day time and evening classes in  traditional upholstery

Traditional Upholstery Courses

Course Content       B&B accommodation      Booking Form    Terms and Conditions

Our Upholstery courses teach traditional upholstery skills and techniques in a relaxed and friendly environment. Complete beginners are welcome, as are those with some previous experience in upholstery. The courses run along side our main workshop, and students are taught in the same large workspace where our own craftsmen work. You are therefore able to observe professional upholsterers in action and learn from them. Our tutors are highly skilled craftspeople who have worked in the trade for many years. We believe that this unique teaching environment is what makes our courses so special and rewarding for students. Our adjoining cabinet making workshop is on hand so that any woodwork repairs needed to your project can also be incorporated into the course. In addition, we can offer expert tuition in French Polishing, which is a valuable skill if you need to enhance the appearance of any show-wood on your furniture.

Course Content

We aim to be as flexible as possible, and generally run courses throughout the year. Our one-week course (Monday to Friday) is suggested as the minimum to make substantial progress, but you can attend by the day or part-week by arrangement. We also run afternoon and evening classes every week.

We have no more than six students on a course, and  provide two tutors, ensuring lots of individual help is available.

Teaching is done informally; often you will gather round to watch a technique being demonstrated on your own or another student's work, or listen to an explanation of how and why something is done. The tutors will give individual help, advice and hands-on demonstrations as you progress with your work. You are encouraged to use a camera and notebook to record everything you do - very valuable to refer to later on.

Many students like to bring a piece of furniture to re-upholster, that they already own, but others come simply to learn skills and techniques - we cater for both. If you have a piece that you want to work on, please discuss with us first to make sure that what you want to do is realistic in the time available. We can provide you with a simple framed stool and all materials if you do not have a suitable work piece. This is an ideal project for a beginner.

On our traditional upholstery course you will learn some of the following. Not every technique can be covered in a short course, but you can choose particular skills that apply to your piece of work. When arranging your course, please discuss with us in detail exactly what you hope to achieve and we will endeavour to plan your time as well as possible:

health and safety

overview of tools and materials

stripping back to the frame

 use of webbing, springs, hessian, lashing down, first and second stuffings, wadding

forming edge-rolls, bridles, use of calico

knots and stitches

tacking down, making corners, stitching an edge, pleating

attaching new coverings and trimmings

deep buttoning

French polishing

(Modern Upholstery Techniques: Although most students want to master the age-old traditional skills, we can, on request, also teach you modern procedures such as use and cutting foam, basic sewing machine skills, piping, etc.)

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation (on our Links page)

Booking Form  (please print and post / email to us)

Terms and Conditions

I agree to follow all health and safety instructions provided by the tutors, to wear suitable clothing, hard footwear, an apron and any personal protection equipment provided. I will keep my work areas clear and safe and report any problems to the tutors immediately. I will only use tools (both hand and machine) after receiving instruction from the tutors. I will leave the building immediately in the event of a fire alarm sounding. I understand that working with furniture will involve moving, lifting, carrying, and I confirm that the piece I bring to work on is suitable for my degree of physical strength and fitness. I understand that all personal possessions including my own tools and materials, are brought at my own risk. I will inform tutors of any special needs or requirements I may have before the course commences. Course fees are payable as a 25% deposit at the time of booking, with the balance due three weeks prior to the start of the course. Your deposit will be refunded if you cancel up to six weeks prior to the start of the course. If we cancel your course, you will be offered a full refund or alterative dates.