Last month, we discussed the importance of not pre-cutting your webbing to minimise waste and ensure a perfect fit. This month, we’re focusing on an essential step in securing your upholstery webbing: the proper folding technique for the ends of the webbing.

The Importance of Folding

Before you staple your upholstery webbing into place, fold over the end of the webbing. This simple action helps prevent frayed edges from causing weakness in your upholstery over time. A well-folded edge enhances durability and ensures your work stands the test of time.

It's common practice to place the fold on top of the webbing before stapling it down. This method helps to create clean, flat edges and a sturdy foundation for your upholstery.

When folding, ensure that the folded edge does not overhang the outside of the frame. An overhanging fold could create bulk and disrupt the smooth finish of your project.

While folding the webbing over is generally the best approach, there are exceptions! In some cases, you might choose to staple the ends of webbing directly onto the frame without folding. This might happen when working with narrow edges, where the webbing will be covered with thin padding, if no weight will be on the webbing, or if the webbing has to be stapled close to an exposed edge.  

But overall, folding the ends of your webbing is a small but important detail that can significantly improve your upholstery work. By following these best practices and understanding when an exception will apply, you’ll be on your way to creating professional-looking pieces that are built to last.