I recently purchased a 3 seat Eames/Herman Miller tandem sling bench. The vinyl upholstery on the 3 seats needs to be redone badly. I can't really figure out how it is upholstered or how it would be done since there isn't much stitching on the seats. I have ideas but nothing concrete. If anyone can help me out I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks
(Picture below isn't of mine)
Don't think you really can
At least not like they are originally. There is no stitching or seams on the seat and back because the lines are created by heat and pressure. Like an aluminum group chair, the channels are created by making a sandwich of upholstery, foam, and an internal membrane for strength which is then put in a heated press of sorts.
People do reupholster aluminum group chairs and use stitching to create the channels, but the important thing to do is to have a strong internal membrane or some replacement that helps function as a sling because fabric, vinyl or leather alone is not strong enough and will stretch too much.
I would try contacting Herman Miller and see if they will sell you replacement slings. They still make them and I assume there are some in airports and public spaces that need to be replaced from time to time.
Herman Miller will provide re...
Herman Miller will provide replacement slings. In fact, part of the selling point for the design is that the seat and back are the same, so airports would only have to stock one replacement part. As a private buyer, you might need to go through a company that deals with contract accounts.
I know the poster LRF on this forum has an account with HM's parts people for his restoration business. He will also reupholster Aluminum Group chairs by stitching the channels in place of the "welding" that HM does. I'm sure the same technique could be used on the tandem seating.
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