We will be using a few technical terms in this article, these are explained below:

Stitch – a stitch is the result of using a needle and thread in an in-and-out movement on a piece of material

Seam – a type of stitch with the sole purpose of connecting two pieces of material

Right side – the right side of the material is the front, or the side that will be seen on the outside when the sewing is complete.

Wrong side – the wrong side of the material is the back, or the side that will be hidden on the inside when the sewing is complete.

Seam allowance – the seam allowance is the space left between the seam and the edge of the material.

Seam finish – a seam finish is a way of sewing the seam allowance to reduce the chance of fraying and to add durability.

Types of Stitching

We use various types of stitching in our dining chairs and bar stools, some of which are purely functional whilst others also have a decorative purpose. The different types we use are outlined below:

1. Plain Seam

Whilst a seam is technically a stitch, the term is specifically used for a stitch that is used to join two pieces of material. For that reason, it is one of the most common types of stitching and is found on most of our upholstered products. Due to the stitch being sewn with the right sides of the materials facing each other, you will only ever see a neat single line because the seam allowance is concealed on the wrong side of the material.

Deluxe High Back Stool White

2. Top Stitched Seam

A top stitch is a line of stitching designed to be seen on the right side of the material and is either used for decorative purposes or for added strength. In our furniture, a top stitch is often sewn alongside a plain seam, as seen below. This strengthens the seam by sewing through the seam allowance on the underside, which secures it in place. It can also be used to create different patterns, as we demonstrate further on in this article.

Lush Brushed Steel Bar Stool Black

3. Double Top Stitched Seam

Some of our products may have a double top stitched seam. This is where a top stitch is sewn on either side of a plain seam. Not only does this reinforce the design further, it can also add a decorative look with some designs, like the Lancaster, using a contrasting colour to make it a feature.

Lancaster Dining Chair Grey Fabric

4. Zigzag Stitch

A zigzag stitch is sturdier than other straight stitches, and so it is ideal for designs that need to be held tight. It is often used as a seam finish for reinforcement, or over the top of a plain seam in a contrasting colour for a decorative pattern. You can see an example of this in the Fusion Chair below.

Fusion Walnut Chair Cream

5. Piped Seam

Piping is a fabric-covered cord that is sewn into a plain seam to create a “pipe”. It can be used to highlight distinctive seam lines or to define the shape of a design. Many of our products feature piping around the edges, adding interest to an otherwise simple design.

Ascot Bar Stool Black Leather

6. Double Piped Seam

A double piped seam is two rows of piping next to each other along the same seam. This is used in many of our designs for extra detail that highlights the seat shape and creates a classic and upmarket look. You can see an example of this in the Fleur Chair below.

Fleur Chair Grey Velvet

Patterns & Designs Created With Stitching

Different types of stitching can be used to create patterns in upholstery. This is the more decorative style that will catch your eye and create a focal point in your furniture.

1. Tufting

Typically used on traditional upholstered furniture, tufting is the deep buttoned detailing often found on the backrests of chairs and sofas. Tufting was originally used to stop the padding from shifting inside the upholstery and becoming misshaped. It therefore gives a sense of classic comfort and luxury.

To create the distinct look, a button is attached to a thread that is pulled tight through the upholstery and attached to the frame at the back of the seat. This creates pleats and dimples, and the raised areas that surround the dimples are known as the tufts. Sometimes, stitching is used to create the pleated look and this is common with materials that are too thick to fold. We use three types of tufting in our products, these are detailed below:

Diamond Tufting

The most recognisable type of tufting is diamond tufting. This is where the buttons are positioned so that the pleats create a diamond pattern, seen on the Barrington below. Our Knightsbridge Oak Chair has a half diamond pattern, where the pleats extend to the edge of the seat instead of making a full diamond.

Biscuit Tufting

Biscuit tufting looks as good as it sounds, and is a modern take on the traditional design. The buttons are positioned in uniform rows to create a linear grid pattern with the pleats between each button. The Dove Bar Stool demonstrates this in the image below, and our Carlton Bar Stool also features biscuit tufting.

Dove Bar Stool Charcoal Fabric

Blind Tufting

Tufting can also be done without buttons, and this is known as blind tufting. It’s the same process, except the thread is pulled through on its own to create the classic dimple and is secured with a knot rather than a button. This style of tufting is a subtle approach and is found on more modern furniture.

2. Diamond Quilting

A design often associated with jackets or car interiors, diamond quilting is becoming increasingly popular in dining chairs and bar stools. A diamond pattern is created in the upholstery with rows of top stitch lines crossing over in opposite directions. We use diamond quilting in the Lux Dining Chair, adding a classic look to a modern design.

3. Vertical or Horizontal Segments

We have many designs where vertical or horizontal stitch lines are used to create a linear segmented pattern. The foam padding beneath the seat is shaped into linear sections, allowing the upholstery and stitching to be pulled into them. This creates a comfortable cushioned look with deep panels. Another method is to use the same process on a thinner piece of foam on top of the regular foam padding, creating a design with shallow panels.

Linear Brushed Steel Bar Stool Grey

4. Grid Stitching

A grid pattern can also be produced using the same method as the vertical and horizontal segments. Single top stitch lines are sewn in a quilt-like pattern, and this tends to be popular on modern designs, such as the aptly named Grid Bar Stool in the image below. Our Criss Cross Bar Stool also features the grid pattern with a stylish double top stitch.

Grid Bar Stool Black