Upholstery Course

Lesson 1 • Workshop Safety and Organization

Covers hazard identification, safe tool handling, and ergonomic workspace setup. Directly supports injury-free practice throughout all hands-on chapters.

Lesson 2 • Essential Tools and Their Uses

Introduces hand tools, pneumatic tools, and measuring equipment used daily. Students practice identifying and safely handling each tool before cutting or sewing.

Lesson 3 • History and Scope of Upholstery

Traces upholstery from hand-crafted antiques to modern production methods. Establishes professional context for all techniques taught in the course.

Lesson 1 • Preparing the Frame for New Work

Addresses sanding, sealing, and adding tacking strips or webbing anchor points. A properly prepared frame ensures new materials attach securely and last longer.

Lesson 2 • Identifying Frame Materials and Construction

Distinguishes hardwood, softwood, plywood, and metal frames and their joinery methods. Knowing frame type determines the correct repair approach and fastener selection.

Lesson 3 • Stripping Old Upholstery Safely

Demonstrates systematic removal of fabric, padding, and fasteners without damaging the frame. Careful stripping reveals hidden damage and preserves reusable components.

Lesson 1 • Understanding Fabric Properties

Examines grain, stretch, durability ratings, and pattern repeat in upholstery textiles. Correct fabric selection prevents premature wear and misaligned patterns.

Lesson 2 • Measuring and Estimating Yardage

Teaches systematic measurement of furniture pieces and calculation of fabric requirements. Accurate estimates reduce waste and control material costs on every job.

Lesson 3 • Cutting Techniques and Precision

Demonstrates straight cuts, curved cuts, and notching with shears and rotary cutters. Clean, accurate cuts are the foundation of professional-looking finished work.

Lesson 1 • Industrial Sewing Machine Operation

Covers machine anatomy, threading, tension adjustment, and stitch length settings. Confident machine operation is prerequisite to all sewing tasks in later sections.

Lesson 2 • Core Seam Types and Techniques

Teaches plain seams, French seams, and flat-fell seams suited to upholstery loads. Each seam type is matched to appropriate fabric weights and stress points.

Lesson 3 • Zippers, Closures, and Finishing

Covers zipper insertion, hook-and-loop tape, and hand-stitched closures for cushion covers. Proper closures allow easy removal for cleaning and professional presentation.

Lesson 1 • Sinuous Springs and Edge Wire Systems

Covers sinuous spring installation, clip attachment, and edge wire forming for modern frames. Sinuous systems are faster to install and common in contemporary furniture.

Lesson 2 • Tying and Lashing Coil Springs

Demonstrates eight-way hand-tying and machine-tied alternatives for coil spring systems. Correct tying prevents springs from shifting and maintains even seat height.

Lesson 3 • Coil Spring Selection and Placement

Explains spring gauges, heights, and placement grids for different seat types. Proper spring selection determines seat firmness and longevity under daily use.

Lesson 1 • Deck Padding and Edge Rolls

Covers padding the seat deck, installing edge rolls, and creating a smooth foundation for fabric. Edge rolls define the seat perimeter and prevent fabric from cutting on frame edges.

Lesson 2 • Traditional Padding Materials

Covers cotton batting, Dacron wrap, horsehair, and rubberized hair for traditional builds. These materials add softness, shape, and a rounded profile over foam or springs.

Lesson 3 • Foam Types, Grades, and Selection

Compares ILD ratings, density, and resilience across foam grades for seats and backs. Selecting the right foam prevents premature sagging and customer complaints.

Lesson 4 • Cushion Core Construction

Demonstrates building T-cushions, boxed cushions, and knife-edge cushions with proper fill. Well-constructed cores hold their shape and simplify fabric cover installation.

Lesson 1 • Finishing Edges and Trim Application

Demonstrates gimp, decorative tacks, welt cord, and cambric dust cover installation. Finishing details protect raw edges and give the piece a polished, professional appearance.

Lesson 2 • Arm and Border Panel Application

Covers inside arm, outside arm, and border panel attachment with correct tension and alignment. Arms are the most complex panels and require careful planning before stapling.

Lesson 3 • Handling Corners and Curves

Demonstrates pleating, notching, and folding techniques for inside and outside corners. Neat corners and curves are the hallmark of skilled, professional upholstery work.

Lesson 4 • Inside and Outside Back Application

Teaches the sequence for applying inside back, outside back, and arm panels in correct order. Sequence prevents fabric from being trapped and ensures clean, accessible edges.

Lesson 1 • Antique and Period Furniture Restoration

Addresses traditional techniques including coil spring tying, horsehair stuffing, and hand-stitched edges for period pieces. Restoration requires matching original methods and materials.

Lesson 2 • Channel and Flute Work

Demonstrates sewing and stuffing vertical or curved channels for backs and headboards. Channels require precise sewing and even fill to achieve a uniform, elegant appearance.

Lesson 3 • Headboards and Decorative Panels

Teaches building padded headboards, wall panels, and decorative inserts with tufting or channeling. These projects combine sewing, padding, and finishing skills in a single deliverable.

Lesson 4 • Diamond and Biscuit Tufting

Covers marking grids, pulling buttons, and creating even diamond or biscuit patterns in fabric. Tufting requires precise geometry and consistent button tension across the entire panel.