Armchair Upholstery Course

Lesson 1 • History and Scope of Upholstery

Traces upholstery from traditional craft to modern trade, establishing context for techniques ahead. Learners recognise how historical methods inform current practice.

Lesson 2 • Essential Upholstery Tools Identified

Introduces every hand and power tool used in upholstery work. Learners match each tool to its specific function before handling any materials.

Lesson 3 • Workspace Setup and Safety

Covers ergonomic workstation layout and safe tool-handling protocols. Proper setup prevents injury and supports efficient workflow throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Frame Materials and Construction Methods

Examines hardwood, softwood, and engineered-board frames and their upholstery implications. Learners select appropriate repair strategies based on material type.

Lesson 2 • Frame Repair and Preparation Techniques

Covers gluing, clamping, and reinforcing weakened joints and rails. A sound frame is the prerequisite for durable upholstery, linking directly to later padding work.

Lesson 3 • Armchair Structural Components

Names and locates every part of a standard armchair frame, from legs to top rail. This vocabulary underpins all subsequent disassembly and construction work.

Lesson 1 • Removing Padding and Stuffing Layers

Covers extraction of foam, fibre, and traditional stuffing without contaminating the workspace. Learners assess each layer's condition for potential reuse or replacement.

Lesson 2 • Webbing and Spring Removal

Teaches safe detachment of interlaced webbing and tied springs from seat rails. Removed springs are inspected and sorted for reuse in the springing chapter.

Lesson 3 • Removing Fabric Covers Safely

Demonstrates ripping chisels, staple lifters, and tack pullers to detach covers cleanly. Learners preserve cover pieces intact for use as cutting templates.

Lesson 1 • Lashing and Tying Spring Systems

Covers figure-eight knots, clove hitches, and lashing cord to secure coil springs in position. Properly tied springs distribute load evenly and prevent lateral movement.

Lesson 2 • Applying and Tensioning Webbing

Demonstrates folding, tacking, and interlacing webbing across seat rails at correct tension. Learners use a webbing stretcher to achieve uniform support without rail stress.

Lesson 3 • Spring Types and Placement

Identifies coil, serpentine, and pocket springs and their placement patterns for armchairs. Correct spring layout prevents uneven wear and maintains seat profile over time.

Lesson 4 • Webbing Types and Selection

Compares jute, rubber, and synthetic webbing by stretch, load capacity, and longevity. Correct selection determines seat firmness and the lifespan of the finished chair.

Lesson 1 • Applying Hessian and Scrim Layers

Demonstrates tacking hessian over springs and scrim over first stuffing to contain padding. These layers form the structural base for all subsequent padding and fabric work.

Lesson 2 • Modern Foam Selection and Cutting

Covers foam density, ILD ratings, and cutting techniques for seat, back, and arm pads. Learners match foam specification to comfort requirements and chair usage patterns.

Lesson 3 • Crowning and Profiling Seat Surfaces

Shapes the top stuffing layer to create a crowned seat profile that resists flattening under use. Learners achieve symmetrical profiles by eye and by measurement.

Lesson 4 • Traditional Stuffing Materials

Examines horsehair, coir fibre, and cotton felt as traditional padding layers. Learners understand how each material contributes to firmness, breathability, and longevity.

Lesson 1 • Creating a Cut Plan

Develops a scaled cut plan that places all chair sections on the fabric width efficiently. Learners calculate total yardage including pattern repeat allowances before cutting.

Lesson 2 • Cutting Fabric Accurately

Demonstrates shears, rotary cutters, and straight-edge techniques for clean, accurate cuts. Precise cutting prevents fitting problems and reduces costly fabric waste.

Lesson 3 • Upholstery Fabric Properties

Compares woven, knitted, and bonded fabrics by rub count, stretch, and suitability for armchairs. Learners match fabric properties to chair usage, style, and client requirements.

Lesson 1 • Covering Arms and Arm Fronts

Addresses the most complex fitting areas: inside arms, outside arms, and arm front panels. Learners cut, notch, and pleat fabric to follow curved arm profiles cleanly.

Lesson 2 • Pleating, Folding, and Corner Techniques

Demonstrates single, double, and knife pleats for corners, curves, and scroll arms. Neat pleating is a key indicator of craftsmanship quality in finished upholstery.

Lesson 3 • Temporary Tacking and Tensioning

Establishes the temporary-tack method for positioning fabric before permanent fixing. Learners learn the correct tensioning sequence to prevent distortion and puckering.

Lesson 4 • Covering the Seat Drop-In and Stuff-Over

Covers two primary seat types: the removable drop-in pad and the stuff-over fixed seat. Learners apply fabric to each type using appropriate tensioning and corner techniques.

Lesson 1 • Reattaching Legs and Hardware

Covers refitting legs, casters, and any decorative hardware removed during stripping. Correct reattachment ensures stability and protects the finished fabric from damage.

Lesson 2 • Piping and Welt Construction

Teaches cutting bias strips, inserting cord, and sewing piping for seam definition. Piping adds structural reinforcement to seams while enhancing the chair's visual lines.

Lesson 3 • Attaching the Dust Cover

Demonstrates cutting and stapling a cambric dust cover to the chair's underside. The dust cover protects internal components and presents a clean professional finish.

Lesson 4 • Quality Inspection and Fault Correction

Applies a structured checklist to assess tension, alignment, seams, and trimmings. Learners identify and correct faults before the chair is considered complete.