Upholstery

Cushions is the professional activities of the upholsterer or interior decorator. The upholsterer exerts its activity in the industry, the Interior in the craft.

There are manufactured upholstered furniture, chairs and mattresses (conditions). The making and working up of padding in the automotive sector is carried out by the vehicle Sattler.

Technology

Also in this career field, the working technique has changed over the last hundred years. Initially, only leather pieces were nailed to a wooden frame for seats and benches. Later with various materials, such as straw padded to enhance the convenience.

Until about 1960 the production of upholstered furniture looked like this: On a hardwood frame (usually beech, with exposed wooden parts also cherry, oak, teak and other ) cross straps are tightened and secured with Gurtnägeln. In these belts springs are sewn. In order to give these springs hold, they are tied together. Here, various Schnürtechniken have developed. One distinguishes the German and French laces.

• The German lacing is also called Matratzenschnürung. You normally found in very deep and straight sitting or reclining furniture application and is recognizable by the diagonal inter-line.
• The lacing much more frequently used is the French lacing for smaller furniture (up to 4, maximum 5 rows of springs ).

Using different types of nodes (node ​​, noose, bean, double bean) brought the springs in the shape corresponding to the later furniture. It is interesting that the springs are not perpendicular. They are aligned so that they are " while sitting ", so when depressed, take the vertical position, thus allowing a maximum seating comfort. This technique is far superior to today's ( innerspring ) in terms of durability and convenience. Due to the high technical effort is, however, become more expensive.

This spring is a reference design from jute fabrics ( linen spring 365/120, hessian - bugging, linen weave ) applied. In order to avoid friction and thus premature wear, this fabric is sewn to the springs or on the edge wire. Only after the spring linen is nailed with a corresponding lots on the rack. In this tissue a loose material from Afrik ( palm fiber ) or coconut is applied evenly and verzupft. To facilitate the application of the material, a Lassierstich is applied; this creates " pockets " into which the filling material is inserted. It is followed by another layer of jute fabric. The Fasson Linen ( 210/120 ) is a smooth, coarse - woven linen, which perfectly adapts to the desired shape without hitting wrinkles. This will now be " garnished ": the filling material is shaped with a special Handnähtechnik ( ladder stitch / stitches front / back stitch and Empire furniture with the pig back stitch for a "sharp edge ").

The result is the "style" (French: form). The final form of the upholstered furniture is now completed. To increase the comfort further, Lassierstiche be applied to attach a layer of horsehair or Elancrin ( refined coconut fiber ) again. This is called Pikierung. The material is to do likewise verzupft evenly. The conclusion is a position soft polyester filling ( consists of purified, then shredded old clothes, wool and various animal hair ). It is recommended to raise a white reference before pushing on the upholstery fabric is. This is carried out with hives. The advantage here is that you can work out nicely the shape of the seat, he also makes it easier to unplug (Staple ) of the reference substance. Furthermore, this separate purchase extended too is important, the durability of the upholstery material. In very fine fabrics such as Damask or brocade fabrics is even strongly recommended the white reference.

The actual furniture fabric cover is - depending on the shape of furniture - nailed / stapled and / or sewn on. Previously, the apses, ie, the front and rear sealed the sides of the piece of furniture with chip board and the latter padded. Thereafter, the fabric cover ( chip parts) follows. Visible seams with trimmings, such as cords, gimp, braid, trim and piping ( piping ) decorated. However, such a lamination of the starting points is considered more likely than not professionally. Professionals suture the external clamping parts per machine and dress up the entire reverse side with a piece of furniture fabric. Latest and most advanced degree is the double channel. For this purpose a strip of fabric sewn to a profile. In the groove of the profile of the double channel is then stapled. By the pressure of the clamps presses the two beads to each other and covering the brackets.

For visible nailing studs are available in different copies.

Tool

The upholstery is made with relatively little tool. This should be available in good quality. Here is an overview of the most important tools:

Apprenticeship in Germany

The upholstery is in Germany since 1997, a nationally recognized training occupation by the Vocational Training Act. Previously, there was a recognition of the profession from 1937, well before the entry into force of the Vocational Training Act. 2005 saw a change in the training regulations, with the completed training could be counted in the new, two-year professional upholstery and decoration seamer on the training time. 2013 and 2014, the training content has been thoroughly revised to meet the changing technical and organizational needs of the industry. The training takes place at the training company and vocational school and lasts three years.

Teaching profession in Austria

In Austria upholsterers is a three-year apprenticeship. The training takes place in the dual system of vocational schools and relevant establishments of the upholstered furniture industry, upholstery workshops or upholsterer businesses. Training topics covered include techniques for fabricating and repairing upholstered furniture, mattresses, wall and door upholstery, taking into account the style of the different historical eras. The apprentice completed the training with the final apprenticeship examination as a journeyman.

An additional qualification may be acquired by another test in the related teaching upholsterer and decorator. In the trades, the decorator and decorators also the masters exam can be taken and also the independent professional practice is possible.

For higher qualifications at colleges, technical colleges and universities you need in Austria mostly vocational Matura ( Berufsreifeprüfung ), which is composed of the final exam and four other tests.