Courses and workshops - what you will learn

We offer courses to suit everyone, from one week duration to longer Diploma or AMUSF accredited courses. With only five students per course and with two tutors for most of the time, the amount and quality of the tuition you receive individually is exceptional, and is geared to your needs. During your first week as a beginner you could learn the basic principles of upholstery depending on what furniture you work on; webbing, springing, stuffing, re-covering and shallow buttoning. You will learn about upholstery tools and sundries. In addition you will examine fabrics, practice measuring up and cutting out. If you already have experience of the above either as a result of night classes or have attended one of our courses before, you may want to go on to more advanced upholstery. You can learn the complete re-building of furniture from the frame up - usually with sprung arms and back. This will include the practice of stitched-edge rolls, deep buttoning and the use of gimps and braids.

What to bring with you: For your first week bring a drop-in seat, a pin-stuffed seat and a sprung dining chair. You may be able to complete them all. If you are unable to bring your own furniture it is worth calling Liz at the workshop to discuss other options. We can supply ottoman boxes, stools and headboards for you to upholster. Typically a fireside chair can be re-built in one week and an armchair can take two. We discourage students from trying to complete too much in too short a time. Please bring a notepad and don't forget your camera if you have one - you'll find it useful to record stages of your work and that of others at various stages. Don't forget to bring old clothes. Fabrics: If you have your own fabrics - of course you should bring them. If you are unsure about the quantity you need - check with your fabric supplier or ring us. We carry a small stock of fabric suitable for one offs like dining chairs and stools, but if you need several metres for say an armchair - we would order it for you using a 'Next day' delivery service from our suppliers. We carry a fabulous range of sample books and sell fabrics at reasonable prices. Romo, Swaffer, Designers Guild, Malabar, Castle Textiles, Boynett, Titley & Marr and Ross are just some of the fabric suppliers whose fabrics we stock. Sundry materials such as webbing, tacks, cotton flock, hessian, glue, etc. are charged for on departure and many students purchase their supplies and tools from us to get them started. Tools  During their stay, each student is supplied with their own toolbox to work with, which contains a dozen or so of the most commonly used tools. We are able to provide help and advice with purchasing upholstery tools. For those planning a career in this business we offer a Traditional Upholstery Workshop Diploma and AMUSF Accredited Craft Certificates.