Learn Upholstery from the inside out in a calm, small-group workshop setting.
Join Our Small-Group Upholstery Experience
Discover the art of traditional and modern upholstery in a calm, beautifully equipped workshop environment.
Our Beginner Upholstery Course is ideal for those new to upholstery or returning after a long break. With just four students per course, you’ll receive personal, step-by-step guidance as you rebuild and reimagine your own piece.
You also have the option to book ‘Book a Bench’ (supported workshop sessions), giving you flexible, supported time in the workshop to work on your project in a relaxed guided environment.
What you'll learn
Our courses guide you through every stage of upholstery — from rebuilding the internal structure to mastering precise finishing techniques.
All our courses build confidence step by step — no prior experience needed.
You’ll learn how to strip back, rebuild and reimagine your own piece using traditional foundations and carefully chosen modern methods.
- Frame Cleaning & Structural Repairs – Revive exposed woodwork and carry out essential structural repairs where needed.
- Traditional & Modern Upholstery Techniques – Build up your project using appropriate methods suited to its age, style and condition.
- Selecting Fabrics & Materials – Understand what works best for your design and how to calculate fabric requirements.
- Professional Tools & Equipment
Gain hands-on experience with essential tools such as magnetic tack hammers, webbing stretchers, pneumatic staplers and the industrial sewing machine.
By the end of your time in the workshop, you’ll have developed practical skills, a deeper understanding of upholstery, and a project well underway — or beautifully completed.
You’ll also experience the quiet satisfaction that comes from restoring something slowly and thoughtfully — and understand why lasting results can’t be rushed.
You’ll need to bring an approved upholstery project to work on in the workshop. If you’re new to upholstery (which many of our students are), we recommend starting with a smaller piece to build core skills before progressing to something larger.
Recommended beginner projects
Small items such as a footstool or dining chair seat are ideal for learning the fundamentals.
Larger or more complex pieces may require additional sessions. We are always happy to advise before you book.
You will need to provide your own top fabric
Choosing the right upholstery fabric is important. With so many colours, patterns, and textures available, it’s worth exploring your options in advance.
If you need help, our Fabric Guide lists trusted local and online suppliers, plus tips on selecting the right fabric.
We also have a selection of fabrics available for sale in our workshop, and you’re welcome to browse these options for your project.
Safety Gear
For protection during the reupholstery process, we recommend bringing a dust mask if you have one (available to purchase in the workshop).
Safety glasses are provided to protect you from dust and flying tacks.
Project Condition
For the best experience, your furniture should be structurally sound. Projects requiring major frame repairs may not be suitable for a beginner course, but we’re always happy to advise before you book.
Our Fully Equiped Workshop
Everything is prepared before you arrive, so you can focus entirely on your project.
You don’t need to invest in specialist tools before starting, the workshop is fully equipped and everything you need is ready and waiting for you.
Students have access to:
• Traditional and modern upholstery hand tools
• Magnetic tack hammers, mallets and webbing stretchers
• Pincers, fabric shears, tack lifters and essential hand tools
• Pneumatic staplers and compressors
• Industrial sewing machines
• Large cutting tables for fabric and pattern cutting
• Adjustable-height workbenches to ensure comfort and reduce strain while working
All essential workshop equipment is provided, so there is no expectation to buy tools before attending.
Upholstery materials such as calico, webbing, foam, wadding, coir fibre, horsehair, springs and other supplies are available to purchase in the workshop as needed. You simply buy what your individual project requires.
Send Us a Photo of Your Project Before Booking
To make sure your project is suitable, we ask that you send a photo before booking.
This allows us to assess whether your piece appropriate for the workshop and timeframe — particularly if you’re new to upholstery. Occasionally, more complex projects may require additional sessions or a different approach.
We’re always happy to guide you towards a project that will help you build confidence and enjoy the process.
How to Submit Your Project
Simply send a quick photo via WhatsApp to Helen on 07946 489 611.
We’ll review it and confirm suitability before you secure your place.
If you don’t use WhatsApp, you can also send the photo via email to contact@stevensonandsoames.co.uk, but WhatsApp is preferred for faster communication.
Helen creates calm, supportive workshops where beginners feel safe to learn properly from the ground up. Her teaching is structured and steady, guiding you step by step so you understand not just what you’re doing, but why you’re doing it.
There’s no rushing and no expectation of perfection. Questions are welcomed, mistakes are part of the process, and progress is built patiently and confidently. Students often arrive feeling unsure — and leave surprised by what they’re capable of.
Helen is passionate about preserving the integrity of traditional craft. She teaches students not simply how to “cover” furniture, but how to restore it properly from the inside out — rebuilding structure, strengthening foundations, and finishing with care.
Since founding Stevenson & Soames in 2017, Helen has guided well over a hundred students through the process of restoring and reimagining furniture. Her workshops are known for their calm atmosphere, clear tuition, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from learning something properly.
Helen holds a BA (Hons) in Crafts from Manchester Metropolitan University, specialising in wood, metal and textiles. Before establishing Stevenson & Soames, she ran a successful therapy practice and gained a formal teaching qualification, delivering well-regarded courses in college settings.
As a proud member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, she upholds the highest standards of craftsmanship, integrity and care.
Together, you’ll breathe new life into old pieces — creating beautiful, sustainable work to be proud of while keeping valuable furniture out of landfill.
Many students arrive unsure whether they “can do it.” They leave not only with new skills, but a renewed sense of confidence.
We’re proud to have consistent 5-star reviews from our students across Google and Facebook. Here’s what they’ve shared about their time in the Stevenson & Soames workshop.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Jane Carlyon
“A wonderful experience for my first attempt at upholstery. Helen and Joe are highly skilled artists and teachers, with great patience. I had zero experience but with their assistance, managed to transform my vintage piano stool with a new seat. The classes are in small groups, with plenty of one to one tuition and the other students were very friendly and supportive.
I have booked again for next year.”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ruth Cater
“I attended one of Helen and Joe’s upholstery workshops to re upholster a French style chair. I have had a lovely few days. The workshop is well equipped and had a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The tuition was excellent. They are very knowledgeable and I learnt a lot. It was also nice to meet new people doing different projects. I now have a beautiful chair that I made myself and would not be able to find anywhere else. Thank you!”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
LJ Two
“Absolutely brilliant course – Helen and Joe are incredible and their teaching and learning style is first rate. I highly recommend them for their insights, ideas and patience! Great course and i will continue to find things round the house to be reupholstered so I can keep on learning…”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Lisa Drury
“Just completed my upholstery course with Stevenson & Soames, thoroughly enjoyed it learnt lots, I intend to go back to do more, fantastic teachers.”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Anne Mary Niemczenko
“I was inspired and encouraged by the upholstery classes with Helen and Joe in their well-equipped workshop. Patient, individually tailored tuition enabled me to build confidence and keep going even when it seemed tough. Helen was always on hand to advise, demonstrate and help. Very pleased with my traditionally reupholstered armchair (my father’s favourite chair). Joe helped me to revive the woodwork and I am thrilled with the finished piece which now has a new life ahead.”
Student Projects
Every piece below was restored in our workshop by students — many starting as complete beginners.
Some projects were completed within a six-week beginner course, while others are developed during our supported Book a Bench sessions.
With steady guidance, time, and the right tools, beautiful transformations take shape.
Simple Style Chair
Project Timeframe:
24+ Hours
Drop in Dining Seats
Project Timeframe:
1 seat 18 hours
4 seats 30+ hours
Foot Stools
The fillings inside the stools were in great condition and did not need replacing.
Project Timeframe:
1 footstool – 18hours
Wing Back Chair
The fillings inside were in tip top condition and did not need replacing.
Project Timeframe:
36+ hours
Most students bring their own piece — and we’re always happy to advise before you book.
Great places to find suitable projects include:
• Charity shops
• Facebook Marketplace
• Car boot sales
• Local auctions
• Family garages or attics (there’s always something hiding in one 😉)
Before enrolling, please send a photo of your chosen piece so we can make sure it’s suitable for the workshop.
This year, we’re doing things a little differently.
Instead of a fixed six-week course, you can now choose your own workshop dates – allowing you to learn at your own pace and fit sessions around your schedule.
These individual sessions are called Book a Bench – Supported Workshop Sessions.
They take place in small groups (maximum of four students), where you’ll recieve guidance and support throughout while working on your own project.
There is no fixed structure, which means you can:
- Spread your sessions out to suit your availability
- take more time on your project if needed
- Build confidence at your own pace
- Continue beyond your initial sessions if you’d like to develop further
If you are new to upholstery, this is a wonderful way to begin.
Once you have sent me photos of you project, I can guide you on how many sessions you’re likely to need – so you have a clear idea of the journey ahead.
Book your workshop sessions
£48 per session (3 hours)
We release new dates a couple of times each year. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Full payment is required to secure your place.
Join the mailing list below to be the first to hear when bookings open – places fill quickly.
Book a Bench sessions are flexible, supported workshop days for both new and returning students.
Ther’re ideal if you’d like extra time in the workshop to work on your project at your own pace, with guidance available when you need it.
Sessions are booked individually, so you can choose dates that fit around your schedule.
One-to-One Upholstery Tuition offers dedicated, personalised teaching focused entirely on you and your project.
Ideal for beginners through to experienced students, these sessions provide focused support in a calm, fully equipped workshop environment. Whether you’re tackling a specific technique or working on a complex piece, one-to-one tuition allows you to progress at your own pace.
Sessions are arranged by enquiry.
Our upholstery courses take place in the Stevenson & Soames workshop at:
Unit 21 (A Block)
Hartley House Business Centre
Sherwood, Nottingham (NG5 1FD).
The workshop is located on the second floor, with a large lift available so there’s no need to worry about carrying heavy or awkward furniture upstairs.
There is free parking and disabled access is available to make your visit as straightforward as possible.
On Your First Day
If you’re feeling a little unsure about where to go, just let me know, I am happy to meet you in the carpark and show you the way.
The workshop itself is relaxed, practical and welcoming. Expect clear guidance, steady progress and plenty of encouragement.
And of course, tea, coffee, and a well stocked biscuit tin are always on hand because good conversation and laughter are part of the process too.
