Gimp is a narrow, flat woven fabric tape, typically about 1/2 inch wide, used in upholstery to cover raw edges, seams, or staples. It provides a clean, finished look where fabric meets wood or other materials. Unlike wider trims like braid or cord, gimp’s primary purpose is concealment and a neat transition, not decoration.
Types of gimp and their uses
The material of your gimp directly impacts its durability, appearance, and suitability for different applications. Understanding these differences helps you select the best option for your project.
Cotton gimp
Cotton gimp is a natural fiber option. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. However, cotton is prone to shrinking and fading when exposed to sunlight or moisture. It’s best suited for decorative accents on furniture that won’t see heavy use or direct sunlight, like accent pillows or the back of a chair.
Polyester gimp
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that offers excellent durability and resistance to wear, fading, and shrinking. It holds its color well and is less likely to be damaged by moisture compared to cotton. Polyester gimp is a versatile choice for most upholstery projects, including dining chairs, sofas, and headboards, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.
Rayon/Viscose gimp
Rayon and viscose gimp can mimic the look of silk, offering a luxurious sheen and a soft drape. They come in a wide array of colors and patterns. While beautiful, these options are generally less durable than polyester and can be more susceptible to crushing and water spots. They are best used for accent pieces or furniture in low-traffic areas where aesthetics are the primary concern.
Nylon gimp
Nylon gimp is exceptionally strong and durable, making it ideal for high-traffic furniture like sofas or chairs that receive daily use. It resists abrasion, stretching, and mildew, making it a practical choice for longevity. However, nylon can sometimes have a slightly synthetic appearance and may be more expensive than polyester.
Blended gimp
Many gimp trims are made from a blend of fibers, such as cotton-polyester. These blends aim to combine the benefits of different materials, offering improved durability and wrinkle resistance over 100% cotton, while sometimes providing a softer feel than 100% polyester. Always check the fiber content for the best performance characteristics for your needs.
Specialty gimp
Beyond standard fiber types, you’ll find gimp with added features like metallic threads for a touch of sparkle, or chenille textures for a softer, more tactile feel. There’s also gimp designed to be particularly resistant to UV rays for outdoor or sun-drenched applications, though these are less common for indoor upholstery.
Where to use gimp upholstery trim
Gimp is incredibly versatile and can enhance the look and finish of many upholstered items. Its primary role is to cover raw edges and provide a neat transition. Here are some common applications:
- Chair seats and backs: It’s perfect for covering the staples or raw fabric edges where the upholstery meets the wooden frame on dining chairs, accent chairs, or office chairs.
- Sofa and ottoman skirts: Gimp can be used along the bottom edge of a sofa or ottoman skirt to create a clean, tailored finish.
- Headboards: Covering the edge where the fabric wraps around the wood frame of a headboard with gimp gives a professional, polished look.
- Cushions: For boxed cushions or pillows, gimp can be applied along the welt cord or to cover the seam where fabric panels meet.
- Window treatments: While less common than on furniture, gimp can sometimes be used to finish the edges of cornice boards or upholstered valances.
- Built-in furniture: Gimp is excellent for covering the edges of built-in banquettes or window seats.
The key is to use gimp where you want to conceal raw fabric edges or staples and create a crisp line between fabric and frame. It’s not typically used as a decorative border on its own, but rather to enhance the primary upholstery fabric.
How to measure and buy gimp
Accurate measurement is crucial to avoid running out of gimp mid-project or buying too much. Here’s how to do it:
Measure the perimeter
Identify all the areas on your furniture piece that will require gimp. Carefully measure the length of each edge. For example, if you’re upholstering a simple dining chair seat, you’ll measure the perimeter of the seat cushion where the fabric tucks under.
Add extra for turns and waste
Always add at least 10% extra to your total measurement. This accounts for turning corners, potential mistakes, and any waste from cutting. It’s far better to have a little extra than to run short.
Consider the width
Gimp typically comes in widths ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 inch. For most upholstery applications, especially covering staples on wooden frames, a 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch width is standard. Wider gimp might be used for specific decorative effects or on larger pieces.
Buying by the yard
Gimp is sold by the yard. Most upholstery supply stores or online retailers will list the price per yard. A typical dining chair might require 1 to 2 yards of gimp, depending on its size and complexity. A sofa could require 5 to 10 yards or more. It’s best to estimate high based on your measurements plus the extra percentage.
How to install gimp upholstery trim
Installing gimp requires patience and precision. The goal is to create a seamless, professional finish that hides the raw edges of your upholstery fabric and any staples.
Tools and materials you’ll need
- Your chosen gimp
- Heavy-duty staple gun (electric or pneumatic is best)
- Staples (appropriate size for your staple gun and fabric thickness)
- Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter
- Measuring tape
- Upholstery adhesive or spray adhesive (optional, for extra hold)
- Awl or seam ripper (for tucking ends)
- Hammer and tacker (optional, for certain applications)
- Pliers (for pulling staples if you make a mistake)
Step-by-step installation
- Prepare the surface: Ensure the fabric is securely stapled down along the edge you’ll be covering. Trim any excess fabric neatly, leaving about 1/2 inch to tuck under if possible. If you’re using adhesive, apply a thin bead along the edge where the gimp will sit.
- Start at a discreet corner: Begin at a corner or an inconspicuous spot, like the back of a chair leg or under the seat. This is where you’ll hide the end of the gimp.
- Apply the gimp: Lay the gimp flat along the edge, ensuring it covers the staples and raw fabric edge completely. Hold the beginning of the gimp firmly in place.
- Staple securely: Using your staple gun, drive a staple through the gimp and into the wood frame. Place staples approximately every 1 to 1.5 inches. Ensure the staples go in straight and are fully seated. If using adhesive, you can staple less frequently, but staples are recommended for security.
- Navigating corners: This is the trickiest part. For outside corners, gently fold the gimp to create a neat 45-degree angle, then staple. For inside corners, you might need to pleat or fold the gimp to create a smooth turn. Practice this on a scrap piece first. Some prefer to miter the gimp (cut at a 45-degree angle and join) for a very sharp corner.
- Maintain tension: Keep the gimp taut as you work your way around the piece. Avoid stretching it too much, which can cause puckering, but also avoid slack, which leads to a sloppy look.
- Finishing the end: When you reach your starting point, carefully tuck the raw end of the gimp under itself using an awl or seam ripper to create a clean, finished edge. Trim any excess. Staple the tucked end securely, ensuring it’s hidden beneath the starting point of the gimp if possible.
- Review and adjust: Step back and inspect your work. Look for any loose staples, puckering, or unevenness. Make minor adjustments as needed.
Tips for a professional finish
- Use quality tools: A good quality staple gun is essential. An electric or pneumatic gun provides more power and consistency than a manual one.
- Pre-crease the gimp: For curves or tight corners, gently pressing the gimp with a warm iron (test on a scrap first!) can help it mold to the shape.
- Consider adhesive: A thin bead of upholstery adhesive applied *before* stapling can greatly improve hold and prevent the gimp from shifting. Let it set according to the product’s instructions.
- Practice makes perfect: If you’re new to upholstery, practice installing gimp on a scrap piece of wood or an old piece of furniture before tackling your main project.
- Matching colors: Try to match the gimp color to either the upholstery fabric or the wood frame for a cohesive look. Sometimes a contrasting color can be used for a bold statement, but this requires a very clean installation.
Common mistakes to avoid when installing gimp
Even experienced DIYers can make mistakes with gimp. Being aware of these pitfalls can save you time and frustration.
- Using the wrong staples: Staples that are too short won’t hold, and staples that are too long can go through the fabric or wood. Ensure they are the correct gauge and length for your staple gun and materials.
- Uneven tension: Gimp that is too loose will pucker, while gimp pulled too tight can distort the fabric or tear. Consistent, moderate tension is key.
- Poorly handled corners: Sloppy corners are the most obvious sign of amateur work. Take extra time to fold, pleat, or miter corners cleanly.
- Visible raw edges: The entire point of gimp is to hide raw edges. Make sure your gimp is wide enough to fully cover the staples and fabric edge.
- Running out of material: Always measure twice and add that extra percentage for waste and turns. Running out mid-project is a common and frustrating mistake.
- Using the wrong type of gimp: Installing a delicate rayon gimp on a heavily used sofa is a recipe for premature wear and tear. Choose gimp based on the durability needs of the piece.
- Cutting too short: When finishing the end, ensure you have enough gimp to overlap slightly or tuck neatly without leaving a gap.
By understanding the types of gimp, planning your measurements, and carefully following installation steps, you can achieve a professional and beautiful finish on your upholstery projects.
