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Course intent

Enhance & improve your skills and knowledge to develop a wider range of upholstery methods. Continue refining both traditional and modern techniques as you explore the craft further. Learners work on individual projects at their own pace, receiving personalized help and guidance from the tutor.

What will I learn?

You will learn:

• Material Knowledge: Choose and apply the correct fillings, upholstery fabrics, and sundries. Assess each item to determine whether traditional methods (hair, wadding, tacks, and stitched edges) or modern techniques (foam, glue, and staples) are most appropriate for the project.
• Design Techniques: Develop skills to transform furniture, focusing on both aesthetic and functional elements, with an understanding of colour and design principles.
• Production Process: Assess items for traditional or modern upholstery methods. Learn to strip old upholstery, evaluate frame condition and apply techniques like buttoning, piping cord, and box cushions.
• Craftsmanship: Focus on building attention to detail and quality in your work, ensuring each piece is well-made and durable. Learn to identify, evaluate, and measure suitable fabrics and materials, understanding how they will be best used in your upholstery projects.
• Studio Practice: Work in a safe environment, following best practices for tool safety and maintaining an organized and efficient workspace.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

Stage 2 - Suitable for learners who have completed stage 1 and would like to gain more experience and refine their skills within their chosen subject area. The focus will be on developing more control and proficiency in practice and learning and completing more complex projects.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

You need to bring:

• A sketchbook and pen
• An apron and closed toe shoes
• A small/medium item of furniture to be upholstered, such as a stool, dining chair, small armchair, or headboard.
• Any upholstery tools you may have.
• Your chosen fabric for the piece.

Additional Information:

• If your furniture contains fire-retardant materials, they may contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Due to new Health & Safety laws, you will need to dispose of these materials off the premises if removed from the furniture.
• There is no capacity within the class for sanding, painting etc - this will need to be done in your own time.

For any queries, please email adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to progress onto Upholstery workshops or further Arts & Crafts courses at SAL.

Additional Information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

We value and support equality, diversity and inclusion by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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