Aww James, I’ve followed your journey from the beginning and I love what you have done with the boat …. Just get a nice big throw to lob over your dinette … that’s what I’ve done to my handmade sofa 😂😂 it hides the discoloured foam and are washable …I’ve covered the foam in a couple of bedsheets and then got a load of nice throws 😂
Hi James, it’s Mum here … with you all the way on this … covers will do fine for now and can be changed to washable sewn covers if and when necessary in the future. Great choice of fabric … comfy cosy …
A good source of interesting material is curtains in charity shops. Old curtains are pretty heavy material and wear well. Plus they work well as draught preventers in front of doors
"Monday morning quarterbacking" is the term that we use in the U.S. for those who give advice the day after the (American) football game. You've pulled it off again James: it may not be perfect, but denim is sturdy and the fabric looks good with the walls and curtains. It looks welcoming and cozy. And useful shops being replaced by coffee and avocado says it all, doesn't it?
Get a few decorative throw pillows to drop on the dinette seating area and you will never notice any flaws. Great job for not knowing what you were doing James. I’m sure anyone who knows how to upholster was cringing, but it’s not their dinette and it works. So I agree with you, happy days.
James, spend some money and het some loose covers made, it will be worth it in the end. If you hadn't stuck to the front, just the back edges it would have been so much better.
James, do you have access to a portable sowing machine? If so, you can make a sleeve inside out and then reverse the sleeve and sow over the ends to form your pillows before you stick it down and or together.
Well James your ingenious if nothing else. Think you did a good job as obviously you had not done anything like that before. Your a trier for sure so well done. Have great week 👍
Hi James, Please, as suggested by others you need to sew the covers. If you look at any furniture you will see covers are sewn not glued. You can, when they need a wash, slip them off like pillowcases and put them in the wash Do you sew? Do you know anyone who sews. Does your sister or mum sew? Perhaps an upholsterer can give you advice. Glueing is the worst.
About a quarter of that amount of glue would be plenty, James. Better still would be none at all. I see you didn't use the 6P approach. Oh well, at least it looks slightly less shit than it has for the past year. The back rest still looks like it was cut with an axe, though... All the best, mate.
As I have no DIY skills I wouldn’t even attempt to do any upholstering, so good for you.! So much better than the foam that the little ones were picking at. It looks so more comfortable. As you said, add some accent pillows and a couple throws and you and the children will be comfortable and warm this winter. Good work James. Have a good week. 🙏😊🤗 Kathy
Another tip in future always wrap the foam with dacron you'll not see the foam edges under the fabric but you can still do that in future no harm done 👍
Please James, you have done such a beautiful job on the rest of the boat, you don't want to spoil it with a poor upholstery job. I am watching you struggle and I just want to reach in and help. Don't use the glue on the seat cushions...please!!
Great effort. Loving seeing the problem solving in action. And to those giving their two pence worth all I’d say is just let him do it how he wants and nothing is ever set in stone. Good job.
Come on James you must admit, this does not meet your normal standerd of doing things, I enjoyed the struggle and determination. I just know you will circle round to this project on a later date and get it tip top🤘🍺🔨🎸 Lots of great tips in the comments.
Hi James I hope you don't mind some advice from an upholsterer and seating gluer but if you ever have to do that job again always try and use as little glue as possible so that when you get a bubble you can peal the fabric back and then re lay it to get rid of the bubble and I you use too much glue it can come through the fabric and ruin it and also if the fabric is badly rippled iron it first , love your channel and hope everything's going ok for you 😊😊😊
Hi James. There seems to be plenty of people who like to criticise but the thing is you had a go at upholstery and I bet none of them have! It looks much better than the foam and most importantly you are happy with it ⭐
Just out of curiosity, have you checked if the foam is flammable and its toxicity level should there be a fire? Would suggest that you be sure of an exit out of the bedroom in the event of fire. And also to alert your children how to evacuate the boat should there be fire in front. We have strong laws in the US regarding furniture made with foam. I sold furniture for over 40 years and believe me complying to fire codes is number one especially when children are involved.
What you need is a schedule 5 liner over the foam its a thin type fabric to comply with the fire regulations is gives you a bit of time to get out before the foam catches fire and kills you with fumes that what this means
Good job, a step forward. Better than bare foam. All those whingers bleating about seamstress shortfalls, get down to the waterside with your armload of better material and your upholstery sewing machine and step up! He’s doing this stuff on a budget and on his own whilst bringing up kids and holding down a job.
Think you're doing a great job mate but maybe all the stuff your buying you might be cheaper getting a upholster to do might save a bit of money but not sure of prices down where you are I would have took 120 all in with fire liner ect but plenty water where you are kudos to you your a grafter and certainly not scared to take on a challenge love your channel
Hi James, not one of your best projects but functunal, may want to get some slip over covers made that you can wash. How you gonna cover the table to make a bed?
Just started watching and am at the part where you said you wouldn’t be able to wash it… Not sure what it’s called in the UK, but here in the states we have a spray called Scotch Guard, which is essentially a spray for fabric to make it waterproof and in essence, stain proof. Maybe that would work? Ok off to watch the rest! More comments may come as well. 😂
Looks a lot better, good job. My first thought was go to an auto upholstery shop for material ideas, but the denim was a good choice. I also thought you were going to glue the Velcro to the foam and denim, but I was concerned the first time you tried to remove the denim the Velcro would ripe from the foam? Maybe place a piece of the denim (wrapped onto thin poster board for stiffness) between the seat and headboard foam on the end so it blends in with the back rest and drape over a blanket or two for color and cleaning (hide imperfections of foam)? ;-)
It doesn't look that bad James, and for 30 quid it is a bargain. Perhaps for next time, (as there will be a next time when kids are involved), you might want to find out where Auto/Caravan Upholstery shops get their material from. It will be a darn sight more durable but also much more expensive.
I'll admit I did cringe a bit. But not everyone gets taught how to upholstery or have access to a sewing machine. Great problem solving and it looks ok and feels ok. Good on you. I did the same building out my wee camper. Make draws... How? Tools? Found some old ones. Used wooden runners. They fit, a bit wonky but they go in and out with a bit of a wiggle. They work. And look ok. Cheers!
land scapping material from the pound shop more over; an iron will melt material together which then turn inside out .......... great white north .......S
Tell me you did something with that spider? Charlotte, on the wall @ 21:46 🕷🕸 or is that your Halloween decor? Did I jinx you saying you ace every project?😉 Still, with young kids this will do perfect! I think denim was a great choice!
DIY on the cheap is not as good as a sewn cover. Now you cannot remove it for proper cleaning / washing especially if that fabric is not pre-shrunk. When those mediocre covers fail presently, you ought to have the next lot of covers sewn (and that will not show the foams' irregular surfaces). But hey, live and learn....
Is to dark. Bit late now but a parmesan grater is good to shape foam or old jam jar with lots of nail holes through it. If you get some upholstery wadding/ filling glue that on fabric already on foam and then just staple the fabric to back boards will hide lots of sins. A light denim would look so much better.
'Hospital Corners' well done! When a nurse makes up a bed she will tuck the piece in like you eventually done 👍
Aww James, I’ve followed your journey from the beginning and I love what you have done with the boat …. Just get a nice big throw to lob over your dinette … that’s what I’ve done to my handmade sofa 😂😂 it hides the discoloured foam and are washable …I’ve covered the foam in a couple of bedsheets and then got a load of nice throws 😂
Don’t knock it James it looks good to me and you did it yourself 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼😎
Hi James, it’s Mum here … with you all the way on this … covers will do fine for now and can be changed to washable sewn covers if and when necessary in the future. Great choice of fabric … comfy cosy …
'shabby chic' Love it & well done James :)
A good source of interesting material is curtains in charity shops. Old curtains are pretty heavy material and wear well. Plus they work well as draught preventers in front of doors
Spray along the edges of the cushions then tuck your corners in neatly then use some fabric lining to finish them of👍😎😎💯
Hi James
If you took the time to look on RUclips, they show you exactly how to cover fabric on boats. How good is that
Thsnks for the update on the dinette. Keith
Well done James, Sloe Patrol is certainly the boat that James built. Admire your tenacity. Take care.
Oh . Erm good try James. I like the colour. I have nothing more to say on the subject ! Have a great weekend James and my fellow subscribers xx
"Monday morning quarterbacking" is the term that we use in the U.S. for those who give advice the day after the (American) football game. You've pulled it off again James: it may not be perfect, but denim is sturdy and the fabric looks good with the walls and curtains. It looks welcoming and cozy. And useful shops being replaced by coffee and avocado says it all, doesn't it?
I saw a boat exactly the same as yours in my latest vlog. Isleham one. Looks great Sir James
Get a few decorative throw pillows to drop on the dinette seating area and you will never notice any flaws. Great job for not knowing what you were doing James. I’m sure anyone who knows how to upholster was cringing, but it’s not their dinette and it works. So I agree with you, happy days.
James, spend some money and het some loose covers made, it will be worth it in the end. If you hadn't stuck to the front, just the back edges it would have been so much better.
Foam for Home in Bristol specialize in upholstery fabrics and all things upholstery.
They look fab! Really smart and it must be so satisfying seeing the dinette come together - great job. Now you can sit comfortably or even 'lounge' 🙂
James, do you have access to a portable sowing machine? If so, you can make a sleeve inside out and then reverse the sleeve and sow over the ends to form your pillows before you stick it down and or together.
Well James your ingenious if nothing else. Think you did a good job as obviously you had not done anything like that before. Your a trier for sure so well done. Have great week 👍
Very admirable James 👏🏾👏🏾that’s what being self sufficient is all about 😊🍷
Well done James. You're resourceful and you don't give up. I think throws are a good idea anyway as it will add more cosiness and a homely feel :-)
James, you may not have skills in upholstery but the end result isn't half bad. You are a trooper when it comes to taking on new tasks. We'll done.
Hi James,
Please, as suggested by others you need to sew the covers. If you look at any furniture you will see covers are sewn not glued. You can, when they need a wash, slip them off like pillowcases and put them in the wash Do you sew? Do you know anyone who sews. Does your sister or mum sew? Perhaps an upholsterer can give you advice. Glueing is the worst.
Need a 3m type waterproofing spray. That will protect the fabric from stain and spillage.
About a quarter of that amount of glue would be plenty, James. Better still would be none at all.
I see you didn't use the 6P approach. Oh well, at least it looks slightly less shit than it has for the past year. The back rest still looks like it was cut with an axe, though...
All the best, mate.
Next time James get pillow cases made of the size, with zippers to close them, will make them removable so can be cleaned great job as first attempt.
You can use a spray protector so you can wipe the fabric down. A + for trying :)
IDK I'd be worried that the spray would degrade the foam. But a test piece would/could put that fear to rest.
As I have no DIY skills I wouldn’t even attempt to do any upholstering, so good for you.! So much better than the foam that the little ones were picking at. It looks so more comfortable. As you said, add some accent pillows and a couple throws and you and the children will be comfortable and warm this winter. Good work James. Have a good week. 🙏😊🤗 Kathy
Steam then clean two minute job. Do my sofa with a borrowed steamer after the gram kids visit 😂😂. Good job now some pillows to finish it off.
Another tip in future always wrap the foam with dacron you'll not see the foam edges under the fabric but you can still do that in future no harm done 👍
Please James, you have done such a beautiful job on the rest of the boat, you don't want to spoil it with a poor upholstery job. I am watching you struggle and I just want to reach in and help. Don't use the glue on the seat cushions...please!!
Great effort. Loving seeing the problem solving in action. And to those giving their two pence worth all I’d say is just let him do it how he wants and nothing is ever set in stone. Good job.
Watching James trying to fold fabric reminds me of Spinal Taps Nigel Tufnel and his Mini-Bread catastrophe.
Come on James you must admit, this does not meet your normal standerd of doing things, I enjoyed the struggle and determination.
I just know you will circle round to this project on a later date and get it tip top🤘🍺🔨🎸
Lots of great tips in the comments.
Hi James I hope you don't mind some advice from an upholsterer and seating gluer but if you ever have to do that job again always try and use as little glue as possible so that when you get a bubble you can peal the fabric back and then re lay it to get rid of the bubble and I you use too much glue it can come through the fabric and ruin it and also if the fabric is badly rippled iron it first , love your channel and hope everything's going ok for you 😊😊😊
well done James - always finding a way to make things work - looks fab !
It all looks very nice. Job well done 👍👍
Why not put a backing board on like you've done with the Backs ??? then you can use stables ??
James. You clean up very well.
you can always use spray upholstery cleaner like you get to clean car seats that way you won't have to worry about taking the covers off to wash
As people are saying check out the homeware shops for curtains
You could also try finding some nice blankets/throws and use them as the fabric for your cushions if you can’t find a decent upholstery shop
Hi James. There seems to be plenty of people who like to criticise but the thing is you had a go at upholstery and I bet none of them have! It looks much better than the foam and most importantly you are happy with it ⭐
Just out of curiosity, have you checked if the foam is flammable and its toxicity level should there be a fire? Would suggest that you be sure of an exit out of the bedroom in the event of fire. And also to alert your children how to evacuate the boat should there be fire in front. We have strong laws in the US regarding furniture made with foam. I sold furniture for over 40 years and believe me complying to fire codes is number one especially when children are involved.
What you need is a schedule 5 liner over the foam its a thin type fabric to comply with the fire regulations is gives you a bit of time to get out before the foam catches fire and kills you with fumes that what this means
Looking good. Well done you 🙂
Another great job Well done
Good job, a step forward. Better than bare foam.
All those whingers bleating about seamstress shortfalls, get down to the waterside with your armload of better material and your upholstery sewing machine and step up! He’s doing this stuff on a budget and on his own whilst bringing up kids and holding down a job.
heavens that was painful watching you do that
Certain skills are best left to the professional s 🤔
Get yourself a few cans of 3M Scothguard spray. It protects porous material against stains and liquid spills. Almost like a waterproofing coating. 👍
Scotchguard
Think you're doing a great job mate but maybe all the stuff your buying you might be cheaper getting a upholster to do might save a bit of money but not sure of prices down where you are I would have took 120 all in with fire liner ect but plenty water where you are kudos to you your a grafter and certainly not scared to take on a challenge love your channel
Hi James, not one of your best projects but functunal, may want to get some slip over covers made that you can wash. How you gonna cover the table to make a bed?
Just started watching and am at the part where you said you wouldn’t be able to wash it…
Not sure what it’s called in the UK, but here in the states we have a spray called Scotch Guard, which is essentially a spray for fabric to make it waterproof and in essence, stain proof.
Maybe that would work?
Ok off to watch the rest! More comments may come as well. 😂
Yes we have Scotch guard in the UK too x
Looks a lot better, good job.
My first thought was go to an auto upholstery shop for material ideas, but the denim was a good choice.
I also thought you were going to glue the Velcro to the foam and denim, but I was concerned the first time you tried to remove the denim the Velcro would ripe from the foam?
Maybe place a piece of the denim (wrapped onto thin poster board for stiffness) between the seat and headboard foam on the end so it blends in with the back rest and drape over a blanket or two for color and cleaning (hide imperfections of foam)? ;-)
It doesn't look that bad James, and for 30 quid it is a bargain. Perhaps for next time, (as there will be a next time when kids are involved), you might want to find out where Auto/Caravan Upholstery shops get their material from. It will be a darn sight more durable but also much more expensive.
I'll admit I did cringe a bit. But not everyone gets taught how to upholstery or have access to a sewing machine. Great problem solving and it looks ok and feels ok. Good on you.
I did the same building out my wee camper. Make draws... How? Tools? Found some old ones. Used wooden runners. They fit, a bit wonky but they go in and out with a bit of a wiggle. They work. And look ok.
Cheers!
"By Jove" i think you've got it ! Looks Good James!
Never comment coming off 12 hour night shift. Spelling outrageous 😂😂
Well done! Like it very much.
land scapping material from the pound shop more over; an iron will melt material together which then turn inside out .......... great white north .......S
Move over Lord Philip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, you have met your match 😂
Being female, I think there's some scatter cushions missing from that dinette LOL x
James, couldn't you have just had someone sew you large pillowcase things to fit your foam?
I agree , James has done a fantastic job on his narrowboat . But , oh dear . his upholstery is not good . Chuck it away and start again .
How about corduroy?
Tell me you did something with that spider? Charlotte, on the wall @ 21:46 🕷🕸 or is that your Halloween decor? Did I jinx you saying you ace every project?😉 Still, with young kids this will do perfect! I think denim was a great choice!
Good job James 👍
good vid on the chasnnel boats look good thanks four the good vid thanks lee
Hello mate how’s you doing
If I lived closer I would have made proper covers for you for nothing….your efforts are making me twitch….lol….but well done anyway…x.x
DIY on the cheap is not as good as a sewn cover. Now you cannot remove it for proper cleaning / washing especially if that fabric is not pre-shrunk. When those mediocre covers fail presently, you ought to have the next lot of covers sewn (and that will not show the foams' irregular surfaces). But hey, live and learn....
You could have named this video how not to upholster! 😊
You are right.Its absolutely awful.Just another bodge.
Did you ask your Mother? What to do?
iron it
painful to watch, hope it work's
Is to dark. Bit late now but a parmesan grater is good to shape foam or old jam jar with lots of nail holes through it. If you get some upholstery wadding/ filling glue that on fabric already on foam and then just staple the fabric to back boards will hide lots of sins. A light denim would look so much better.
Also should get some pockets and stitch them in, to hold remotes or even beers etc... Not sure if will look good but it might 🙂
I think it looks awful, just like the curtains.
Thankfully then. you will only ever see it on your screen
But that's the whole point in watching your channel, so prepare to be criticised occasionally.