Mastering Upholstery: From Side Chairs to Armchairs

Monday, July 14, 2025 8:00 AM 08:00
Friday, July 18, 2025 5:00 PM 17:00

Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute 1375 N Main St Adrian, MI, 49221 United States (map)

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Mastering Upholstery: From Side Chairs to Armchairs 7.14.2025

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Mastering Upholstery: From Side Chairs to Armchairs

5 Days: Monday - Friday, July 14th-18th, 2025, 8AM - 5 PM

Tuition: $1,200

Ages: 18 & Up

Instructor: Carolyn Racine

Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person

Prerequisites: none

Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Program Description:

Unlock the art of reupholstery with our Mastering Upholstery: From Side Chairs to Armchairs course. Whether you’re a passionate furniture flipper or have a cherished family heirloom in need of some TLC, this 5-day class will equip you with all the skills necessary to breathe new life into your furniture at home.

Designed for beginners with no prior experience required, this hands-on course begins with the basics: reupholstering a side chair. You’ll learn how to measure and cut fabric, expertly wrap fabric over corners, and properly apply staples for a crisp, professional finish. From there, you’ll team up with a classmate to tackle the more complex challenge of reupholstering an armchair from start to finish.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of essential upholstery tools, techniques, and materials. You’ll learn how to remove old material and staples, restore underlying structures, and plan your fabric needs for any project. By the end of the week, you’ll have the opportunity to bring in your own project from home, receive expert guidance, and begin the reupholstery process with confidence.

All materials for the class projects will be provided. Students are welcome to bring a simple dining room chair for the Day 1 lesson, while armchairs for the group project will be supplied. On the final day, you’ll focus on a personal project, making this course the perfect blend of guided instruction and individual creativity.

Learning Objectives:

Understand upholstery fabrics and how to select them for your projects.
Measure and cut fabric accurately for reupholstery.
Use essential upholstery tools including pullers, pliers, staple guns, a webbing stretcher, spray adhesive, high-temp hot glue guns, and a sewing machine.
Remove staples and old materials safely and efficiently.
Gain knowledge of upholstery materials like fabric, barrier fabric, burlap, jute, foam, batting, and welting cord.
Master the wrap & staple upholstery method suitable for side chairs, barstools, benches, and more.
Fold fabric over corners for a clean, polished appearance.
Learn the order of operations for large projects like an armchair, ensuring a smooth and organized reupholstery process.
Stretch and staple materials properly to achieve a professional result.
Make and apply welting cord to enhance your projects with detailed finishes.
Get an introduction to cleaning and refinishing wood, complementing your upholstery work.

Note: Work gloves are recommended but not required for staple removal.