The resulting tapestries not only hid the rude stone walls of the primitive rooms, but also served to diminish the continuous draughts of cold air. Skilled artisans who were proficient in hanging these draperies in a manner that insured retention of their shape came to be known and valued as "upholders" (later upholsters). Although that branch of upholstery that was concerned with the insertion of stuffing or springs under textiles, in order to give the outer fabric a permanent form was practiced by the Egyptians, the craft was slow to infiltrate into England and later, America. The loose "squab" cushions provided for the backs and seats of chairs during the Jacobean period were later replaced by leather, but for utility, rather than comfort. It was not until the accession of James I to the throne of England that the hard, carved furniture of that country gave way to the comforts of padded upholstery. upholstery In spite of the small number of tools required in upholstering, many a home craftsman has shied away from this form of furniture finishing because of the apparent complexity of the job. As a matter of fact, when analyzed step by step, the upholstering of an overstuffed chair or a sofa is no more complicated or difficult than any other handicraft project requiring a modicum of care and attention. One of the best means of selfinstruction is to take a screwdriver and a hammer and carefully pry up the tacks, section by section, from an upholstered piece that has reached the stage where it must either be reupholstered or hidden. A list of the various upholstering materials required for a variety of jobs appears below. The few tools required will be described as their need is encountered. , 352 UPHOLSTERY AND SEAT WEAVING 353 Courtesy Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Fig. 6.1. Upholstery supplies. (A) Cotton denim. (B) Magnetic hammer. (C) Cotton upholstery twine. (D) Hemp tying twine. (E) yiin. flat surface gimp. (F) y2in. extra heavy gimp. (G) Cotton padding. (H) Moss. (I) Steel webbing, tool and nails. (K) Colored metal bead nails. (L) Smallheaded gimp tacks. (M) Webbing tacks. (N) Antique bronze nails. (P) 8in. straight needle. (R) 4in. curved needle. (T) 3in. jute webbing. upholstering MATERIALS: STUFFING Name Down and feathers Latex sponge rubber Hairflex Curled hair Kapok Moss African (Palmetto) fiber Coir fiber Cotton batting Tow Excelsior _ Derivation Ducks, geese and chickens Synthetic Rubbercoated curled hair South American horses' tails and manes; hog hair; old automobile cushions Javanese bombax tree Southern U.S.A. Shredded palm leaves Coconut husks Cotton fibers Flax fibers Wood parings Breaks Mats Resiliency Easily Easily Excellent No No Excellent No No Excellent No No Excellent No No Very good No No Good No No Fair Some No Fair Some Nc 1 Fair No ! No | No No Yes No Yes Yes Remarks Favored for cushions Must be ventilated Modernized hair stuffing Large proportions of hog hair augment the scarce horsehair Excellent for spring cushions Hairlike Curled Inferior to palm leaf 27 in.