Upholstery - all levels

About this course

The course introduces the stages of re-upholstering furniture, from removing existing upholstery and checking frames to planning cuts, positioning fabric and applying new coverings. Learners work with fillings, webbing and suspension systems, and practise techniques including hand and machine stitching, blind stitches, top stitches and edge rolls. Teaching combines demonstrations, formal instruction, workshop practice, individual tuition and peer feedback. Project work is reviewed through tutor feedback, an Individual Learning Plan and a learning journal. Beginners begin with a straightforward furniture item, while more experienced learners can develop advanced techniques through their own projects.

What you'll learn

• Use specialist upholstery tools safely and follow appropriate workshop health and safety procedures.
• Select suitable fillings, upholstery fabrics, webbing, suspension systems and other project components.
• Prepare re-upholstery work by removing existing coverings, assessing frames and producing cutting plans.
• Apply webbing, hand and machine stitching, blind stitches, top stitches and even edge rolls.
• Evaluate finished upholstery projects and identify frame damage, repair requirements and areas for improvement.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for beginners and learners with previous upholstery experience. No previous experience is necessary. Beginners are introduced to the subject through a simple furniture project, while those with existing skills can work on more advanced techniques and their own projects. Participation includes workshop practice, individual tuition and peer feedback.

• Beginners start with a stool, drop-in seat or basic chair before moving to more complex work.
• Learners with prior experience can extend their skills through advanced techniques and individual projects.
• A furniture item must be suitable for the workshop and is discussed with the tutor at the first session.

Before you go

• Learners need to bring their own piece of furniture, with its suitability discussed at the first session.
• Learners should provide 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 it is brought to the workshop.
• Learners are expected to keep a written workshop learning journal and provide materials for their projects.
• Literacy and numeracy support, ESOL support and additional support for learning difficulties or disabilities are available.