Weekly Upholstery Courses
Upholstery courses in West Yorkshire
We are taking bookings for April 2024 classes. To discuss the classes contact Jan on 07951 741965 or manorhouseupholstery@gmail.com or to book online follow the Book Now link.
So you’re interested in learning upholstery? Awesome! Here at Manorhouse, we understand that it can be a daunting prospect. Don’t worry though, our weekly recreational course offers the perfect environment to learn and develop your upholstery skills. These 2.5 hour upholstery courses run weekly in blocks of 12 weeks and are mixed ability groups – from absolute beginners to highly experienced.
Students on our weekly upholstery courses work in small groups and new students are encouraged to begin with a small item of furniture such as a drop-in seat, a small footstool, or even a headboard. All equipment is available to use, and students are welcome to bring their own tools if they prefer.
Advice and teaching is very hands-on and students learn upholstery at their own pace in a friendly and relaxed environment. Students with no experience of upholstery are welcome and will learn the basic skills required to progress to a complete upholstery project. Students with some upholstery experience and who want to refine their skills or learn new techniques are equally welcome. The upholstery courses are taught by Jan, who is City and Guilds qualified and previously taught upholstery and sewing for Kirklees College. She is supported by Alex on busier classes.
Both modern and traditional upholstery techniques are on offer, so whether you want to learn how to use modern foam with staple guns, or traditional stuffing and webbing, you will find what you need at Manorhouse School of Upholstery.
Classes run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and afternoons, plus evenings on Tuesday and Wednesday at the following times:
Morning: 9.30 – 12.00
Afternoon: 12.45 – 3.15
Evening: 6.00 – 8.30
Book for 1 session or book morning and afternoon to get a full day.
What you’ll learn
Tools and equipment
Upholstery, like many other professions, has dozens of different tools and pieces of equipment. We know, we’ve counted most of them.
During your time on the course, you will learn to use many of the different tools and items of equipment used in upholstery, from compressors to staple lifters, sewing machines to tack hammers. You’ll be taught how to use all the equipment in our workshop, safely and effectively.
Furniture construction
Reupholstering furniture is a precise and at times delicate procedure, requiring a knowledge of furniture construction.
Before you can begin reupholstering your selected project, it must first be stripped down - sometimes to it’s frame. Now, while it may not be the most exhilarating part of the process, it is a crucial step in your project’s life. After stripping down your project, you will learn how to use the parts to create a pattern for your new fabric, as well as understanding the steps that will be involved in rebuilding it.
Foundation skills
Each item of furniture requires a different approach, but underpinning the entire process is a set of key skills and techniques that are transferable to a range or furniture items. Learning how to cut fabric around legs and corners; what layers are needed and why; how to temporary fix and then staple fabric; how to apply webbing and hessian; and how to pattern match are just some of the skills and techniques you could learn on our upholstery courses.
Course cost and booking
The 12 week block costs £360, payable at the time of booking.
To book a place on one of our weekly courses use the Book now button below. If you want to discuss any aspect of the course before booking, email us at manorhouseupholstery@gmail.com or call Jan on 07951 741965
FAQs
Do I have to bring my own tools?
No. All the tools and equipment needed is provided to use as part of the course. The workshop has 10 individual workstations that are fully equipped and all tools are cleaned between classes. However if you have your own tools and want to bring them please do.
What about materials?
We buy materials for the build up layers in bulk so that you can buy in small quantities as needed. You pay for the items used in class on a weekly basis. As for top cover fabric - we have accounts with the main suppliers who provide a fabulous range of upholstery fabrics that you can order in class by the metre. Or you can visit one of the many fabric retailers or warehouses in the area - but make sure you choose the correct grade material for your project.
Is there onsite parking ?
Yes. There is plenty of parking onsite and we will assist you to find a space suitable for the size of your vehicle. Parking is free.
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.
What if I have to miss a session for a family commitment?
We know that unexpected events happen and need to be dealt with. If you have to miss a session we will work with you to try and make up the time during the remainder of the block. You may have to attend a different day to catch up the missed session.
Can I leave my project in the workshop?
Unfortunately no, as we have over 60 students on weekly courses and we don’t have enough space to store projects. Choose a project that you can transport to and from class in your vehicle.
What is a good project for a beginner?
For beginners we suggest a drop-in seat, small footstool, dining chair or similar so that you can practice using the tools. You should soon be able to progress to more complex projects safe in the knowledge that we can help you with your project.
What days and times are the classes?
Classes run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as follows:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - morning, afternoon and evening.
Morning: 9.30 - 12.00
Afternoon: 12.45 - 3.15
Evening: 6.00 - 8.30