Description
This is a ‘taster’ upholstery course on Friday mornings from 10am til 1pm –Â 5 sessions over 5 weeks.
Upholstery is a huge craft so this is designed as a ‘taster course’ for people who want to try their hand at upholstery and experience a little of what the craft is about.  Students need to bring a beginner-size project such as a dining chair, piano stool or loose seats – something small so that it is achievable in the time. Please send a photo of your project to saramac@upholsterybureau.com before the course, to ensure it is doable.
If Friday is the most convenient time for you to come, then you are also welcome to enrol. Many students re-enrol for consecutive courses and they receive guidance and instruction and the opportunity to review basic skills alongside ‘new’ beginners.
Everyone learns and works at their own pace and comes to the class with varying ability, so it is not possible to guarantee that you will finish your project in the time, but we will always try! As well, the condition of the project can play its part in how long it will take you to complete.
With the appropriate project, you should require no more than one metre of good fabric which you should bring to the first or second session. Check out the FAQs/Info page on the website for places to find fabrics. You will also learn about this during your course.
* There is no storage fee for a beginner size project, however, to cover the cost of storing armchairs (including tub chairs, cocktail chairs, loungers, large ottomans, benches, some nursing chairs) there is an additional storage fee of £65 per term.  Extra large chairs (depth or width is over 73cm) £120 per term. This fee is paid at your first session, by card.* If you are unsure if you will be charged a storage fee, please ask the tutor.
NB Everyone must send a photo of their project prior to the course. If you need any guidance, please do get in touch via email to saramac@upholsterybureau.com
Please do check out the FAQs page on the website for answers to frequently asked questions.
What will I learn? What will I be doing?
- Identify at least 7 basic tools used for ripping out and for re-upholstery/recover
- Practise using and handling tools safely (the pneumatic staple gun, chisel, hammer)
- Complete or partial ripping out for reupholstery or a recover
- Identify at least 3 upholstery materials/fillings/waddings and practise handling these correctly
- Practise measuring and cutting accurately and recording materials used
- Replicate the skills shown by the tutor for tacking, making Y & T cuts, tensioning materials correctly, making corner pleats
- Demonstrate your skills on your own project with guidance from the tutor
- Choosing and sourcing appropriate upholstery fabric; pro’s and con’s of different fabrics; Martindale Test
- Participate in group discussion about simple wood cleaning and reviving techniques and small project repairs
- Participate in group discussion about choosing and sourcing upholstery fabrics and trimmings
- Email me a photo of your project prior to the course at saramac@upholsterybureau.com and check out the FAQs page for guidance and advice.  Feel free to email me if you think you need advice on a project.
Students provide their own fabric and trimmings or buttons with guidance and help from the tutor. Any materials used in the workshop are paid for at the end of the 5 weeks.
Fee  £295 per person plus materials (+ storage if applicable) (see note above)
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