Tip #21: Don't precut your webbing
When you’re working with upholstery webbing, resist the urge to pre-cut it into equal lengths. While it might seem like a good idea at first, this approach is actually unnecessary, time-consuming, and—most importantly—wasteful. Upholsterers have a far more efficient method that ensures precision and minimises material waste.
Why Pre-Cutting Doesn’t Work
Whether you’re using jute webbing or elastic webbing, the length always needs to be longer than required to span the distance. This extra length is for stretching allowance—the additional material needed to grip it (for elastic) or attach it to a web stretcher (for jute). Pre-cutting webbing inevitably leads to leftover pieces that can’t be reused, making it both costly and wasteful.
The Professional Approach
Keep the roll of webbing at your feet and feed it as you go. Start by stapling one end of the webbing securely to the frame. Then stretch it tightly across to the other side, ensuring the right tension for a strong, supportive foundation. Only once the webbing is secured on both sides should you cut it to length. This method gives you a perfect fit every time while avoiding unnecessary waste. It's also tidier and faster!
