Modern upholstery courses at Manorhouse

A 5 piece modern upholstery course

 

Our Modern Upholstery course has been developed as a comprehensive 12-day course equally suited to students who want to gain a broad set of modern upholstery skills, working with foam instead of traditional materials. This course will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to set up and run your own upholstery business, or to make a range of modern pieces for your own use, or to progress in your current job.

The next 12 day course will begin January 2025
and will run for 12 consecutive Thursdays 9.30 to 4.00

 

We know that many people are looking for a change to their routine or current job, or want to create a better work/life balance, or maybe want to earn some extra money, but they are not sure they have the skills or knowledge to make the change.

This course has been designed specifically for such circumstances. It’s packed with practical, hands-on experience, with much of the theory and knowledge being dealt with during the practical sessions – e.g. pattern matching is introduced in a practical session rather than in a classroom because it makes much more sense when you can see the pattern on an item of furniture.

The course is focused on teaching a range of core, transferable upholstery skills that can be applied to a range of furniture and items of soft furnishings, and that will allow you to begin creating from your own space, or to enhance your current job role. The equipment needed to set up your own upholstery studio is limited to a few key items, and you will learn about each of these on the course.

The one day a week over 12 weeks timetable means you can work around any family commitments and still have time to practice skills and techniques at home, as well as study the knowledge elements. Class times are 9.30 to 4.00, but we realise and accept that some people need flexibility and we work with students to make sure they don’t miss out on any learning.

Each summer we also run the course as a 12-day block over 2 weeks and 2 days.

What You’ll Learn

Practical skills

The Modern Upholstery course is designed to provide individuals with the practical skills required to undertake a wide variety of upholstery projects. While there are many different types and styles of upholstery, many of the foundation skills are the same, meaning that once you have mastered them, they can be applied to other projects.

While on the course, you will spend your time in our workshop mastering these core skills, and practising them over and over.

Topics covered :

  • Health and safety induction

  • Identifying tools and their uses and safe use of tools

  • Use of existing material for templates

  • Planning your project

  • Fabric selection

  • Fabric calculation

  • Pattern matching

  • Calculate and make patterns for deep buttoning

  • Calculate and make patterns for square buttoning

  • Van Dyke joins

  • Make buttons

  • Shallow button techniques

  • Deep button techniques

  • Square/biscuit buttoning

  • Make and apply ruching borders

  • How to sew mitres

  • Make and apply plain borders with mitres

  • Fluting techniques

  • How to apply studs

  • Applying finishes to raw wood

  • Recognise, select, and apply webbing

  • Recognise, select, and apply foam

  • Forming corners

  • Doing cuts

  • Apply back tacking strip

  • Apply metal grip

  • Hand finish sewing techniques

  • Apply bottoming

  • Sewing machine selection and safe use

  • Safe use and operation of overlocking machine

  • Make double and single piping

  • Insert a zip

Essential knowledge

While most of your time on the course will be spent in the workshop developing your practical upholstery skills, there will be several theory based sessions in which you will gain an in-depth knowledge of many aspects of upholstery, including just what it takes to run a successful upholstery business and maximise your success.

Now, we know how much fun the practical side of upholstery can be, whether you’re creating something beautiful or just going wild with a staple gun, but the knowledge behind it is the most important aspect of a successful upholstery business. After all, if you can’t sell what you make it’s not a viable business.

Topics covered :

  • Workshop set up and introduction to compressors and tools

  • Fire Regulations

  • Fabric Knowledge

  • Fabric Measuring

  • Project estimating and pricing

  • An overview of setting up and operating the business – includes business type, insurance, legal requirements, taking payments, keeping accounts and more

  • An overview of marketing and promoting your business - where to sell, how to advertise, and promoting your business on social media,

 

What Pieces Will I Work On?

The course has been designed with an emphasis on practical learning, meaning we aim to provide you with as much hands-on experience as possible. This ‘learn by doing’ focus means that throughout the duration of the course, students get to work on a variety of pieces, practising and developing core transferable skills.

Pieces covered :

  • Drop-in seat pad - modern materials

  • Shallow buttoned Footstool - modern materials

  • Deep buttoned Footstool - modern materials with van dyking (joining two pieces of fabric with a hidden join) and a fixed border.

  • Sample boards - with different styles including borders, piping, fluting, and square/biscuit finish

  • Single headboard applying your newly learned skills (or bench seat)

  • Modern Cocktail chair with a stitched border – modern materials with options for different finishes using your newly transferable skills, e.g. buttoning/fluting.

And don’t worry, all the pieces you make on the course are yours to keep!

 

Course Cost

£1495

The total price for the Modern Upholstery course is £1495, which can be paid across three instalments.

  • Payment 1 - £495 | Paid at the time of booking

  • Payment 2 - £500 | Paid at the start of week 5

  • Payment 3 - £500 | Paid at the start of week 9

The only cost not included is your top cover fabrics for each item made on the course.

FAQs

 

Can I keep the pieces I make on the course?

Yes. All the pieces you make on the course are yours to keep and do with as you please. Keep them as samples to show your future customers or to photograph for your marketing, or sell them to generate income.

I have no experience - is it suitable for me?

Absolutely. The course has been designed to teach core techniques in a progressive way, introducing the essential skills that can then be applied to a range of items. With full support at every stage and time to practice in class the skills should soon become second nature. Mix the practical skills with the knowledge sessions and supporting information and you should complete the course with enough knowledge and skill, and most importantly confidence to continue the journey of running your own upholstery business. And if in the future you need help, or to ask a question we will always be here.

How much space will I need to set up my own business?

It all depends on which pieces you want to make and sell. The items on the course could all be made at home - maybe a spare room, or a suitable garden studio, or even your kitchen table if you make the smaller items. Your choice of items will dictate the space and equipment needed.

I’m not sure - can I visit the workshop first?

Of course. We would encourage you to arrange a visit and see first hand the environment and meet the team. Ideally a visit between classes will allow you to chat with the team, and then maybe see the start of the following class. Call us to arrange a visit at a suitable time.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes. £1495 is a lot of money for most of us. Payments are split into 3 amounts - £495; £500; £500.

The only extra costs are top cover fabrics and legs for your bench seat if you choose that option - everything else is included.

Are traditional upholstery skills covered ?

Not on this course. The Modern Upholstery course is designed around modern upholstery materials and techniques and is a quick route to set up a business, making a range of smaller items. You can attend further courses to learn traditional methods which could set you up as a “jobbing upholsterer” when you could take on re-upholstery projects such as wing back armchairs, sofas, and chaise longues.

Do you sell Gift vouchers?

Yes we do - from as little as £10. Visit our shop - we will email a printable voucher that you can use at home, or if you don’t have access to a printer we can mail a voucher to you.