back of an armchair:

1. Cut your fabric panel and the cardboard tack strip to size.

2. Place the fabric panel where it’ll sit, lining up your centre marks. Flip the fabric up and over the top so you can get the placement just right. Upholstery skewers are handy here if you need a few extra hands.

3. Position the cardboard tack strip along the raw edge of the fabric. You want the top edge sitting in the best spot visually—don’t line it up flush with the top.

4. Staple the cardboard in place. A little tip—angle your staples diagonally and space them about a centimetre apart for a stronger hold.

5. Cut some lightweight wadding (100gsm is ideal) the same size as the fabric panel. Staple it just above the cardboard—about half a centimetre higher—to soften the edge.

6. Flip your fabric back down, smooth it out, and admire your blind edge finish!

This method gives you a professional-looking edge without any staples on show—nice and clean, just how we like it.

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