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AMUSF Upholstery Diploma

Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers

This is a three stage programme designed to develop to give a greater range of practical skills allowing you to work on antique as well as mid-century modern furniture, from a simple drop-in dining chair seat to large traditionally upholstered armchairs, as well as developing a range of tailoring skills required for mid-century furniture.

A high proportion of our students achieve credits and distinctions for their work with over fifty percent of our past students now working for themselves or for other upholsterers, including royal warrant holders, interior designers and members of the AMUSF.

Upholstery Stage 1

Stage 1 Upholstery

During this stage you will gain an understanding of the tools and materials used and will work on various exercise pieces provided by us. You will learn and practice the basic techniques required for traditional and modern upholstery: hand stuffing and stitching, springing, deep buttoning and machine sewing skills as well as understanding how to assess the requirements of a range of furniture. You will also develop a good understanding of upholstery fabrics and textiles.

A certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of this stage.

Upholstery Stage 2

Stage 2 Upholstery

At Stage 2 you will further develop your sewing skills and the modern and traditional upholstery skills learned at Stage 1 with a further range of set projects: producing a traditionally upholstered sprung armless chair and a post 1950s armchair using modern materials and techniques. This is designed to broaden your knowledge and skill. You will also benefit hugely from working alongside others who may be working on different styles of chairs.

A certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of this stage.

Upholstery Stage 3 Diploma

Stage 3 Upholstery

At Stage 3 you will develop these skills even further learning how to read and understand the requirements of the hundreds of different styles of chair. You will learn how to adapt and apply these skills onto much more advanced styles of traditional armchairs as well as the fitting and tailoring required for modern curved and shaped furniture.

Upon the successful completion of Stage 3 you will achieve an AMUSF Diploma and with practice you will be equiped to take on the challenges of upholstering a diverse range of furniture, creating beautiful work stamped with your own individuality and creativity.

Enrichment Programme

Our courses are enhanced by several industry based visits arranged throughout the course i.e. Dudgeons Upholstery, Warner Textiles Archive, Waddesdon Manor's Conservation Department, London Cloth Company, The Geffrye Museum, The Parker Collection, the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) and the Furniture Makers' Industry Tour.

Students' work is also eligible for various competitions sponsored by Heico Fasteners, Kobe Fabrics, Bute Fabrics and others, giving you the opportunity of developing your design and creative skills.

Course Structure

These qualification courses can be studied in three formats starting week beginning 4th September 2017:

Stages 1 and 2 can be studied in the first year over two-days per week (Mondays & Tuesdays), with Stage 3 studied one-day per week the following year.

Or the three stages can be studied one-day per week over a three year period. Stage 1 (Tuesdays) starting week beginning 5th September 2017.

Contact Wendy for more details and an Application Form.