This is a three-stage programme designed to develop a range of both modern and traditional upholstery skills suitable for a beginner or those with some upholstery experience.  Starting with the basics of a simple drop-in dining chair through to large traditionally upholstered armchairs, as well as developing the tailoring skills required for mid-century modern furniture.

Each student is encouraged to aim high and develop their skills and creativity to the highest level.  We pride ourselves in the fact that a large proportion of our students achieve Credits and Distinctions for their work and many go on to set up their own businesses or work for other upholsterers, including royal warrant holders, interior designers and members of the AMUSF.

During Stage 1 you will develop your practical skills, gaining knowledge and experience in the manipulation of a variety of materials and processes, within the context of a series of individual set exercises and/or assessment projects. 

You will also acquire an understanding of upholstery fabrics and textiles and will be encouraged to develop your own creativity.

• Drop-in seat both modern & traditional materials
• Stitched and stuffed chair
• Sprung dining chair
• Sprung arm exercise
• Scatter Cushion*
• Box Cushion with piping and zip
• Bolster End with piping
• Upholstered and lined box with deep-buttoned lid*
• Portfolio containing notes and details of your work in progress
• Written Research Project: Fabric Characteristics, Identification & Appropriate Usage

​* One of which must include some decorative details or fabric manipulation.

At Stage 2 you will further develop the skills learned at Stage 1 with a further range of projects designed to broaden your knowledge and skills, working alongside others who may be working on different styles of chairs:

• T-Shaped Cushion with piping and zips
• Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars
• Independent sprung edge for a cushion seat (exercise)
• Armless chair with traditionally upholstered seat and back
• Post 1950s Armchair upholstered using modern materials & methods
• Portfolio containing notes and details of your work in progress
• Written Research Project: History of Upholstered Furniture – a timeline and overview of the styles of upholstered furniture and the development of upholstery techniques and materials use.

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At Stage 3 you will develop these skills even further learning how to adapt and apply the skills learnt onto more advanced styles of traditional armchairs as well as the tailoring and fitting required for modern curved and shaped chairs.  Good quality upholstery is achieved by eye, feel and judgement and it is these skills that we aim to help our students achieve.

• ​Substantial Traditional Armchair of advanced techniques, which should include at least two of the following elements: the fitting of caps and collars, scroll arms or stitched-up edges to arms, sprung arms, coil sprung seats, independent sprung edges, deep buttoning, fluting or an iron framed chair.
• Modern Chair with a concave inside back incorporating tailored fitting and top stitching i.e. Egg style or shell frame
• Business Studies - the requirements for setting up a small business 
• Written Research Project: 20^th Century Furniture Design – an overview of the styles, periods and iconic designers of the 20^th Century.