Upholstery - Mixed Abilities

<ul>
<li>learning traditional upholstery techniques</li>
<li>
<p>learning to use of a variety of specialised tools</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>leanring fabric types and construction</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>learning hand and machine upholstery sewing skills</p>
</li>
</ul>

<p><u>For beginners:</u></p>

<p>The course provides an introduction to this traditional skill. As a first project, a drop-in seat (a one-person seat pad with no springs, such as a dining chair or a simple foot/piano stool) is recommended.</p>

<p>Please bring this along to your first session. If you do not have a drop-in seat to hand, we have a limited number of suitable chairs (this may incur a small cost). All other items need to be seen and approved by the tutor first.</p>

<p>You will learn how to strip a seat, attach webbing, stuff the seat, measure, cover it in calico, and add the top fabric covering. The course will also teach you fundamental upholstery techniques such as single and double piping, hand-stitching and stuff-over techniques, leading you onto the next steps.</p>

<p><u>For improvers:</u></p>

<p>Experienced learners are supported to develop their skills by working on a project of their choice, such as a chair with a one-person seat and a back pad. The course may include learning new skills such as pattern matching, cutting trims and buttoning.</p>

<p>Upholstery classes are for anyone - absolute beginners or those with some experience wishing to develop their skills.</p>

<p>Experienced learners should bring along the pre-approved item of furniture/project that can be completed in the 10 weeks of the course or at home.</p>

<p>Beginners/new to upholstery should bring along a drop-in seat or stool.</p>

<p>All learners should bring:</p>

<ul>
<li>
<p>a pen</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>a pencil</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>a notepad</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>a camera or camera phone (useful for recording your progress)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>strong thick-soled shoes (no sandals or thin-soled shoes)</p>
</li>
</ul>

<p>The workshop is equipped with all the upholstery tools that you will need.</p>

<p>There is a charge of £10 for essential materials used on the course (tacks, glue, staples, etc.) Additional charges are payable for individual material needs, such as springs, webbing, and stuffing (by weight). Payment will be, over the phone, between the penultimate and the last lesson</p>

<p>Learners must supply, at the appropriate time, a top cover fabric.</p>

<p>How the course is taught</p>

<ul>
<li>demonstrations</li>
<li>handouts and reference books are available</li>
<li>support and advice are given when working on your projects</li>
<li>you will be directed to internet sites to show clips to support the demonstrations and/or alternative methods</li>
<li>one-to-one talks with the tutor and group discussion</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>work on projects at home</li>
<li>learn to work on more advanced pieces of furniture and modern or traditional techniques</li>
</ul>