Upholstery workshop – beginners/improvers
Would you love to give furniture a new lease of life, create unique pieces for your home, or perhaps explore upholstery as the start of a new career?
This practical, hands-on workshop will help you develop your upholstery skills and confidence as you learn to transform furniture using a variety of traditional and modern techniques. You will explore different upholstery materials, design ideas and the safe use of specialist tools and equipment, with plenty of opportunity to work at your own pace and develop your individual style.
Beginners will start with a small footstool/piano stool or a simple drop-in dining chair seat. The chair should have a single seat pad and no springs. You can choose a piece that suits your personal taste, whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary look. The age and style of your furniture will influence the techniques and materials you use. As your skills develop, you can progress to a second project, such as a chair with both a seat and back pad, ideally without springs.
Returning learners are welcome to bring along their current upholstery project or a new chair to work on, building on their existing skills and exploring new techniques as they progress.
Choosing the right piece of furniture is an important first step, so if you are new to upholstery or would like advice on a suitable starter project, please contact the Curriculum Leader before enrolling or purchasing your furniture.
Course fees
Or call us: Call this number: 020 8314 3300
Monday - Friday 10am-3pm
How to enrol
After you’ve chosen which course you want to do, you need to enrol. You should enrol before the course starts to make sure you get a place.
You can enrol up to three weeks after the start date if there are spaces available.
Enrolment
You can enrol online for most courses on the course page.
Phone: 020 8314 3300
Monday to Friday: 10am-3pm
Evening and Saturday mornings:
Phone: 020 8314 3300
Monday to Thursday: 4.30-7.30pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm
For enrolments during term time only.
You can also enrol in person at any one of our adult learning centres.
We can only accept debit or credit card payments.
Requirements
If this is your first enrolment you’ll need to provide proof of identity. We will accept a photo of one of the following:
- passport
- driving licence
- national ID card
- birth or adoption certificate
- National Insurance card
- credit or debit card
- recent utility bills or bank statements
- Freedom Pass
How to enrol if you get reduced fees
Find out whether you’re entitled to reduced fees when paying for your course.
If you’re entitled to reduced fees, you can enrol online, but you’ll need to pay for the course then claim a partial refund – you can do so by sending copies of any benefits you’ve claimed in the last three months to adultlearning@lewisham.gov.uk.
Upholstery workshop – beginners/improvers
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Learning aims
- To assess & repair frames, as applicable, and to plan & calculate the type and quantities of materials required
- To demonstrate the correct and safe use of specialist tools and equipment
- To begin, progress or complete an appropriate project according to your experience level
What prior knowledge do I need
This workshop-style class is designed for learners of all abilities- from complete beginners through to those learners with more experience who wish to develop their upholstery skills in a dynamic, encouraging and professional environment
What teaching methods
The tutor will use a range of methods during the course to ensure that your skills are developed, and these will include demonstration - both group and individual- one to one discussion & guidance.
What assessment methods
The course tutor will use a range of methods to assess your individual progress and achievement of your personal project work- including observation and discussion of your work, and verbal evaluation of work samples and completed projects. There is no individual learning plan agreement to complete in this class.
Extra work
Extra work is not essential but will enable learners to practice techniques and progress their projects at a faster pace.
Materials needed
As per the recommendations for your experience level, you will need to source and bring in your item of furniture to work on for the course, and you will also need to purchase your top fabrics and upholstery goods & sundries which are not covered by the basic materials fee. The tutor will provide further information at the first session, but overall costs will be dependent on the quantity and type of materials used.
What to bring
Please bring your current work or new project. If you are new to this course, but have previous Upholstery course experience, it is ESSENTIAL that you do not bring in an item of furniture any larger than a standard armchair. You will also need a tape measure, fabric cutting scissors, a pen, pencil, permanent marker pen & notebook, plus an A4 folder/wallet for notes and handouts. A phone/camera is also very useful for recording new techniques & details for future reference as your work progresses.
After completion
The department also offers a range of related Soft Furnishing courses, that will develop your sewing and cushion/seating construction skills. Information about progression courses is available through the tutor, the Curriculum Leader or the online Adult Learning Lewisham programme
Contact details
Sarah Gursoy-Heuser
Curriculum Leader for: Textiles and Floral Design
Phone:
0208 314 7309
Email:
sarah.gursoyheuser@lewisham.gov.uk