• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Transition from Furniture to Auto Upholstery

October 6, 2011 By Nadeem Muaddi

Furniture upholsterers interested in taking on more auto trim jobs or making a complete transition into the field of auto upholstery should check out Upholstery Journal‘s latest article “Custom Automotive Upholstery”.  It serves as a good introduction into the world of cars.

Those not considering the transition may want to think twice. Upholstery Journal explains:

Furniture reupholstery has taken a hit thanks to the influx of less-expensive—and, dare we say, lesser quality—furniture. It’s cheaper for those who either don’t know any better or just don’t care about quality issues to buy a new sofa rather than have an old one reupholstered. Al Berndt of Rapids Upholstery in Sauk Rapids, Minn., calls it “a throw-away world.” Fortunately, that’s not the case with automobiles, especially with those old cars and trucks that recapture the essence of youth—even for some senior citizens. [more]

Admittedly, UJ’s article over simplifies the jump from furniture to automotive upholstery. While some of the fundamentals are the same, many of the processes and design objectives aren’t. What’s more, their target customers are different and unique.

Still, the transition is doable – and many upholsterers often dabble in both.

We want to hear from you: Have you made the transition from furniture upholstery to auto trim, or does your business handle both? What similarities or differences have you found – from either a design or business perspective?

— — —

The Hog Ring is the #1 online community for auto upholstery professionals and enthusiasts. Here you can browse pictures, read news and connect with others who share your passion for auto upholstery. You can even check us out on Facebook and Twitter!

Filed Under: Archive, Better Business, Inspired by Furniture Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Furniture Upholstery

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Scott says

    January 31, 2014 at 3:28 am

    Im also doing more auto upholstery than furniture these days. The transition isn’t easy but it’s worth it. I have 35 years experience in the upholstery field and working on cars is like re-learning it all over.

  2. Natalie says

    January 31, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    I started with furniture, but kept getting automotive jobs and still do more auto than furniture. The biggest challenge for me was switching from fabric only to vinyl. If you sew it wrong, not so easy to rip out and do over. With furniture , it’s simple to make any little mistakes ‘go away’ with pulling and stapling. Not so much with hog rings. It is a learning curve. My biggest hang up has been – no mentor anywhere near me. That’s where the hog ring forum has been invaluable!! Thanks!!

  3. Christie Howell says

    February 1, 2023 at 4:34 pm

    Hello! I have had a Furniture Upholstery shop at my home for 11 years and closed down due to expensive health insurance. I got hired at an amazing place that turns used RV’s to mobile medical units for free clinics. I was hired to make slip covers for the coach seats and I’m having a hard time with the transition. I didn’t think it would be too much different but I’m awful at it. I want to be able to do the job and keep it but I’m teaching myself and I’m just so discouraged from all of the mistakes and vinyl waste that’s costing the company who knows how much. Does anybody have any advice on what I should do to get better? The vinyl I’m working with is so thin and flimsy. It shows all the flaws of the worn foam underneath. I need help but nowhere to turn.

Primary Sidebar

anal porno bangbros rus porno yaşlı porno konulu porno olgun porno porno izle sarışın porno bakire sex 69 porno

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Hyde Leather
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Albright's Supply
  • Leather Craft
  • Keyston Bros

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers

6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers

Everyone that calls your auto upholstery shop … [more] about 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Vinyl Top Rust

The Hidden Horrors of Vinyl Top Roof Rust

"How much to slap a new vinyl top on my car?" … [more] about The Hidden Horrors of Vinyl Top Roof Rust

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Brent Parker Motor Trimming

Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 4

Over the last two months, we’ve followed … [more] about Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 4

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Custom Headliner

10 Cool Custom Headliners on Instagram

For many auto upholstery shops, headliner … [more] about 10 Cool Custom Headliners on Instagram

The Hog Ring - Customs by Vos 1967 Ford Mustang

Customs by Vos Built a Mustang Interior That Will Blow Your Mind

Elite trim shops do more than cut, sew and … [more] about Customs by Vos Built a Mustang Interior That Will Blow Your Mind

Watch Tim Amanns Build a Console

Take a behind-the-scenes look at how hot rod … [more] about Watch Tim Amanns Build a Console

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • This Family-Run Manufacturer is Raising the Bar for Convertible Tops
  • Queens of the Stone Age to Rock SEMA Fest 2025 in Vegas
  • PETA Claims Renault Is Going Fully Leather-Free — Is It True?
  • Trimmer Richard Buczynski Dies at 87
  • Ontario Car Scene Unites to Support Beloved Upholsterer in Critical Condition

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in