Upholstery - all levels, evening

About this course

The course develops upholstery skills through demonstrations, formal instruction, workshop practice, individual tuition and peer feedback. Participants explore fillings, webbing and suspension systems, assess furniture frames, remove existing upholstery and prepare cutting plans. Practical work includes attaching webbing, positioning fabric, hand and machine stitching, and creating even edge rolls with blind and top stitches. Beginners work initially on straightforward furniture projects, while learners with prior experience can apply more advanced techniques to their own work. Progress is reviewed through project feedback, an Individual Learning Plan and a Learning Journal.

What you'll learn

• Use specialist upholstery tools safely and apply appropriate workshop health and safety procedures.
• Identify suitable upholstery fillings, fabrics, webbing, suspension systems and fastening components for different projects.
• Prepare re-upholstery work by assessing frames, removing existing coverings and producing accurate cutting plans.
• Apply webbing, hand and machine stitching, blind stitches and top stitches to construct upholstery elements.
• Assess completed work for frame condition, repair requirements and overall quality.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels, including people with no previous upholstery experience. Beginners start with a simple furniture project, while those with existing skills can work on more advanced techniques. Participation combines individual workshop practice with demonstrations, tuition and peer feedback.

• Learners are expected to maintain written notes in a workshop learning journal.
• Individual projects form a central part of the workshop practice.
• Additional support is available for literacy, numeracy, English-language learning and learning difficulties or disabilities.

Before you go

• Participants must bring their own piece of furniture, with its suitability discussed with the tutor at the first session.
• Materials used on projects must be paid for by the participant.
• Participants should bring their own top fabric and trimmings, as well as a notepad and pen.
• Standard workshop tools and equipment are provided for use in class.
• Furniture should be vacuumed and treated with a proprietary moth spray before being brought to the workshop.
• Participants are expected to keep their workshop learning journal up to date and provide materials for their projects.