Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Distressing • Fabric Selection • Gilding

Tacking

Term from Furniture Restoration industry explained for recruiters

Tacking is a fundamental technique in furniture upholstery where temporary fasteners (tacks) are used to hold fabric in place before final stapling or permanent attachment. It's like creating a rough draft with pushpins before making the final version. This step is crucial because it allows furniture restorers to check the fabric positioning, pattern alignment, and overall look before making permanent attachments. The process helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures professional results. When looking through resumes, you might also see this referred to as "temporary tacking," "pattern tacking," or "test fitting."

Examples in Resumes

Performed Tacking and final upholstery on over 200 antique furniture pieces

Specialized in pattern matching using Tacking techniques for high-end furniture restoration

Trained junior upholsterers in proper Tacking methods and fabric alignment

Typical job title: "Upholsterers"

Also try searching for:

Furniture Restorer Upholstery Specialist Furniture Repair Technician Furniture Refinisher Custom Upholsterer Antique Furniture Restorer

Where to Find Upholsterers

Professional Networks

Learning Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle complex pattern matching when tacking different types of fabrics?

Expected Answer: A senior upholsterer should explain how they plan pattern placement, account for fabric stretch, and use tacking to test different approaches before final attachment. They should mention experience with various fabric types and challenging patterns.

Q: Describe your process for training others in tacking techniques.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate teaching experience, ability to break down the tacking process into learnable steps, and mention common mistakes to avoid and quality control measures.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What challenges have you faced with tacking different furniture shapes?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with various furniture styles, problem-solving approaches for difficult curves or corners, and methods for ensuring even fabric distribution.

Q: How do you determine the number and placement of tacks needed?

Expected Answer: Should explain how furniture size, fabric type, and design influence tack placement, and describe their process for ensuring secure but adjustable temporary fitting.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic process of tacking fabric to furniture?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the basic steps of measuring, cutting, and temporarily securing fabric with tacks, understanding the importance of even distribution.

Q: How do you ensure tacks don't damage the final fabric?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic fabric handling techniques, proper tack placement, and understanding of when to use alternative temporary holding methods for delicate fabrics.