Traditional Upholstery

About this course

The course covers traditional upholstery methods for small-scale furniture, including dismantling existing upholstery, preparing timber frames and building up new layers. Participants work with techniques such as webbing, stitched and nailed hessian, stitched horsehair, stuffing, rolled and stitched edges, tacking, top-fabric application and decorative trims. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations, practical exercises, handouts and group discussion. Participants develop their work through a personal chair or stool project and are encouraged to keep a workbook recording techniques, material samples and research.

What you'll learn

• Use traditional upholstery hand tools and materials appropriately
• Strip existing upholstery from a chair safely and efficiently
• Apply webbing, hessian, stuffing and related upholstery layers
• Create rolled and stitched edges using traditional methods
• Finish a piece with top fabric, bottom cloth and suitable trims
• Assess the sustainability implications of reupholstering existing furniture

Is this course right for you?

The course is aimed at beginners seeking an introduction to traditional upholstery as well as improvers wishing to practise and refine their skills. Practical work involves a degree of strength and mobility, and participants work on an approved personal chair or stool project.

• A suitable project must be checked with the tutor before the course
• The studio has limited storage capacity for projects
• Participants work towards completing an individual furniture project

Before you go

• Participants must bring a suitable small chair or stool and their own top fabric.
• The project should be checked with the tutor in advance for suitability.
• Workshop tools and equipment are provided by the college.
• Some specialist materials used in the studio incur an additional charge.
• Sturdy shoes should be worn; open-toed footwear and flimsy soles are not advisable.
• A camera, notebook, A4 folder and pen are advised for keeping a workbook.
• Projects should be brought to the first class where possible. Alternative delivery arrangements are available by appointment in special circumstances.
• Practical work requires a level of strength and mobility.