Rudolphsupholstery.com Please hit the "$uper Thank$ Button" I don't think it's working... And the LIKE button while you're at it! Thanks a bunch! 😀 Moving Forward - Upholstery Technique #1Revealed th-cam.com/video/RUMlSR9-xyA/w-d-xo.html 6 best income streams in upholstery th-cam.com/video/zFz8Sk0COTI/w-d-xo.html Must watch! When we fail at upholstery and we do th-cam.com/video/JBdzFLi8Xx8/w-d-xo.html My 5 favorite upholstery videos you need to see now! th-cam.com/video/TEx_O0m7Bow/w-d-xo.html Want to Get Rich with Upholstery? Watch This Now th-cam.com/video/G5gwp4bnlyE/w-d-xo.html The TRUTH About Upholstery Materials You Can't Find on Amazon! th-cam.com/video/L82znJV5aec/w-d-xo.html Watch This Before You Replace Your Boat Carpet! th-cam.com/video/h15GycISi_Y/w-d-xo.html 5 Upholstery Spray Glue Questions Answered th-cam.com/video/6HGaRXUPuN0/w-d-xo.html Learn CUSTOM Boat Bench Seat Upholstery Like a PRO th-cam.com/video/hfVcTCCloQU/w-d-xo.html Professional garage lighting in one hour with Hykoont 14 Hexagon garage lights honest review th-cam.com/video/l41uw-__Ekk/w-d-xo.html World's most difficult car headliner th-cam.com/video/_WC-Zh6KsX4/w-d-xo.html Never ever give ballpark pricing for upholstery th-cam.com/video/SB7v-zQeH1E/w-d-xo.html My sewing table setup for upholstery th-cam.com/video/esFs9VRfQ5g/w-d-xo.html DIY How to replace rotted boat cushion wood th-cam.com/video/EeFb3m-B3SE/w-d-xo.html New upholstery shop building tour th-cam.com/video/Qo-nJz8OESc/w-d-xo.html Honda S2000 convertible soft top install th-cam.com/video/urksGjZA26I/w-d-xo.html How To repair a separated convertible hard glass th-cam.com/video/kpAWuYPi0Tc/w-d-xo.html Hacksaw blade hack on upholstery foam th-cam.com/video/NvcjcemrYLI/w-d-xo.html Making aircraft seat cushions for Rutan Cozy airplane th-cam.com/video/i2DaNgZVkPI/w-d-xo.html Never ever give up on upholstery th-cam.com/video/-OD6rPFtc74/w-d-xo.html Watch A Video To Learn Sewing Upholstery Best Advice For Beginners th-cam.com/video/h2bju1t1f88/w-d-xo.html Rewarded! Really bad aftermarket Old School truck seat cover makeover th-cam.com/video/-25DRMg_VX0/w-d-xo.html Warning! Really Bad Aftermarket Seat Covers th-cam.com/video/sLFmEvAKhp0/w-d-xo.html Learn How To Make A Custom Harley Davidson Seat th-cam.com/video/BofYwtjCXj0/w-d-xo.html How To Easy $0 Zero Dollar Seat Repair Upholstery th-cam.com/video/zIoqCUMrBjM/w-d-xo.html How to Mazda Miata MX-5 Soft Top Install Step by Step th-cam.com/video/7x2kXUlOLWo/w-d-xo.html 2024 Great American Total Solar Eclipse Waco Texas April 8 2024 Watch With Us! th-cam.com/video/rHAZixGbrRA/w-d-xo.html MGB Seats Modern Update Upholstery Start To Finish th-cam.com/video/KaklK85uXUE/w-d-xo.html Tuck And Roll? OR Roll And Pleat? th-cam.com/video/h4QYpPXrRpc/w-d-xo.html 1964 Ferrari 330 GT Upholstery Update Modern Leather th-cam.com/video/PDevnOyhFug/w-d-xo.html How To Use A Spray Gun For Glue th-cam.com/video/c9Rka9Bdc14/w-d-xo.html How To Find A Good Upholstery Shop th-cam.com/video/ojx3sSHirK0/w-d-xo.html How To DIY Most Basic Vinyl Landau Top th-cam.com/video/aONIEl3wK8A/w-d-xo.html How To DIY 4th Gen Mustang Convertible Stayfast Top Step By Step th-cam.com/video/VqcNmvQJV2w/w-d-xo.html My Viewers Comment Questions Answered th-cam.com/video/tFSPF6RfY_w/w-d-xo.html How To Heavy Top And French Stitch Upholstery th-cam.com/video/dLBUzECeSKY/w-d-xo.html EPIC Classic Car Vinyl Landau Top Make And Install For Beginners th-cam.com/video/ZVzlUT5VM8o/w-d-xo.html Upholstery While Sleepwalking Seam Allowance Explained th-cam.com/video/bsf9gctQxbE/w-d-xo.html S-10 To RatRod Alligator Leather Truck Seat Upholstery th-cam.com/video/PgNHnICqUNI/w-d-xo.html Most Basic Box Cushion Without Patterns th-cam.com/video/0pa4oAuXw1E/w-d-xo.html 2000 Corvette Most Common Seat Repair Upholstery th-cam.com/video/fvMp53oiIHE/w-d-xo.html Worlds Most Difficult Epic Jet Ski Seat Upholstery th-cam.com/video/Hmlgn0ujRGw/w-d-xo.html Old Truck Seat Makeover For Beginners th-cam.com/video/e0w_UjG54O0/w-d-xo.html I Quit Upholstery, Died And Went On A Florida Vacation th-cam.com/video/aXaD5tx1z-o/w-d-xo.html Rudolphsupholstery.com Website Tour See 44 years Of My Work th-cam.com/video/-8q6qIQ5vlo/w-d-xo.html Scheduling Your Upholstery work Viewer suggested video Q&A th-cam.com/video/UzWHu6tG-gQ/w-d-xo.html World's Easiest Chair Bottom Cushion th-cam.com/video/XXLjO3yQgMM/w-d-xo.html Worlds Cheapest Car Seat Repair th-cam.com/video/SPlZpbVeqW4/w-d-xo.html DIY Clam Style Sun Visors Step By Step th-cam.com/video/rGGJ3XjQlLg/w-d-xo.html How To Truck Headliner Step By Step th-cam.com/video/dXpF0Op_xRU/w-d-xo.html DIY How To 1997 Dodge Truck Seat Bottom For Beginners th-cam.com/video/bJmSSaE30bM/w-d-xo.html Upholstery Foam Explained th-cam.com/video/-ylXt_hIgU8/w-d-xo.html How To Sew A Straight Line th-cam.com/video/tDe6F6G3Dgg/w-d-xo.html How To Sew Single And Double Diamond pleat upholstery for beginners th-cam.com/video/4knpYqE7OaA/w-d-xo.html See Way More Videos On MY TH-cam Channel: th-cam.com/channels/P2BPA2b3yE5WAHMnt4n0-g.html
I’ve been thinking about finding an old upholstered chair and making it my “test dummy” so to speak. I want to strip the old upholstery and reupholster it and then stripping that and reupholster it again until I feel comfortable with what I’ve learned to try it on an more higher end chair. Maybe one to sell. Is that something I could benefit from? Thanks in advance for any advice.
@@kenjones6699 Hello Ken, I have never done that. Spending money on a chair, then materials, and then your time. It is much better if it is a paying customer. Just let them know that you're just starting out. You will be surprised that people are willing to help. I never wanted to lose money, only make money. I see here we would agree that learning is doing! Please keep liking and watching!
I took online courses offered by the Lucky Needle, and quickly learned it is all about ones commitment to perfection and how much one is willing to consume from anothers generous knowledge! This is exactly how its done, trial and error, NEVER price yourself at pro until one has proven their worth / skill. I have learned MANY shortcuts from you and thank you for that! I am mostly doing classic cars, 66 Impala, 38 Studebaker, 55 Chev Belair, 70 Dodge Dart, 66 Chevelle SS, many early model Ford PU's. Ford Ranger 60/40 pickup seats.. etc etc. But I watch and gleen every shortcut from you and I am thankful for every one that I learn. I am 62 yrs old and mercy I need to master this quickly.. LOL.. I have been teaching my son and my nephew every thing I know and learn and they are very thankful for your time consuming videos as well.. Old School is the Best School! Thank You!
Hello Lori, Wow, I love your wonderful kind comment. Like I always say, Upholstery like other trades is 10% knowledge and 90% technique learned over time. Just go for it! Just wait till you get into the real classics, V12 Packard, Cord, Auburn, Duesenberg, V16 Cadillac. Those Millions $$ cars. Cars that other people have only seen in pictures. If your son and nephew like cars, show them my website, rudolphsupholstery.com There they will see 44 years of my work and hundreds of cool cars, even some on-of-a-kind cars I have worked on. Tell the kids to associate with important, wealthy and famous people and go where the money is. They will have a much better financial life in the future to provide well for themselves and their families. I am so glad my videos can be helpful for all of you. Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery We all three appreciate you. We are watching and liking and subscribed. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving to you and yours. Again we thank you! Lots of tuck n roll in the autos, that is a hard one to quote a price, but I do enjoy any challenge.
@@PhillipHall01 Hello Phillip, Oh, yea! You should see how many don't read the comments. I have one video where the same question is asked well over a hundred times. But I still answer every one. Please keep liking and watching!
I like how you said: "You know how good you are, when you know how to fix your own mistakes". My dad working in the flooring industry for many years as a "professional flooring installer". He had a customer ask him once: "What makes you a professional, more than the next guy?" His answer was: "Because I fix my own mistakes". Great video and information, glad I found your channel.
Hello Zach, Thank you so much for saying so. Welcome aboard! Maybe me and your dad both have had some of the same life experiences. Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for your great encouragement speech! I'm 43 and have never really found what I want to do, I've tried a lot of things. But I'm starting to realize that it's over all in repairs and reconditioning. I've been fixing some simple electronics and handheld power tools. But have also tried some metal working, plastics and some fabric repairing. Whatever you can find that needs to be fixed. What's hardest for me is getting somewhere because I'm not very outspoken and social. I also have a hard time charging enough and to market myself. I will keep watching your videos after finding you today! Have a great one!
Hello Syko, You are so welcome! Whatever type of income earner you focus on, just remember, if you get good at it, you will develop a good reputation. Later on, people will be throwing money at you. Just don't give up. Just keep going. Just remember to do a service for people who have the money to pay you. Please keep liking and watching!
Coming across your vids has opened the doors to things I didn't know. My grandma was a seamstress for many years which I don't know. Since my mom saw me using the sewing machine, she told me about my grandma. Now I go and get lessons from her. We don't work on upholstery, just stitching and setting up the machine. It's cool to spend time with her since she's 82. Thank you that.
Man Rudy. You nailed it! Everything you said is true. When I started upholstery I went to a wrecking yard bought a truck bench seat . I tore it all apart. Went and bought materials I estimated I needed. Boy it took me a long time. The corners came out bad . But I figured it out. Again, I went and bought another truck bench seat and did it better. I wanted to give up, but I haven’t. I learned the hard way and through many mistakes. Even now, I’m still learning. And there are always going to be better upholstery people better then me. But I’m ok with it.
Hello Eddie, Thank you so much for saying so. When I started, it was always with a new customer. I was doing it to make money. I never spent money learning. Like you say, we never stop learning! You always discover something that was never thought of before. Please keep liking and watching!
In my early teens my parents and I upholstered a Castro Convertible sofa bed I had in my room. Later at 18 I upholstered a livibg room chair for a friend. They were so impressed that they tried to upholster a sofa. Great learning experiences for all of us. I'm only a casual sewer but I love it.
Bought a seat from a junkyard for a vw,when I got started! I took all threads aloose and redid it!! I was taught by my mom! On doll clothes!! My mom was a domestic worker; her boss gave her the old doll, when their daughter got a new doll!! We had to get a double edged razor blade and cut the threads- with out cutting the material; we’d wash the dress by hand, because we didn’t have a washing machine; hang on the line till dry, then cut the seams, iron flat,use stick pins to hold it down and trace the cut out to make a pattern of the whole dress- then by hand we sewed the parts together! We were not allowed to use the sewing machine; the machine was a pedal pushing machine by singer!
Hello Sam, What a great story and memory with mom. Kids should pay more attention to their parents. They may learn something. Please keep liking and watching!
As always I liked it BEFORE I watched it. You’d be the perfect teacher as you are always so relaxed when you demonstrate your craft. When my kids were little I bought a nice sewing machine and was able to cut off the excess from the pants legs and replace the factory hems. My wife’s friends told her how great a job she did on the pants and other things. She’d then share that I did it and not her, haha. Over all it saved a bit of money as she’d rather pay a tailor, I’d get it done faster and no waiting and driving around.
I’m apprenticing with a woman who has done upholstery for 40 years! She’s so knowledgeable and has taught us so much in just the short time we’ve been doing it. So excited to keep learning and getting out on our own someday! Thanks for the advice!
Hello Real, You are so welcome! It's totally up to you, but I would never work for free. That is really starting on the wrong foot and can easily become a bad habit and you will struggle financially later on. Really, you are your own best teacher. You should start charging for your labor, especially if someone is profiting off of your labor. Just put yourself out there and start accepting jobs. When you get good at it and gain your reputation, people will start throwing money at you. Just sayin'. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for the video. Years ago, my mother took adult education classes at night to re-upholster furniture that my grandmother had given us. The furniture was from the 1920's and 1930's and was very expensive at the time my grandparents originally purchased the furniture. My mother was able to re-upholster all the furniture that upheld to seven kids and saved my parents a ton of money. Thanks for the inspiration. I wish adult education would make a return to the US education system.
Hello Big, You are so welcome! I love hearing wonderful stories and memories like this! I know right? the newer generations have already taken over. Please keep liking and watching!
Ha! You're four years my junior, and you are correct about diplomas. 40 years back we had a youngster show up at the magazine where I was an assistant art director, he had graduated with honors but his work was not so good as he'd not drawn many pictures. He needed experience, to make mistakes and learn from them. Which I'm doing now as an old man learning a new thing. Thanks!
I just came across your videos last night. I'm looking to make a career change after years of awful experiences in corporate america jobs with terrible managers. I have some experience sewing clothes with my grandma when I was in high school. I'm 30 now so it's been about 10 years since I touched a sewing machine but according to my friends in the car repair hobby, it's very hard to find someone in our area to upholster your vintage car seats. The demand is there and I'm ready dust off my sewing machine and be my own boss. I wasn't sure if it would be possible for me until I found your channel! You are an excellent teacher who is giving me the confidence to try and make mistakes!
Hello Xo, Welcome aboard! Going out on your own is the greatest decision you could have made. Regardless of trade you decide on. Being that you are focused on upholstery, let's start there. 1st, please consider any and all upholstery. Don't limit yourself, if you do you will also limit your income and opportunities. In the 1990's, I was restoring all the million dollar classics and one-of-a-kind cars for collectors and museums. A real Primidone. Now, I do kitchen chairs, boats and jet ski seats. All money. Most money is made in this order. 1. Furniture 2. Auto 3. Motorcycle seats 4. Boats and watercraft And the most lucrative, 5. Aircraft. The smaller faster turn around jobs make the most money. A 3 month job will loose you money. Check out this video: th-cam.com/video/WOuzM5UPqM4/w-d-xo.html Lastly sew, sew, sew. Upholstery is 10% knowledge and 90% technique learned over time. I hope what you see in my channel will help you all of your life. I think you will do just fine. Please keep liking and watching!
Hello Fire, I remember some people thinking that the accelerator of the sewing machine was like the accelerator of a car. Enough said... Please keep liking and watching!
WOW - Everything he said should be the speech every high schooler should get every day! No one want's to be accountable and the entitlement is overwhelming - common sense and trying to do something yourself is going by the wayside in today's society. Every time I come across a 20-something trying to start their own business or do something on their own I support them fully (probably more than I should) but it's so uncommon but vital to our success as a country! Keep up the great work!
Hello Jag, I think the entitled will be so lost in adulthood. So much productive time will be lost, then suddenly they will be 40 years old. I know one. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for putting your knowledge out there for others. I'm just getting started on upholstery and helping a local trimmer when he has work in the shop. I agree learning is doing, and doing is learning. I've made plenty of mistakes already, and I don't make them twice. I bought a new sewing machine and have plenty of scraps in the garage ready for practice over and over. Keep up the good work!
Hello Basin, You are so welcome! I love hearing good news like this. Yep, don't make the mistakes twice. Always move forward not backward. Look through my channel for several videos which help out others like you who have the determination and are starting out. "Learning is doing!" And, "It's not rocket science" Hehe. please keep liking and watching!
I'm 52 years old and began upholstery about 6 months ago. I recently got a part time job in a local upholstery factory, I am taking a class once a week and starting at a trade school in July, I also try to teach myself through practice and watching videos like yours. I believe that a multi varied approach is best, as I am receiving lessons from diverse sources. Yours being one of great value. Thanks from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 🙏
Hello Jim in Australia, I think you will do just fine with upholstery. I think you will be your best teacher. Every mistake is a lesson learned. Remember, learning is doing. I always say that upholstery is 10% knowledge, and 90% technique. Technique is learned over time. Please keep liking and watching!
I started the same way… still learning everyday, best thing I ever did was set myself up with a machine and practice…. Did t take long before I understood the machine and how to service it, eventually upgraded because I learned the limits it had, and working with a so called “pro” for a year, taught me the same thing, nobody teaches you like leaning from mistakes you make on your own, competition creates peoples ignorance…. Clearly back then I had the skill, and I was at that point considered a threat. Thanks for the great videos!
Hello Steve, You are so welcome! You said it exactly as I would have said it. Success comes after experience. Soon, will be my 45th year. You can see 44 years of my work here: Rudolphsupholstery.com Please keep liking and watching!
Sage advice Sir ! Im 67 and have always wanted to do auto upholstery. You are absolutely correct in that the key to learning is doing. Love your videos.
Hello Sail, Thank you so much for saying so. We oldies have a wisdom from our life experiences. When I was 19 years old, I thought I knew everything there was to know. Boy was I wrong. Please keep liking and watching!
During the pandemic I sat here alone watching my cats work on the chairs. It drove me crazy but the cats meant more. I tried to find upholstery in my area but nothing so I found a sewing course and took those. The idea of upholstering keeps popping up and so did your videos. Thank you for sharing. I'm thinking about what part of my small apt I can turn into a workshop. :)
Hello Donald, You are so welcome! Watching cats work on chairs sounds like a viral video to me. Hehe Remember, learning is doing! Please keep liking and watching!
You are 100% correct, you can learn anything on your own if you put your mind to it. I painted three cars from watching tons of TH-cam videos. I made mistakes, but i also fixed them with professional results.
Hello Ed, I love hearing good news like this. 50 years ago, there was no TH-cam, I really had to learn painting cars all on my own without help. I learned quickly though. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for your videos I’ve been doing upholstery for about 13yrs now I started sewing clothes about 35yrs ago so I know the basics on sewing but I can agree with you the 3rd one always looks better then the first, I just wanted to let you know that your videos keep me motivated thanks for sharing and keep them coming ❤
Hi, thanks for the inspiration on this video. I’ve been wanting to do upholstery for many years, I’ve never used a sewing machine before but just bought myself a almost new Juki. I’m building a work shop and I have three of my own chairs to upholster including a rocking chair. Another project I’m looking forward to tackling is making new seat covers in vinyl for my Triumph Stag, the old ones are now 51 years old and definitely need replacing. Any way thanks for all the videos and the time you take to do them, they have given much encouragement and inspiration. Thanks again, Paul
Hello Paul, You are so welcome! I think you will do just fine with your new business. I like Triumphs. I had a TR-6 when I was young. Fun, fun. Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for your advice in life on learning and doing to learn.that is the truth and sometimes hard to hear. So just try and learn as you go that is life in everything you do. Don't be afraid to just do it.
I am a flooring installer have been for 17 years and I just recently bought a carpet overlocker for my partner to be able to help in the business by making mats. An interesting side effect is now I've gone down a rabbit hole of looking at sewing machines and upholstery etc. Actually really keen to have a go specially since my partner wants to offer more types of binding for our mats to so she is into the idea to.
The guy I apprenticed with back in the early seventies did all of the binding with a hand stapler! And back then, the real high end carpet jobs ( pure wool axminster & such) still got hand stitched seams & carpet tacks instead of tape & tackless strip. I did 30 some years on my hands & knees & pay for it every day now! Heh..Heh Can''t hardly walk, but I can crawl with the best!
Loved your video. So true and explained in a way most can relate to. I've learned all my skills the same way, trail and error, no internet in our younger days, right, 😄 But now I can learn even more from watching and enjoying your tutorials. Thanks and keep 'em coming.
Hello Judith, Thank you so much for saying so. I always say that mistakes are the best teacher. Learning is doing right? We are the lucky generation, no limits. Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for your time and advice. When I was about to turn out from my apprenticeship my foreman gave me some advice. The most important thing he says don’t screw up; and never panic😂.
Okay, your tips and tricks are awesome! I love learning something new. But also, your presentation style is like the friendly uncle that you just love spending time with.
Hello Nicole, You are so welcome. Thank you so much for your kind words. You just need to be able discern from all the TH-cam "Experts" giving out bad advise because of lack of experience. I see it all the time. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks Rudy. I have just got my first machine and I am thinking of ordering a few yards of material including foam backing etc. and simply practicing, doing different things that you have made videos about. Doing small examples of each video to get my feet wet while practicing the techniques that you are teaching through your videos. I am thinking this strategy will help me to become familiar with my machine while practicing the techniques you are graciously explaining. I am thinking this will be more beneficial to me than going to a school and getting a minimum amount of doing, I can practice for as long as I wish on my own machine. PS my new machine is not a Juki but it has the features you advised. Reverse, walking foot, knee lift, and a welt foot. Thanks SO much for YOUR gracious guidance and sharing YOUR techniques! Sincerely, Phillip Hall
Hello Phillip, I love hearing great news like this. I really like your approach. Some people put off doing and making excuses not to start. Just jump right in and do it! Remember, every mistake means your learning. This is 10% knowledge and 90% technique learned over time. And lastly, don't overthink things, it is not rocket science as some people believe. Please keep liking and watching!
Hey Ol'School! So love the content- found you while looking to redo my '99 Mazda truck seats- but yes.... I too- am looking for upholstery guidance.... HA! Love the videos my friend- keep them rolling! Seriously- how about a tour of your machines and a chat about what you started on- and why the Juki is the daily driver now? What CAN you expect with a "heavy domestic" versus your first beat-up second- hand Consew ... before you land in a Pfaff or Juki or other machine.... Lets hear how you started rolling! Look forward to your videos- and have been subscribed for awhile- thank you for your content! Be safe and keep your bobbin tight! Get up with Jason of All Trades and do a chat and tips video!
Hello Sdunca, Thanks for the sub and for hanging in there with me! I do have a sewing machine video. Nice suggestions, Thank you. Please keep liking and watching!
We take for granted the amount of information we have now a days we can learn anything without spending a dime all it take is the will and commitment thanks sir🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊
Hello Micael, You are welcome! Like I have said before, You need to be able discern which is best and true from all the TH-cam "Experts" giving out bad advise because sometimes they lack experience. I see it all the time. Please keep liking and watching!
yes sir I do enjoy the content when I was a kid I took up auto body and vocational school but it's just like you said techniques are learned in the field and some of my coworkers showed me the tricks I did love this trade but I couldn't get it to pay the bills And yes I've messed with hard rings and replacing seat covers but it's great to see a master at work thank you
Hello Larry, Thank you so much for saying so. I think the trick to financial success is to not have co-workers. To provide a service, learn to get really good at it and later on people will be throwing money at you. At least that's what I did in the last 43 years. There will always be good times and bad times. Please keep liking and watching!
I am so glad I found your channel. Can I use my old auto interior to make patterns for the new one? How do I cut the old interior without tear it all to pieces? Any help would be greatly appreciaterd. I was going to apprentice for free for somebody, but everything you said in this video makes perfect sense. Thank you so much.
Hello Crouching, You are so welcome! I am so glad your here. Remember you are your own best teacher. Learning is doing. Every mistake is a lesson learned. Oh, and never work for free. Always keep and never throw away original patterns until the project is complete. I have many, many videos about making new seat covers from patterns. Feel free to browse through my channel. Please keep liking and watching!
I appreciate your videos, tips and knowledge. I recently took a second job at a local shoe repair shop. I want to learn to work with leather and do upholstery. It’s mostly shoes and some bag repair, but I don’t know anything about leather. I work one 9 hour shift a week for now. I get paid minimum wage, but I learn so much and it gives me something to look forward to. This weeks project is recovering a couch cushion and I’m so excited!
Thanks upholstery dad! Appreciate the honesty can’t wait to start my own thing starting with making small bits for now such as leather wallets for the family for Christmas and working up to reupholstering my entire project car. In my spare time. Hope you have a great holiday with your family!
Hello 94, You are so welcome upholstery grasshopper. Hehe. Remember that learning is doing, also the more you do, the more you learn so get to it! Merry Christmas to everyone. Please keep liking and watching!
Hello Mad, I have never made that a priority. I make my patterns in any direction. In the end it really does not matter. It is not rocket science. Please keep liking and watching!
I've wasted a lot of money in materials "learning" but learning how to pattern symmetrical using center was big for me. I would suggest practicing sewing from scraps (old jeans and whatnot) to learn how to use and adjust your machine
Hello Jenim, Thank you so much for hanging in there with me! I like Studebaker. Is your car a Champion, Commander?2 door, 4 door? I think you will do just fine with your project. If your a car guy, you might enjoy see 43 years of my work at rudolphsupholstery.com Please keep liking and watching!
I have taken your advice. No school, no apprenticeship, nothing but a desire since i was a teen to do upholstery work. I just bought a Consew 206RB-5. Can i trouble you to do a video discussing thread sizing, needle sizing and types, etc? I feel like these are not discussed and there are so many options. Thank you for these videos. After over 20 years I'm finally chasing my dream.
Hello Starion, You are so welcome! Welcome to the trade! I am sure you will do just fine. I keep it simple, not rocket science. for 43 years I just use T90 bonded nylon thread for everything. 135/17 needles for everything. I never get brain hurt over this stuff. Please keep liking and watching!
I watched few of your videos and it is amazing skills that you have, especially the techniques, precision in cutting and sewing. I really like your approach, I am not sure if you already have a video on tools and materials that you use, for example what brand of sewing machine and needles and threads you use for different material such as leather, vinyl cloth or forms and other tools and accessories and where to buy materials just as DIY. Thanks
Hello Mr. Thank you so much for saying so! Oh, a Christmas list! Ok, Try th-cam.com/video/A18C5bGgZGU/w-d-xo.html First, The brand of sewing machine is not important. Any industrial sewing machine with a walking foot, reverse and a welt foot will do. Second, Needles, 137X17. Third, Thread T-92 Nylon or polyester. Forth, Material supplier. Google "Upholstery supplier near me" I use Keyston Bros. They have several locations in the USA and they ship. Howd' I do? Please keep liking and watching!
I really enjoy your videos - thank you This one was inspiring. a quote I ran into: good judgement comes from experience experience comes from bad judgement
Hello Gary, You are so welcome! Thank you so much for saying so. Yep, we learn from our mistakes. I always say, that Learning is doing! Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for all of your videos. I really have learned a lot. I am about to do my first major upholstery work. The seats of a 1963 Century mahogany inboard. (I learned to water ski behind this boat in the 60's) This is more of a show piece and the interior will never be left open to the rain or sun. Do I really need the expensive waterproof cushion foam (2 1/2 inches thick) or can regular foam be used. Kind Regards. Craig
Hello Craig, You are so welcome! I love hearing good new like this. All the manufacturers us a regular foam that I see when I remove the covers. Nothing special about the foam. Please keep liking and watching!
Hi, thank you for your calm approach and explanations! I recently had my first try at upholstery. I updated some chairs. The videos I watched encouraged me to stretch the vinyl. I ended up tearing the vinyl in a few spots by the stapled areas. Did I pull too tight or was there an issue with the stapling job possibly? I’m a 60 year old female so I didn’t think I could pull it too tight. Fabric was a vinyl from hobby lobby. It had a felt backing on it.
Hello Lori, I think it is possible the hole from the staple made the vinyl week. Sometimes if you are using an air stapler with too high an air pressure, the staples can go through the vinyl. Please keep liking and watching!
Chock full of good advice. Long time watcher, but first time commenting. Love the humour you sprinkle in. I'm an upholstery novice, but not afraid to tackle my own projects because of the few years I spent making teddy bears out of all sorts of materials and furs for family, friends, and eventually customers. I've got a set of seats in my car I -need- to do bolster repairs on. Have big, BIG plans to cover tacky plastic parts of the car in leather, and redo nearly everything from above the carpet to the headliner. For me, it helped to have watched my parents build/wrench/make/sew/bake over the years. You see how things are made, AND have an idea of the effort and time it takes, with no video-edited jump-cuts. Also helps to watch things with the plethora of basically free video content, like yours for, both for techniques, and for inspiration and ideas. But I agree: putting the time in, inherently practising and honing your techniques are what helps the most. Probably the only advice that would stack atop yours: With cell phones having such great cameras, and storage - BUILD A PORTFOLIO of your work. Pictures, at all angles; video too. That's the sort of thing you can use to show either potential (first) customers, or potential employers what you have done, and/or your progression.
Hello Chrst, Welcome and fell free to comment more often. p to this point I have almost 200 instructional videos on my TH-cam channel. Also you can see 43 years of my work on my website rudolphsupholstery.com I thought I had that covered... Please keep liking and watching!
Excellent video. I'm a visual learner. I learn much more from experience than from a book. Yours and a couple of other upholsters that do videos are a ton of knowledge for me. Keep making great content, I'll keep watching. Thank you!
I'm so glad i came across your videos, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. Hearing your story of how long ago you got started and all of your advice is very inspiring! I'm still a beginner, getting myself familiar with using a sewing machine. My goal is to work myself up to doing upholstery. I was looking for a video from you on how to upholster a car seat from scratch, just the frame. Not sure if you already have one out and I didn't see it, but any advice on that would be much appreciated! Thank you again!
Hello Carissa, Thank you so much for all of your wonderful kind words. My best advice to you is to just start lining up your upholstery projects. Remember learning is doing! Experience is the best teacher. This is 10% knowledge and 90% technique learned over time. I know you can do it. Just do it. Please keep liking and watching!
I just found your videos a few weeks ago and Ive enjoyed all of them. I want to learn how do reupholstery I bought a used sewing machine off of market place a few years ago. Its a commercial sewing machine however it doesnt have a walking feet will I still be able to do upholstery on vehicle seats.
Hello User, I am so happy you found my videos. I have never used a sewing machine without a walking foot. I am just assuming that you have to pull the material through? It could still be a machine to learn on. Please keep liking and watching!
Well done. This isn't just advice, it's a mindset antidote to cultural brainwashing about "schooling". It applies to many things, not just upholstery. Being a good student means being the captain of your learning ship. If THAT were taught in schools, imagine the level of personal freedom people would have. I'm sure it's just an oversight or misunderstanding on the part of the designers of the education system.
Hello Mitch, Thank you for your wonderful kind words. I think people now are followers instead of captains. They just go with the flow. It is easier that way. Sad to say. With a plan goal for success and the determination to get there, ones desire will give them and their family a much better life I believe. Please keep liking and watching!
Great video. I been doing upholstery for about 7 yrs now and I offer mobile service. I do mostly bolster repairs and headliners, sometimes full seats. I stay away from classic cars and European vehicles. Even though I still don't do much full upholstery like dashboards, steering wheel, door panels and carpet, I tend to be very busy just doing quick money with my repairs. I'm not a complete upholsterer, but if I'm making great money I don't really see the need to get into headaches doing things I don't do for now.
Hello SIE, I like your model, I also like doing the quick easy jobs. One piece of advise for you is, to ONLY do retail. NEVER do dealers. You will quadruple your income. Because retail customers will recommend you to their rich friends. It never made sense to me to make half the money for the same work that a dealer pays. It took me years to figure this out when I was first starting out. If you follow this advise, you will change your life. th-cam.com/video/WOuzM5UPqM4/w-d-xo.html Please keep liking and watching!
I love how so many people get a diploma or a degree and think they now know everything. That only gives you the foundation to begin learning out in the real world.
Hello Magnus, Yep, you are so right. I have had people even at ten years experience, try to arrogantly school me. The way I look at it their experience only ten years old. Who wants a ten year old working on their prized possession? Please keep liking and watching!
Hey brother I just wanna say thank you for passing on the nolage I love your channel.I'm Ganna do my 64 Buick LeSabre soon thanks to your channel God bless you sir
I am about to do a 4 wheeler seat and wanted advice for what kind of thread and size thread you would use.I was planning on using marine vinyl text-90 bonded polyester that I need to order.I have a lot of bonded nylon but heard it’s not good for outdoors this will be my first job for someone else so I just want to be safe. Thank you for your help I appreciate you.
Hello Michael, I think you will do just fine with your 4 wheeler seat project. T90 thread is what I use. If it makes you feel better, you can use marine vinyl and UV thread. But in the end, they both break down over time just like regular nylon bonded thread and vinyl. Check this out th-cam.com/video/WLYzglvx0hI/w-d-xo.html Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery Thank you so much for your quick response and for the time you put into teaching folks on your channel it means the world to guys like me.
Hello Sensha, Thank you so much for saying so. I really appreciate it. I do have several stitching videos in my TH-cam channel. Try this one for starters: th-cam.com/video/dLBUzECeSKY/w-d-xo.html Please keep liking and watching!
great advice, I do a little upholstrey for myself, but mostly I watch your show for the sewing. I make bags, and some of the things you do translates so well to bags, the diamond patterns. but hear you say technique 5203.... and i wonder is that really a thing?
Hello Berkley, Yep, learning is doing. I am glad to hear about your interest. Really the technique number is not what is important. Just to know that the lower the number the more important it is. Please keep liking and watching!
Great video. I did some sewing in high school, and have always had a small machine but only recently got an old industrial machine. Self taught and making canvas industrial covers for small machinery. It’s a non walking foot machine and seems fine for that purpose. Once trying vinyl/leather do you think a walking foot machine is necessary. I know everyone says it’s recommended, but do you think while doing some personal projects I can at least learn the basics before buying a walking foot machine?
Hello Craig, Thank you so much for saying so. I'd say is if all you know is a non walking foot, just go with that. Don't fix what isn't broke... I can't imagine myself doing that. I think a walking foot machine would make life much easier. Just sayin'. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for the reply mate. I’ve been hanging off doing any as have been waiting for a walking foot machine, but think maybe I just have a go and when it fits the budget, I’ll upgrade to a walking foot machine (and never look back no doubt!) Keep up the great work!
@@craigmurray8358 Hello Craig, Yep just go with what you got. Don't wait till later. Just sew, sew sew! You are your own best teacher. Please keep liking and watching!
Really been enjoying your videos. Been doing autobody for many years and your right i feel that knowing how to fix your mistakes is what experience is all about. Being good at something doesnt mean you will never make a mistake but knowing how to fix the problem sets you apart.. im looking to branch into upholstery and wondering if you recommend getting a machine and mastering the stitches if that should be first thing to work on?
Hello Pb, Thank you so much for watching! You said it best. Master nothing in the beginning as you will never start if that is what you are waiting for. Get yourself any new or used industrial sewing machine that has a walking foot, reverse and a welt foot. Remember, learning is doing! Just get started and you might surprise yourself how much you can get done. And lastly mess up along the way. Experience is the best teacher. Please keep liking and watching!
I paint classic's and your right a older guy I worked with told me once that a good painter is not one that sprays perfect paint its the one that can see and fix there mistakes without anyone knowing the difference.
Hello Littlemans, Yep, I always say check and recheck your work, because you want to find the mistake before your customer does. One advise that stuck with me about restorations is, "Uncompromising Quality" I use this even today as seen on the homepage of my website. rudolphsupholstery.com Please keep liking and watching!
I put panels together backwards so I pin or stick them together first to make sure I am going right . Measurements gives me fits . I am getting better sew straight I even draw lines
Hi, love your videos! I now you have some videos where you talk about you tools, materials and so on. But I have done one change of a convertible top and my big issue was I had no name for the materials that I needed to get changed. Here in Sweden it feels very hard to find the right words for searching for materials. And I really don’t know if Sweden have any resellers. Tips where to find?
Hello Jessica in Sweden, Thank you so much for saying so. I guess the best way for you would be to find an upholstery supplier in or near Sweden. Once your in contact with them, they should be able to help you find the materials that you need. Please keep liking and watching!
I went to upholstery school at our local tech college 25 years ago. The professor was a Master Upholsterer. You need to understand basic skills and how to use proper tools including some type of home sewing machine, or better yet, an industrial sewing machine. Today you can watch good TH-cam videos (and poor videos!) but to have no idea what you are doing would be very frustrating. I was able to open my upholstery business after only three 40 hour sessions where the 6-8 students worked on their own chairs under the guidance of the professor. So.... your 10% knowledge had better be pretty strong.
Hello Karen, Or like I did. Not one day of instruction from anyone. Yet here I am 44 years later going strong. Just sayin'. Please keep liking and watching!
Loving your videos. I am really wanting to get into upholstery and I was going to start by refinishing my own boat seats myself and then will start doing some for friends etc. I am a hands on learner and watching your videos has given me the confidence to get started. What sewing machine would you recommend to get started that would allow me to grow it into a job but also good for a beginner. Budget is a concern but I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for something that would allow me to grow then have to upgrade if that makes sense. Thank you!
Hello Aaron, Thank you so much for saying so. All you need is an industrial sewing machine that has reverse, a walking foot and a welt foot. You will be able sew just about anything. I think you will do just fine! please keep liking and watching!
Thank you so much for your content! I have a couple trucks and cars that I want to tackle and your channel ROCKS! I bought a consew and need to put her to work! I love all the short cuts and the gazillion tips!😂 I was afraid you were going to quit the channel!😢 keep putting out the content I’ll keep watching! I do have a question, I have a 89 dodge ramcharger, the seat seams have split and I am afraid to take it apart because it will probably disintegrate! How do you make a pattern when you don’t have much to work to with? Would that be a good video to do? 😉 thank you!❤ Keep the 80’s real!😂
Hello Julie, You are so welcome! I hope I can be helpful for you somehow. I think you will do just fine with your '89 Ramcharger. Check out this video where I made a seat cover even though the patterns were bad. th-cam.com/video/e0w_UjG54O0/w-d-xo.html Thanks for hanging in there with me! Please keep liking and watching!
Awesome video! I need your advice-I did my jet ski boat seat upholstery using black marine-grade vinyl. But I got some fine scratches on it (not scuffs) the size of a needle head and about 3 inches long. Any tips on removing them without messing up the rest? Your videos inspired me to tackle this project, and it turned out great! Thanks!
Hello Jay, Good news, Bad news right? Not to much can be done about a scratch. The greatest chance for success, but also a slim chance, it to heat it with a heat gun almost to the point of destroying it. (Don't cross that fine line) Might make it look better or make it look worse. The safest thing to do is to live with it or change the cover. Please keep liking and watching!
Several decades ago I was interested in machining. When I first started, I didn't spend money on a school, I spent it on some equipment so I could have it in my own house and use it any time I wanted to. Since that was very often, I learned a ton just on my own, then started working in various shops - who were willing to hire me in the first place because I already knew how to do some things. Long story short, I never spent a dime on tuition, rather I spent it on tools & equipment so I was in a lot better shape as a machinist than I would have been had I spent money on school. My definition of the three levels of tradesmen: Apprentice, doesn't know how to fix his own mistakes yet. Journeyman, knows how to fix his own mistakes before anybody knows it, so others think they never miss. Master, forgot how to make mistakes.
What a great video and perfect advice! I was using a old ADLER and replaced it with the Juki you have. I love it!! It moved my confidence level up 5 levels. BUT I was sewing 1/5” sew foam onto vinyl and started to make a row of pleats and it started breaking the thread. I changed out the needle and adjusted the upper tension and got it to stop breaking thread at the needle. But my stitches were too loose. When I got the stitches correct it started breaking the thread again. I talked to the company I bought it from and they say it is under warranty but I need to drive 4 hours up there to take it to them. I’m using 92 thread and #23 needle . And when I pull the thread out after stitching, and relax the thread, it twisted about 3-4 times right at the needle??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your videos
Hello Scott, I miss my old Adler. When I got my new Juki, it did take a while for me to get it dialed in right by adjustments. Be sure the machine is threaded right. But after that it is fine. Please keep liking and watching!
Rudolphsupholstery.com
Please hit the "$uper Thank$ Button" I don't think it's working... And the LIKE button while you're at it! Thanks a bunch! 😀
Moving Forward - Upholstery Technique #1Revealed th-cam.com/video/RUMlSR9-xyA/w-d-xo.html
6 best income streams in upholstery th-cam.com/video/zFz8Sk0COTI/w-d-xo.html
Must watch! When we fail at upholstery and we do th-cam.com/video/JBdzFLi8Xx8/w-d-xo.html
My 5 favorite upholstery videos you need to see now! th-cam.com/video/TEx_O0m7Bow/w-d-xo.html
Want to Get Rich with Upholstery? Watch This Now th-cam.com/video/G5gwp4bnlyE/w-d-xo.html
The TRUTH About Upholstery Materials You Can't Find on Amazon! th-cam.com/video/L82znJV5aec/w-d-xo.html
Watch This Before You Replace Your Boat Carpet! th-cam.com/video/h15GycISi_Y/w-d-xo.html
5 Upholstery Spray Glue Questions Answered th-cam.com/video/6HGaRXUPuN0/w-d-xo.html
Learn CUSTOM Boat Bench Seat Upholstery Like a PRO th-cam.com/video/hfVcTCCloQU/w-d-xo.html
Professional garage lighting in one hour with Hykoont 14 Hexagon garage lights honest review th-cam.com/video/l41uw-__Ekk/w-d-xo.html
World's most difficult car headliner th-cam.com/video/_WC-Zh6KsX4/w-d-xo.html
Never ever give ballpark pricing for upholstery th-cam.com/video/SB7v-zQeH1E/w-d-xo.html
My sewing table setup for upholstery th-cam.com/video/esFs9VRfQ5g/w-d-xo.html
DIY How to replace rotted boat cushion wood th-cam.com/video/EeFb3m-B3SE/w-d-xo.html
New upholstery shop building tour th-cam.com/video/Qo-nJz8OESc/w-d-xo.html
Honda S2000 convertible soft top install th-cam.com/video/urksGjZA26I/w-d-xo.html
How To repair a separated convertible hard glass th-cam.com/video/kpAWuYPi0Tc/w-d-xo.html
Hacksaw blade hack on upholstery foam th-cam.com/video/NvcjcemrYLI/w-d-xo.html
Making aircraft seat cushions for Rutan Cozy airplane th-cam.com/video/i2DaNgZVkPI/w-d-xo.html
Never ever give up on upholstery th-cam.com/video/-OD6rPFtc74/w-d-xo.html
Watch A Video To Learn Sewing Upholstery Best Advice For Beginners th-cam.com/video/h2bju1t1f88/w-d-xo.html
Rewarded! Really bad aftermarket Old School truck seat cover makeover th-cam.com/video/-25DRMg_VX0/w-d-xo.html
Warning! Really Bad Aftermarket Seat Covers th-cam.com/video/sLFmEvAKhp0/w-d-xo.html
Learn How To Make A Custom Harley Davidson Seat th-cam.com/video/BofYwtjCXj0/w-d-xo.html
How To Easy $0 Zero Dollar Seat Repair Upholstery th-cam.com/video/zIoqCUMrBjM/w-d-xo.html
How to Mazda Miata MX-5 Soft Top Install Step by Step th-cam.com/video/7x2kXUlOLWo/w-d-xo.html
2024 Great American Total Solar Eclipse Waco Texas April 8 2024 Watch With Us! th-cam.com/video/rHAZixGbrRA/w-d-xo.html
MGB Seats Modern Update Upholstery Start To Finish th-cam.com/video/KaklK85uXUE/w-d-xo.html
Tuck And Roll? OR Roll And Pleat? th-cam.com/video/h4QYpPXrRpc/w-d-xo.html
1964 Ferrari 330 GT Upholstery Update Modern Leather th-cam.com/video/PDevnOyhFug/w-d-xo.html
How To Use A Spray Gun For Glue th-cam.com/video/c9Rka9Bdc14/w-d-xo.html
How To Find A Good Upholstery Shop th-cam.com/video/ojx3sSHirK0/w-d-xo.html
How To DIY Most Basic Vinyl Landau Top th-cam.com/video/aONIEl3wK8A/w-d-xo.html
How To DIY 4th Gen Mustang Convertible Stayfast Top Step By Step th-cam.com/video/VqcNmvQJV2w/w-d-xo.html
My Viewers Comment Questions Answered th-cam.com/video/tFSPF6RfY_w/w-d-xo.html
How To Heavy Top And French Stitch Upholstery th-cam.com/video/dLBUzECeSKY/w-d-xo.html
EPIC Classic Car Vinyl Landau Top Make And Install For Beginners th-cam.com/video/ZVzlUT5VM8o/w-d-xo.html
Upholstery While Sleepwalking Seam Allowance Explained th-cam.com/video/bsf9gctQxbE/w-d-xo.html
S-10 To RatRod Alligator Leather Truck Seat Upholstery th-cam.com/video/PgNHnICqUNI/w-d-xo.html
Most Basic Box Cushion Without Patterns th-cam.com/video/0pa4oAuXw1E/w-d-xo.html
2000 Corvette Most Common Seat Repair Upholstery th-cam.com/video/fvMp53oiIHE/w-d-xo.html
Worlds Most Difficult Epic Jet Ski Seat Upholstery th-cam.com/video/Hmlgn0ujRGw/w-d-xo.html
Old Truck Seat Makeover For Beginners th-cam.com/video/e0w_UjG54O0/w-d-xo.html
I Quit Upholstery, Died And Went On A Florida Vacation th-cam.com/video/aXaD5tx1z-o/w-d-xo.html
Rudolphsupholstery.com Website Tour See 44 years Of My Work th-cam.com/video/-8q6qIQ5vlo/w-d-xo.html
Scheduling Your Upholstery work Viewer suggested video Q&A th-cam.com/video/UzWHu6tG-gQ/w-d-xo.html
World's Easiest Chair Bottom Cushion th-cam.com/video/XXLjO3yQgMM/w-d-xo.html
Worlds Cheapest Car Seat Repair th-cam.com/video/SPlZpbVeqW4/w-d-xo.html
DIY Clam Style Sun Visors Step By Step th-cam.com/video/rGGJ3XjQlLg/w-d-xo.html
How To Truck Headliner Step By Step th-cam.com/video/dXpF0Op_xRU/w-d-xo.html
DIY How To 1997 Dodge Truck Seat Bottom For Beginners th-cam.com/video/bJmSSaE30bM/w-d-xo.html
Upholstery Foam Explained th-cam.com/video/-ylXt_hIgU8/w-d-xo.html
How To Sew A Straight Line th-cam.com/video/tDe6F6G3Dgg/w-d-xo.html
How To Sew Single And Double Diamond pleat upholstery for beginners th-cam.com/video/4knpYqE7OaA/w-d-xo.html
See Way More Videos On MY TH-cam Channel: th-cam.com/channels/P2BPA2b3yE5WAHMnt4n0-g.html
I’ve been thinking about finding an old upholstered chair and making it my “test dummy” so to speak. I want to strip the old upholstery and reupholster it and then stripping that and reupholster it again until I feel comfortable with what I’ve learned to try it on an more higher end chair. Maybe one to sell. Is that something I could benefit from? Thanks in advance for any advice.
@@kenjones6699 Hello Ken, I have never done that. Spending money on a chair, then materials, and then your time. It is much better if it is a paying customer. Just let them know that you're just starting out. You will be surprised that people are willing to help. I never wanted to lose money, only make money. I see here we would agree that learning is doing! Please keep liking and watching!
I took online courses offered by the Lucky Needle, and quickly learned it is all about ones commitment to perfection and how much one is willing to consume from anothers generous knowledge! This is exactly how its done, trial and error, NEVER price yourself at pro until one has proven their worth / skill. I have learned MANY shortcuts from you and thank you for that! I am mostly doing classic cars, 66 Impala, 38 Studebaker, 55 Chev Belair, 70 Dodge Dart, 66 Chevelle SS, many early model Ford PU's. Ford Ranger 60/40 pickup seats.. etc etc. But I watch and gleen every shortcut from you and I am thankful for every one that I learn. I am 62 yrs old and mercy I need to master this quickly.. LOL.. I have been teaching my son and my nephew every thing I know and learn and they are very thankful for your time consuming videos as well.. Old School is the Best School! Thank You!
Hello Lori, Wow, I love your wonderful kind comment. Like I always say, Upholstery like other trades is 10% knowledge and 90% technique learned over time. Just go for it! Just wait till you get into the real classics, V12 Packard, Cord, Auburn, Duesenberg, V16 Cadillac. Those Millions $$ cars. Cars that other people have only seen in pictures. If your son and nephew like cars, show them my website, rudolphsupholstery.com There they will see 44 years of my work and hundreds of cool cars, even some on-of-a-kind cars I have worked on. Tell the kids to associate with important, wealthy and famous people and go where the money is. They will have a much better financial life in the future to provide well for themselves and their families. I am so glad my videos can be helpful for all of you. Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery We all three appreciate you. We are watching and liking and subscribed. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving to you and yours. Again we thank you! Lots of tuck n roll in the autos, that is a hard one to quote a price, but I do enjoy any challenge.
@@loribolden6154 Hello Lori, Thank you for the sub and welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving! Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery
I learn even from the comment section here! Thanks Rudy and Lori
@@PhillipHall01 Hello Phillip, Oh, yea! You should see how many don't read the comments. I have one video where the same question is asked well over a hundred times. But I still answer every one. Please keep liking and watching!
I like how you said: "You know how good you are, when you know how to fix your own mistakes". My dad working in the flooring industry for many years as a "professional flooring installer". He had a customer ask him once: "What makes you a professional, more than the next guy?" His answer was: "Because I fix my own mistakes". Great video and information, glad I found your channel.
Hello Zach, Thank you so much for saying so. Welcome aboard! Maybe me and your dad both have had some of the same life experiences. Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for your great encouragement speech! I'm 43 and have never really found what I want to do, I've tried a lot of things. But I'm starting to realize that it's over all in repairs and reconditioning. I've been fixing some simple electronics and handheld power tools. But have also tried some metal working, plastics and some fabric repairing. Whatever you can find that needs to be fixed. What's hardest for me is getting somewhere because I'm not very outspoken and social. I also have a hard time charging enough and to market myself.
I will keep watching your videos after finding you today! Have a great one!
Hello Syko, You are so welcome! Whatever type of income earner you focus on, just remember, if you get good at it, you will develop a good reputation. Later on, people will be throwing money at you. Just don't give up. Just keep going. Just remember to do a service for people who have the money to pay you. Please keep liking and watching!
Let's go bro 🔥
@@steviechivo Hello Stevie, Yep, let's go! Hehe. Please keep liking and watching!
Coming across your vids has opened the doors to things I didn't know. My grandma was a seamstress for many years which I don't know. Since my mom saw me using the sewing machine, she told me about my grandma. Now I go and get lessons from her. We don't work on upholstery, just stitching and setting up the machine. It's cool to spend time with her since she's 82. Thank you that.
Hello Sisco, Wow, sounds like magic! I love hearing stories like this. Please keep liking and watching!
Man Rudy. You nailed it! Everything you said is true. When I started upholstery I went to a wrecking yard bought a truck bench seat . I tore it all apart. Went and bought materials I estimated I needed. Boy it took me a long time. The corners came out bad . But I figured it out. Again, I went and bought another truck bench seat and did it better. I wanted to give up, but I haven’t. I learned the hard way and through many mistakes. Even now, I’m still learning. And there are always going to be better upholstery people better then me. But I’m ok with it.
Hello Eddie, Thank you so much for saying so. When I started, it was always with a new customer. I was doing it to make money. I never spent money learning. Like you say, we never stop learning! You always discover something that was never thought of before. Please keep liking and watching!
Curiosity has always been a thing for me even I didn’t have a sewing machine! Do it by hand- like the OLD DAYS in buggy seats !!
Hello Sam, I have also done some hand stitching in my day if it was required. Please keep liking and watching!
In my early teens my parents and I upholstered a Castro Convertible sofa bed I had in my room. Later at 18 I upholstered a livibg room chair for a friend. They were so impressed that they tried to upholster a sofa. Great learning experiences for all of us. I'm only a casual sewer but I love it.
Hello Judih, That does sound like some good memories. There will be a sense of satisfaction that comes with that. Please keep liking and watching!
You are the first person in ages I’ve listened too who makes a lot of sense,you’re advice is second to none.
Hello Lee, Thank you for all of your kind words, it means a lot to me. Please keep liking and watching!
Bought a seat from a junkyard for a vw,when I got started! I took all threads aloose and redid it!! I was taught by my mom! On doll clothes!! My mom was a domestic worker; her boss gave her the old doll, when their daughter got a new doll!! We had to get a double edged razor blade and cut the threads- with out cutting the material; we’d wash the dress by hand, because we didn’t have a washing machine; hang on the line till dry, then cut the seams, iron flat,use stick pins to hold it down and trace the cut out to make a pattern of the whole dress- then by hand we sewed the parts together! We were not allowed to use the sewing machine; the machine was a pedal pushing machine by singer!
Hello Sam, What a great story and memory with mom. Kids should pay more attention to their parents. They may learn something. Please keep liking and watching!
As always I liked it BEFORE I watched it.
You’d be the perfect teacher as you are always so relaxed when you demonstrate your craft. When my kids were little I bought a nice sewing machine and was able to cut off the excess from the pants legs and replace the factory hems. My wife’s friends told her how great a job she did on the pants and other things. She’d then share that I did it and not her, haha. Over all it saved a bit of money as she’d rather pay a tailor, I’d get it done faster and no waiting and driving around.
Hello Clint, I love hearing stories like this. Great successes. Please keep liking and watching!
I’m apprenticing with a woman who has done upholstery for 40 years! She’s so knowledgeable and has taught us so much in just the short time we’ve been doing it. So excited to keep learning and getting out on our own someday! Thanks for the advice!
Hello Real, You are so welcome! It's totally up to you, but I would never work for free. That is really starting on the wrong foot and can easily become a bad habit and you will struggle financially later on. Really, you are your own best teacher. You should start charging for your labor, especially if someone is profiting off of your labor. Just put yourself out there and start accepting jobs. When you get good at it and gain your reputation, people will start throwing money at you. Just sayin'. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for the video. Years ago, my mother took adult education classes at night to re-upholster furniture that my grandmother had given us. The furniture was from the 1920's and 1930's and was very expensive at the time my grandparents originally purchased the furniture. My mother was able to re-upholster all the furniture that upheld to seven kids and saved my parents a ton of money. Thanks for the inspiration. I wish adult education would make a return to the US education system.
Hello Big, You are so welcome! I love hearing wonderful stories and memories like this! I know right? the newer generations have already taken over. Please keep liking and watching!
Ha! You're four years my junior, and you are correct about diplomas. 40 years back we had a youngster show up at the magazine where I was an assistant art director, he had graduated with honors but his work was not so good as he'd not drawn many pictures. He needed experience, to make mistakes and learn from them. Which I'm doing now as an old man learning a new thing. Thanks!
Hello Nicks, You have been around the block a time or two right? We are much wiser now. Please keep liking and watching!
I just came across your videos last night. I'm looking to make a career change after years of awful experiences in corporate america jobs with terrible managers. I have some experience sewing clothes with my grandma when I was in high school. I'm 30 now so it's been about 10 years since I touched a sewing machine but according to my friends in the car repair hobby, it's very hard to find someone in our area to upholster your vintage car seats. The demand is there and I'm ready dust off my sewing machine and be my own boss. I wasn't sure if it would be possible for me until I found your channel! You are an excellent teacher who is giving me the confidence to try and make mistakes!
Hello Xo, Welcome aboard! Going out on your own is the greatest decision you could have made. Regardless of trade you decide on. Being that you are focused on upholstery, let's start there. 1st, please consider any and all upholstery. Don't limit yourself, if you do you will also limit your income and opportunities. In the 1990's, I was restoring all the million dollar classics and one-of-a-kind cars for collectors and museums. A real Primidone. Now, I do kitchen chairs, boats and jet ski seats. All money. Most money is made in this order. 1. Furniture 2. Auto 3. Motorcycle seats 4. Boats and watercraft And the most lucrative, 5. Aircraft. The smaller faster turn around jobs make the most money. A 3 month job will loose you money. Check out this video: th-cam.com/video/WOuzM5UPqM4/w-d-xo.html Lastly sew, sew, sew. Upholstery is 10% knowledge and 90% technique learned over time. I hope what you see in my channel will help you all of your life. I think you will do just fine. Please keep liking and watching!
@oldschoolautoupholstery thank you so much for your tips and encouragement! It really appreciate it!
@@xoxoDayDreamingxoxo Hello Xo, You are so welcome! Please keep liking and watching!
Please hit the "$uper Thank$ Button" I don't think it's working... And the LIKE button while you're at it! Thanks a bunch! 😁
We always needed summer help tearing down seats etc. Work hard and one day they will say”You wanna learn to sew? The rest was history.
Hello Fire, I remember some people thinking that the accelerator of the sewing machine was like the accelerator of a car. Enough said... Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone! God bless you for your kindness.
Hello Brad, You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind words. Please keep liking and watching!
WOW - Everything he said should be the speech every high schooler should get every day! No one want's to be accountable and the entitlement is overwhelming - common sense and trying to do something yourself is going by the wayside in today's society. Every time I come across a 20-something trying to start their own business or do something on their own I support them fully (probably more than I should) but it's so uncommon but vital to our success as a country! Keep up the great work!
Hello Jag, I think the entitled will be so lost in adulthood. So much productive time will be lost, then suddenly they will be 40 years old. I know one. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for putting your knowledge out there for others. I'm just getting started on upholstery and helping a local trimmer when he has work in the shop. I agree learning is doing, and doing is learning. I've made plenty of mistakes already, and I don't make them twice. I bought a new sewing machine and have plenty of scraps in the garage ready for practice over and over. Keep up the good work!
Hello Basin, You are so welcome! I love hearing good news like this. Yep, don't make the mistakes twice. Always move forward not backward. Look through my channel for several videos which help out others like you who have the determination and are starting out. "Learning is doing!" And, "It's not rocket science" Hehe. please keep liking and watching!
I'm 52 years old and began upholstery about 6 months ago. I recently got a part time job in a local upholstery factory, I am taking a class once a week and starting at a trade school in July, I also try to teach myself through practice and watching videos like yours. I believe that a multi varied approach is best, as I am receiving lessons from diverse sources. Yours being one of great value. Thanks from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 🙏
Hello Jim in Australia, I think you will do just fine with upholstery. I think you will be your best teacher. Every mistake is a lesson learned. Remember, learning is doing. I always say that upholstery is 10% knowledge, and 90% technique. Technique is learned over time. Please keep liking and watching!
My tech school shop class was 20 hours a week. If you missed 2 days of class, you better have pneumonia, or you were dropped!
@@edwinhsingmaster9135 Hello Edwin, Oh wow. I guess they really wanted you to learn. Please keep liking and watching!
I started the same way… still learning everyday, best thing I ever did was set myself up with a machine and practice…. Did t take long before I understood the machine and how to service it, eventually upgraded because I learned the limits it had, and working with a so called “pro” for a year, taught me the same thing, nobody teaches you like leaning from mistakes you make on your own, competition creates peoples ignorance…. Clearly back then I had the skill, and I was at that point considered a threat.
Thanks for the great videos!
Hello Steve, You are so welcome! You said it exactly as I would have said it. Success comes after experience. Soon, will be my 45th year. You can see 44 years of my work here: Rudolphsupholstery.com Please keep liking and watching!
You know how good you are when you know how to fix your own mistake ,so inspiring
Hello Spiwem, Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate you. Please keep liking and watching!
Sage advice Sir ! Im 67 and have always wanted to do auto upholstery. You are absolutely correct in that the key to learning is doing. Love your videos.
Hello Sail, Thank you so much for saying so. We oldies have a wisdom from our life experiences. When I was 19 years old, I thought I knew everything there was to know. Boy was I wrong. Please keep liking and watching!
During the pandemic I sat here alone watching my cats work on the chairs. It drove me crazy but the cats meant more. I tried to find upholstery in my area but nothing so I found a sewing course and took those. The idea of upholstering keeps popping up and so did your videos. Thank you for sharing. I'm thinking about what part of my small apt I can turn into a workshop. :)
Hello Donald, You are so welcome! Watching cats work on chairs sounds like a viral video to me. Hehe Remember, learning is doing! Please keep liking and watching!
You are 100% correct, you can learn anything on your own if you put your mind to it. I painted three cars from watching tons of TH-cam videos. I made mistakes, but i also fixed them with professional results.
Hello Ed, I love hearing good news like this. 50 years ago, there was no TH-cam, I really had to learn painting cars all on my own without help. I learned quickly though. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for your videos I’ve been doing upholstery for about 13yrs now I started sewing clothes about 35yrs ago so I know the basics on sewing but I can agree with you the 3rd one always looks better then the first, I just wanted to let you know that your videos keep me motivated thanks for sharing and keep them coming ❤
Hello Iam, Right on! I love hearing good news like this. We experienced oldies need to stick together! Please keep liking and watching!
Hi, thanks for the inspiration on this video.
I’ve been wanting to do upholstery for many years, I’ve never used a sewing machine before but just bought myself a almost new Juki.
I’m building a work shop and I have three of my own chairs to upholster including a rocking chair.
Another project I’m looking forward to tackling is making new seat covers in vinyl for my Triumph Stag, the old ones are now 51 years old and definitely need replacing.
Any way thanks for all the videos and the time you take to do them, they have given much encouragement and inspiration.
Thanks again, Paul
Hello Paul, You are so welcome! I think you will do just fine with your new business. I like Triumphs. I had a TR-6 when I was young. Fun, fun. Please keep liking and watching!
You are the definition of a force multiplier! Your videos rock! Thank you for your hard work on this epic channel!
Hello 79, Thank you so much for all of your kind words! I really appreciate it. Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for your advice in life on learning and doing to learn.that is the truth and sometimes hard to hear. So just try and learn as you go that is life in everything you do. Don't be afraid to just do it.
Hello Guadalupe, You just said what I was thinking! Way to go! Please keep liking and watching!
I don’t have a question to be answered right now. Just want to thank you for making these videos.
Hello Tyler, You're so welcome! Just let me know when you are ready OK? Please keep liking and watching!
I am a flooring installer have been for 17 years and I just recently bought a carpet overlocker for my partner to be able to help in the business by making mats. An interesting side effect is now I've gone down a rabbit hole of looking at sewing machines and upholstery etc. Actually really keen to have a go specially since my partner wants to offer more types of binding for our mats to so she is into the idea to.
Hello Brad, Yep give a try. I bet you'll like it! Just go for it. Please keep liking and watching!
The guy I apprenticed with back in the early seventies did all of the binding with a hand stapler! And back then, the real high end carpet jobs ( pure wool axminster & such) still got hand stitched seams & carpet tacks instead of tape & tackless strip. I did 30 some years on my hands & knees & pay for it every day now! Heh..Heh Can''t hardly walk, but I can crawl with the best!
@@bradrock7731 Hello Brad, Yea, I see we're still here to tell our tales right? Please keep liking and watching!
I have a thirst for learning!!
Hello Sam, Remember learning is doing! Please keep liking and watching!
Loved your video. So true and explained in a way most can relate to. I've learned all my skills the same way, trail and error, no internet in our younger days, right, 😄 But now I can learn even more from watching and enjoying your tutorials.
Thanks and keep 'em coming.
Hello Judith, Thank you so much for saying so. I always say that mistakes are the best teacher. Learning is doing right? We are the lucky generation, no limits. Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for your time and advice. When I was about to turn out from my apprenticeship my foreman gave me some advice. The most important thing he says don’t screw up; and never panic😂.
Hello Chuchee, You are so welcome! He was right, but also if you don't screw up, you don't need to clean up a mess. Please keep liking and watching!
Ur going to screw up, that’s a given. It’s how U recover that sets U apart.
Okay, your tips and tricks are awesome! I love learning something new. But also, your presentation style is like the friendly uncle that you just love spending time with.
Hello J, Thank you so much for saying so. I really appreciate it! Please keep liking and watching!
I never went to school just listen to videos ❤ I realllly appreciate yours they helped me so much 😊
Hello Nicole, You are so welcome. Thank you so much for your kind words. You just need to be able discern from all the TH-cam "Experts" giving out bad advise because of lack of experience. I see it all the time. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks Rudy. I have just got my first machine and I am thinking of ordering a few yards of material including foam backing etc. and simply practicing, doing different things that you have made videos about. Doing small examples of each video to get my feet wet while practicing the techniques that you are teaching through your videos. I am thinking this strategy will help me to become familiar with my machine while practicing the techniques you are graciously explaining.
I am thinking this will be more beneficial to me than going to a school and getting a minimum amount of doing, I can practice for as long as I wish on my own machine.
PS my new machine is not a Juki but it has the features you advised. Reverse, walking foot, knee lift, and a welt foot.
Thanks SO much for YOUR gracious guidance and sharing YOUR techniques!
Sincerely,
Phillip Hall
Hello Phillip, I love hearing great news like this. I really like your approach. Some people put off doing and making excuses not to start. Just jump right in and do it! Remember, every mistake means your learning. This is 10% knowledge and 90% technique learned over time. And lastly, don't overthink things, it is not rocket science as some people believe. Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery
Thank you Rudy. I will!
@@PhillipHall01 Hello Phillip, Right On! Right on. Please keep liking and watching!
Hey Ol'School! So love the content- found you while looking to redo my '99 Mazda truck seats- but yes.... I too- am looking for upholstery guidance.... HA! Love the videos my friend- keep them rolling! Seriously- how about a tour of your machines and a chat about what you started on- and why the Juki is the daily driver now? What CAN you expect with a "heavy domestic" versus your first beat-up second- hand Consew ... before you land in a Pfaff or Juki or other machine.... Lets hear how you started rolling! Look forward to your videos- and have been subscribed for awhile- thank you for your content! Be safe and keep your bobbin tight! Get up with Jason of All Trades and do a chat and tips video!
Hello Sdunca, Thanks for the sub and for hanging in there with me! I do have a sewing machine video. Nice suggestions, Thank you. Please keep liking and watching!
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Thank You for that.
Hello Patrick, You are so welcome! I really appreciate you. Please keep liking and watching!
We take for granted the amount of information we have now a days we can learn anything without spending a dime all it take is the will and commitment thanks sir🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊
Hello Micael, You are welcome! Like I have said before, You need to be able discern which is best and true from all the TH-cam "Experts" giving out bad advise because sometimes they lack experience. I see it all the time. Please keep liking and watching!
yes sir I do enjoy the content when I was a kid I took up auto body and vocational school but it's just like you said techniques are learned in the field and some of my coworkers showed me the tricks I did love this trade but I couldn't get it to pay the bills And yes I've messed with hard rings and replacing seat covers but it's great to see a master at work thank you
Hello Larry, Thank you so much for saying so. I think the trick to financial success is to not have co-workers. To provide a service, learn to get really good at it and later on people will be throwing money at you. At least that's what I did in the last 43 years. There will always be good times and bad times. Please keep liking and watching!
I am so glad I found your channel. Can I use my old auto interior to make patterns for the new one? How do I cut the old interior without tear it all to pieces? Any help would be greatly appreciaterd. I was going to apprentice for free for somebody, but everything you said in this video makes perfect sense. Thank you so much.
Hello Crouching, You are so welcome! I am so glad your here. Remember you are your own best teacher. Learning is doing. Every mistake is a lesson learned. Oh, and never work for free. Always keep and never throw away original patterns until the project is complete. I have many, many videos about making new seat covers from patterns. Feel free to browse through my channel. Please keep liking and watching!
I appreciate your videos, tips and knowledge. I recently took a second job at a local shoe repair shop. I want to learn to work with leather and do upholstery. It’s mostly shoes and some bag repair, but I don’t know anything about leather. I work one 9 hour shift a week for now. I get paid minimum wage, but I learn so much and it gives me something to look forward to. This weeks project is recovering a couch cushion and I’m so excited!
Hello Dana, You are so welcome! That's right! Get excited. Go for it, you won't be sorry that you did. Please keep liking and watching!
beutifully spocken....great words of wisdom
Spocken 😂😂😂😂
Hello Bob, Thank you so much for saying so. I really appreciate it. Please keep liking and watching!
Pearls of Wisdom.
It's very sad that here schools with some sort of trades or apprenticeship programs were torn apart.
Hello Adrian, Thank you so much! Yep, torn apart never to return. Please keep liking and watching!
Great advice! Hopefully your message will get to the younger crowd.
Hello Nova, Thank you so much! Yea, we could only hope. Maybe they will? Maybe they won't... Please keep liking and watching!
I agree with you on the learning a skill!!
Hello Sam, Well, that would also mean that I agree with you right? Hehe Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks upholstery dad! Appreciate the honesty can’t wait to start my own thing starting with making small bits for now such as leather wallets for the family for Christmas and working up to reupholstering my entire project car. In my spare time. Hope you have a great holiday with your family!
Hello 94, You are so welcome upholstery grasshopper. Hehe. Remember that learning is doing, also the more you do, the more you learn so get to it! Merry Christmas to everyone. Please keep liking and watching!
Love this advice I've lived by this rule my whole life and can do so much more than my buddies because of it ❤
Hello Mark, Way to go pal! I love hearing good new like this! Please keep liking and watching!
Here’s my question.. when using vinyl, say on a car seat. Which way the stretch of the material go? Side to side or front to back?
Hello Mad, I have never made that a priority. I make my patterns in any direction. In the end it really does not matter. It is not rocket science. Please keep liking and watching!
I've wasted a lot of money in materials "learning" but learning how to pattern symmetrical using center was big for me. I would suggest practicing sewing from scraps (old jeans and whatnot) to learn how to use and adjust your machine
Hello Blue, That is some good advice! I would just grab anything I can to practice. Please keep liking and watching!
I needed this thank you this video is pure excellence
Hello Michael, You are so welcome! Thank you for the very nice compliment. Please keep liking and watching!
So glad I came across your videos! Thanks for all the great tips. About to embark on the project of re-upholstering the seats on my 41 studebaker!
Hello Jenim, Thank you so much for hanging in there with me! I like Studebaker. Is your car a Champion, Commander?2 door, 4 door? I think you will do just fine with your project. If your a car guy, you might enjoy see 43 years of my work at rudolphsupholstery.com Please keep liking and watching!
@oldschoolautoupholstery We have 2 door commander. Thanks for sharing, I'll checkout out!
@@jenim521 Hello Jenim, So cool, have fun working on it. Please keep liking and watching!
I have taken your advice. No school, no apprenticeship, nothing but a desire since i was a teen to do upholstery work. I just bought a Consew 206RB-5. Can i trouble you to do a video discussing thread sizing, needle sizing and types, etc? I feel like these are not discussed and there are so many options. Thank you for these videos. After over 20 years I'm finally chasing my dream.
Hello Starion, You are so welcome! Welcome to the trade! I am sure you will do just fine. I keep it simple, not rocket science. for 43 years I just use T90 bonded nylon thread for everything. 135/17 needles for everything. I never get brain hurt over this stuff. Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery Thank you for the quick and informative reply! Very much appreciate all the shared knowledge!
@@starion88esir Hello Starion, You are so welcome! I hope I can be helpful to you somehow. Please keep liking and watching!
Great advice and I agree with you 100%. Thanks for being so generous with you time to do these videos.
Hello Jd, As usual, you are so welcome. I am happy to do it. I hope these videos can be helpful to you and others. Please keep liking and watching!
I watched few of your videos and it is amazing skills that you have, especially the techniques, precision in cutting and sewing. I really like your approach, I am not sure if you already have a video on tools and materials that you use, for example what brand of sewing machine and needles and threads you use for different material such as leather, vinyl cloth or forms and other tools and accessories and where to buy materials just as DIY. Thanks
Hello Mr. Thank you so much for saying so! Oh, a Christmas list! Ok, Try th-cam.com/video/A18C5bGgZGU/w-d-xo.html First, The brand of sewing machine is not important. Any industrial sewing machine with a walking foot, reverse and a welt foot will do. Second, Needles, 137X17. Third, Thread T-92 Nylon or polyester. Forth, Material supplier. Google "Upholstery supplier near me" I use Keyston Bros. They have several locations in the USA and they ship. Howd' I do? Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery thank you so much.
@@mr.j8297 Hello Mr, You are so welcome! please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for all your great vids. You've given me a lot of confidence.
Hello Jseal, You are so welcome! I hope I can be helpful to you somehow. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks! I appreciate your time and information!❤
Hello Julie, Thank you so much for your support! I means a lot to me and I really appreciate it. Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery
You bettcha!😉
@@juliemorton5599 Hello Julie, Right On! Right on.
I really enjoy your videos - thank you
This one was inspiring.
a quote I ran into:
good judgement comes from experience
experience comes from bad judgement
Hello Gary, You are so welcome! Thank you so much for saying so. Yep, we learn from our mistakes. I always say, that Learning is doing! Please keep liking and watching!
Absolutely love your encouraging messages!
Hello Greg, Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for all of your videos. I really have learned a lot. I am about to do my first major upholstery work. The seats of a 1963 Century mahogany inboard. (I learned to water ski behind this boat in the 60's) This is more of a show piece and the interior will never be left open to the rain or sun. Do I really need the expensive waterproof cushion foam (2 1/2 inches thick) or can regular foam be used. Kind Regards. Craig
Hello Craig, You are so welcome! I love hearing good new like this. All the manufacturers us a regular foam that I see when I remove the covers. Nothing special about the foam. Please keep liking and watching!
Good advice. Thank you. I can't think of a question right now.
Hello Little, Thank you so much for saying so! I'll still be here for your question... Please keep liking and watching!
Hi, thank you for your calm approach and explanations! I recently had my first try at upholstery. I updated some chairs. The videos I watched encouraged me to stretch the vinyl. I ended up tearing the vinyl in a few spots by the stapled areas. Did I pull too tight or was there an issue with the stapling job possibly? I’m a 60 year old female so I didn’t think I could pull it too tight. Fabric was a vinyl from hobby lobby. It had a felt backing on it.
Hello Lori, I think it is possible the hole from the staple made the vinyl week. Sometimes if you are using an air stapler with too high an air pressure, the staples can go through the vinyl. Please keep liking and watching!
This is an excellent lesson. Thank you.
Hello ES, You are so welcome! Thank you so much for saying so. Please keep liking and watching!
The heart of an entrepreneur! Well done!! Thx!
Hello Captain, You are so welcome! Thank you for all of your kind words. I really appreciate it. Please keep liking and watching!
Chock full of good advice. Long time watcher, but first time commenting. Love the humour you sprinkle in.
I'm an upholstery novice, but not afraid to tackle my own projects because of the few years I spent making teddy bears out of all sorts of materials and furs for family, friends, and eventually customers. I've got a set of seats in my car I -need- to do bolster repairs on. Have big, BIG plans to cover tacky plastic parts of the car in leather, and redo nearly everything from above the carpet to the headliner.
For me, it helped to have watched my parents build/wrench/make/sew/bake over the years. You see how things are made, AND have an idea of the effort and time it takes, with no video-edited jump-cuts. Also helps to watch things with the plethora of basically free video content, like yours for, both for techniques, and for inspiration and ideas.
But I agree: putting the time in, inherently practising and honing your techniques are what helps the most.
Probably the only advice that would stack atop yours:
With cell phones having such great cameras, and storage - BUILD A PORTFOLIO of your work. Pictures, at all angles; video too. That's the sort of thing you can use to show either potential (first) customers, or potential employers what you have done, and/or your progression.
Hello Chrst, Welcome and fell free to comment more often. p to this point I have almost 200 instructional videos on my TH-cam channel. Also you can see 43 years of my work on my website rudolphsupholstery.com I thought I had that covered... Please keep liking and watching!
Hola
Me encantan tús enseñanzas.
Gracias por compartir.
Hola Mega, espero que mis videos te puedan ser útiles. ¡Sigue dándole me gusta y mirando!
I am so happy I ran across your channel! Your such a wonderful teacher!
Hello Tim, Thank you so much for saying so! I really appreciate it. There is many more videos in my TH-cam channel. Please keep liking and watching!
Excellent video. I'm a visual learner. I learn much more from experience than from a book. Yours and a couple of other upholsters that do videos are a ton of knowledge for me. Keep making great content, I'll keep watching. Thank you!
Hello Big, You are so welcome! I appreciate you sticking with me. Please keep liking and watching!
Watch ALL your videos, and then do it! That’s what I’m doing. Haha 😂
Hello Valiik, Right On! That's what it's all about. Learning is doing! Please keep liking and watching!
I'm so glad i came across your videos, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. Hearing your story of how long ago you got started and all of your advice is very inspiring! I'm still a beginner, getting myself familiar with using a sewing machine. My goal is to work myself up to doing upholstery. I was looking for a video from you on how to upholster a car seat from scratch, just the frame. Not sure if you already have one out and I didn't see it, but any advice on that would be much appreciated! Thank you again!
Hello Carissa, Thank you so much for all of your wonderful kind words. My best advice to you is to just start lining up your upholstery projects. Remember learning is doing! Experience is the best teacher. This is 10% knowledge and 90% technique learned over time. I know you can do it. Just do it. Please keep liking and watching!
I just found your videos a few weeks ago and Ive enjoyed all of them. I want to learn how do reupholstery I bought a used sewing machine off of market place a few years ago. Its a commercial sewing machine however it doesnt have a walking feet will I still be able to do upholstery on vehicle seats.
Hello User, I am so happy you found my videos. I have never used a sewing machine without a walking foot. I am just assuming that you have to pull the material through? It could still be a machine to learn on. Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery oh yes you have a loyal viewer and I’m rewatching your old seat makeover video as we speak. Keep them videos coming.
@@Demastrmind Hello User, Thanks for hanging in there with me! I really appreciate it. Please keep liking and watching!
Well done. This isn't just advice, it's a mindset antidote to cultural brainwashing about "schooling". It applies to many things, not just upholstery. Being a good student means being the captain of your learning ship. If THAT were taught in schools, imagine the level of personal freedom people would have. I'm sure it's just an oversight or misunderstanding on the part of the designers of the education system.
Hello Mitch, Thank you for your wonderful kind words. I think people now are followers instead of captains. They just go with the flow. It is easier that way. Sad to say. With a plan goal for success and the determination to get there, ones desire will give them and their family a much better life I believe. Please keep liking and watching!
Great video. I been doing upholstery for about 7 yrs now and I offer mobile service. I do mostly bolster repairs and headliners, sometimes full seats. I stay away from classic cars and European vehicles. Even though I still don't do much full upholstery like dashboards, steering wheel, door panels and carpet, I tend to be very busy just doing quick money with my repairs. I'm not a complete upholsterer, but if I'm making great money I don't really see the need to get into headaches doing things I don't do for now.
Hello SIE, I like your model, I also like doing the quick easy jobs. One piece of advise for you is, to ONLY do retail. NEVER do dealers. You will quadruple your income. Because retail customers will recommend you to their rich friends. It never made sense to me to make half the money for the same work that a dealer pays. It took me years to figure this out when I was first starting out. If you follow this advise, you will change your life. th-cam.com/video/WOuzM5UPqM4/w-d-xo.html Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery
More good advise! Thanks !!
Phillip Hall
@@PhillipHall01 Hello Phillip, I appreciate you brother! Please keep liking and watching!
I love how so many people get a diploma or a degree and think they now know everything. That only gives you the foundation to begin learning out in the real world.
Hello Magnus, Yep, you are so right. I have had people even at ten years experience, try to arrogantly school me. The way I look at it their experience only ten years old. Who wants a ten year old working on their prized possession? Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery Absolutely. I appreciate your channel and you taking your time to teach the rest of us. Thank you!
@@magnusatheos7301 Hello Magnus, Thank you so much for being there with me. I hope my videos can be helpful to you. Please keep liking and watching!
Hey brother I just wanna say thank you for passing on the nolage I love your channel.I'm Ganna do my 64 Buick LeSabre soon thanks to your channel God bless you sir
Hello James, You are so welcome! I think you will do just fine with your 64 Le'Sabre'. Please keep liking and watching!
I am about to do a 4 wheeler seat and wanted advice for what kind of thread and size thread you would use.I was planning on using marine vinyl text-90 bonded polyester that I need to order.I have a lot of bonded nylon but heard it’s not good for outdoors this will be my first job for someone else so I just want to be safe. Thank you for your help I appreciate you.
Hello Michael, I think you will do just fine with your 4 wheeler seat project. T90 thread is what I use. If it makes you feel better, you can use marine vinyl and UV thread. But in the end, they both break down over time just like regular nylon bonded thread and vinyl. Check this out th-cam.com/video/WLYzglvx0hI/w-d-xo.html Please keep liking and watching!
@@oldschoolautoupholstery Thank you so much for your quick response and for the time you put into teaching folks on your channel it means the world to guys like me.
@@michaelthompson9127 Hello Michael, You are so welcome! Thank you for your wonderful kind words. Please keep liking and watching!
Here's my question. And the question is..... congratulations you've made it❤
Hello Boi, haha! Well, I guess I can not argue that one. Please keep liking and watching!
Hi, its a blessing to have you in this platform. Can you make a video on stitching? Thank you!
Hello Sensha, Thank you so much for saying so. I really appreciate it. I do have several stitching videos in my TH-cam channel. Try this one for starters: th-cam.com/video/dLBUzECeSKY/w-d-xo.html Please keep liking and watching!
great advice, I do a little upholstrey for myself, but mostly I watch your show for the sewing. I make bags, and some of the things you do translates so well to bags, the diamond patterns. but hear you say technique 5203.... and i wonder is that really a thing?
Hello Berkley, Yep, learning is doing. I am glad to hear about your interest. Really the technique number is not what is important. Just to know that the lower the number the more important it is. Please keep liking and watching!
Great video. I did some sewing in high school, and have always had a small machine but only recently got an old industrial machine. Self taught and making canvas industrial covers for small machinery. It’s a non walking foot machine and seems fine for that purpose.
Once trying vinyl/leather do you think a walking foot machine is necessary. I know everyone says it’s recommended, but do you think while doing some personal projects I can at least learn the basics before buying a walking foot machine?
Hello Craig, Thank you so much for saying so. I'd say is if all you know is a non walking foot, just go with that. Don't fix what isn't broke... I can't imagine myself doing that. I think a walking foot machine would make life much easier. Just sayin'. Please keep liking and watching!
Thanks for the reply mate. I’ve been hanging off doing any as have been waiting for a walking foot machine, but think maybe I just have a go and when it fits the budget, I’ll upgrade to a walking foot machine (and never look back no doubt!)
Keep up the great work!
@@craigmurray8358 Hello Craig, Yep just go with what you got. Don't wait till later. Just sew, sew sew! You are your own best teacher. Please keep liking and watching!
👍👍👍👍👍👍
I was thinking to myself, it is 11:39 and he hasn't done the "thing" and just like that, bam, you didn't disappoint. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hello Ron, Thank you so much for sticking to the end, It really helps my algorithm. Please keep liking and watching!
Really been enjoying your videos. Been doing autobody for many years and your right i feel that knowing how to fix your mistakes is what experience is all about. Being good at something doesnt mean you will never make a mistake but knowing how to fix the problem sets you apart.. im looking to branch into upholstery and wondering if you recommend getting a machine and mastering the stitches if that should be first thing to work on?
Hello Pb, Thank you so much for watching! You said it best. Master nothing in the beginning as you will never start if that is what you are waiting for. Get yourself any new or used industrial sewing machine that has a walking foot, reverse and a welt foot. Remember, learning is doing! Just get started and you might surprise yourself how much you can get done. And lastly mess up along the way. Experience is the best teacher. Please keep liking and watching!
very good advice ; be patient '& challenge yourself
Hello Kenneth, Thank you so much for saying so! I think this applies to all trades. Please keep liking and watching!
I paint classic's and your right a older guy I worked with told me once that a good painter is not one that sprays perfect paint its the one that can see and fix there mistakes without anyone knowing the difference.
Hello Littlemans, Yep, I always say check and recheck your work, because you want to find the mistake before your customer does. One advise that stuck with me about restorations is, "Uncompromising Quality" I use this even today as seen on the homepage of my website. rudolphsupholstery.com Please keep liking and watching!
I love your videos. Can you do one on how to upholster a boat back seat cushion with winged or angled edges.
Hello Peggy, Thank you so much for saying so! Do you mean like a boat captains chair? Please keep liking and watching!
I put panels together backwards so I pin or stick them together first to make sure I am going right . Measurements gives me fits . I am getting better sew straight I even draw lines
Hello Andrew, Drawing lines is always a good idea. If you do not pin or stick, you will save much time. Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for showing us. Mark Tennessee
Hello Tennesee Mark, You are so welcome! Please keep liking and watching!
Hi, love your videos! I now you have some videos where you talk about you tools, materials and so on. But I have done one change of a convertible top and my big issue was I had no name for the materials that I needed to get changed. Here in Sweden it feels very hard to find the right words for searching for materials. And I really don’t know if Sweden have any resellers. Tips where to find?
Hello Jessica in Sweden, Thank you so much for saying so. I guess the best way for you would be to find an upholstery supplier in or near Sweden. Once your in contact with them, they should be able to help you find the materials that you need. Please keep liking and watching!
I went to upholstery school at our local tech college 25 years ago. The professor was a Master Upholsterer. You need to understand basic skills and how to use proper tools including some type of home sewing machine, or better yet, an industrial sewing machine. Today you can watch good TH-cam videos (and poor videos!) but to have no idea what you are doing would be very frustrating. I was able to open my upholstery business after only three 40 hour sessions where the 6-8 students worked on their own chairs under the guidance of the professor. So.... your 10% knowledge had better be pretty strong.
Hello Karen, Or like I did. Not one day of instruction from anyone. Yet here I am 44 years later going strong. Just sayin'. Please keep liking and watching!
Loving your videos. I am really wanting to get into upholstery and I was going to start by refinishing my own boat seats myself and then will start doing some for friends etc. I am a hands on learner and watching your videos has given me the confidence to get started. What sewing machine would you recommend to get started that would allow me to grow it into a job but also good for a beginner. Budget is a concern but I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for something that would allow me to grow then have to upgrade if that makes sense. Thank you!
Hello Aaron, Thank you so much for saying so. All you need is an industrial sewing machine that has reverse, a walking foot and a welt foot. You will be able sew just about anything. I think you will do just fine! please keep liking and watching!
Sewing is the trick sew good u r on your way
Hello Andrew, Yep, I have been on my way for 44 years now. Hehe Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you so much for your content! I have a couple trucks and cars that I want to tackle and your channel ROCKS! I bought a consew and need to put her to work! I love all the short cuts and the gazillion tips!😂 I was afraid you were going to quit the channel!😢 keep putting out the content I’ll keep watching! I do have a question, I have a 89 dodge ramcharger, the seat seams have split and I am afraid to take it apart because it will probably disintegrate! How do you make a pattern when you don’t have much to work to with? Would that be a good video to do? 😉 thank you!❤
Keep the 80’s real!😂
Hello Julie, You are so welcome! I hope I can be helpful for you somehow. I think you will do just fine with your '89 Ramcharger. Check out this video where I made a seat cover even though the patterns were bad. th-cam.com/video/e0w_UjG54O0/w-d-xo.html Thanks for hanging in there with me! Please keep liking and watching!
Awesome video! I need your advice-I did my jet ski boat seat upholstery using black marine-grade vinyl. But I got some fine scratches on it (not scuffs) the size of a needle head and about 3 inches long. Any tips on removing them without messing up the rest? Your videos inspired me to tackle this project, and it turned out great! Thanks!
Hello Jay, Good news, Bad news right? Not to much can be done about a scratch. The greatest chance for success, but also a slim chance, it to heat it with a heat gun almost to the point of destroying it. (Don't cross that fine line) Might make it look better or make it look worse. The safest thing to do is to live with it or change the cover. Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you so much for your feedback!
@@jayabner8423 Hello Jay, You are so welcome! Please keep liking and watching!
Thank you for the information.
Hello Kevin, You are so welcome! Please keep liking and watching!
I like your machine mine is a singer but the presser foot don't go up high enough to do piping on panels so thinking of getting a different one
Hello Andrew, A higher foot was one thing I had to have when I got my latest sewing machine. Please keep liking and watching!
Several decades ago I was interested in machining. When I first started, I didn't spend money on a school, I spent it on some equipment so I could have it in my own house and use it any time I wanted to. Since that was very often, I learned a ton just on my own, then started working in various shops - who were willing to hire me in the first place because I already knew how to do some things. Long story short, I never spent a dime on tuition, rather I spent it on tools & equipment so I was in a lot better shape as a machinist than I would have been had I spent money on school.
My definition of the three levels of tradesmen: Apprentice, doesn't know how to fix his own mistakes yet. Journeyman, knows how to fix his own mistakes before anybody knows it, so others think they never miss. Master, forgot how to make mistakes.
Hello Tyrone, It sounds like we both had some of the same life experiences. We Oldies need to stick together! Please keep liking and watching!
What a great video and perfect advice! I was using a old ADLER and replaced it with the Juki you have. I love it!! It moved my confidence level up 5 levels. BUT I was sewing 1/5” sew foam onto vinyl and started to make a row of pleats and it started breaking the thread. I changed out the needle and adjusted the upper tension and got it to stop breaking thread at the needle. But my stitches were too loose. When I got the stitches correct it started breaking the thread again. I talked to the company I bought it from and they say it is under warranty but I need to drive 4 hours up there to take it to them. I’m using 92 thread and #23 needle . And when I pull the thread out after stitching, and relax the thread, it twisted about 3-4 times right at the needle??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your videos
Hello Scott, I miss my old Adler. When I got my new Juki, it did take a while for me to get it dialed in right by adjustments. Be sure the machine is threaded right. But after that it is fine. Please keep liking and watching!
Great job my brother!
Hello The Durochers, Thank you so much for saying so! I really appreciate it. Please keep liking and watching!