doing professional looking looking upholstery really does depend on what
equipment
you have at your disposal as the craft itself is not difficult. The difference
is that an
upholsterer has a repertory of techniques and has a hands on knowledge of the
materials being used, thousands of hours at the craft also shows in the
finished product.
The heavier the material the more difficulty you will encounter if your
sewing machine is not up to the task, it's all in whether the machine can feed
the work. Homemakers and high speed
garment workers machines are called drop feed machines and the feed dogs in the
base of the machine is what feeds the work, the next level machine is called a
compound feed machine with either a walking foot or walking needle walking
foot . The machine in effect feeds
top and bottom, trying to use a machine that is not up to the task is not only
frustrating but
can ruin hours of work and expensive materials.
Threads used for upholstery is the next consideration, I use 2 kinds of
thread, for indoor
applications nylon upholstery grade thread has a high tensile strength. For
outdoor applications I use a marine quality thread which is resistant to UV and
rot.
Stitch length is also a consideration, garments require a close stitch with many
stitches per inch, upholstery requires less stitches per inch. In vinyls and
leathers,
too tight a stitch will cut the material, the hole spacing has to be wider
apart .
There are other considerations but if you don't have the equipment at your
disposal
use lighter materials and you shouldn't have any problems using a light sewing
machine
Sunbrella and the generic brands of that brand shouldn't be a problem. My only
consideration
with those types of materials is they have get wet to be water resistant and
shrinkage is
some concern but are more drapeable than stiffer materials
