Join our Hands on Upholstery Courses and Learn the Skills to Transform and Restore Your Favourite Pieces.
Bring your project along to one of our upholstery courses, where you’ll learn to restore it to its former glory, ready to be enjoyed and cherished once again. Our sessions welcome everyone, from complete beginners to those with some experience, offering a chance to develop essential upholstery skills.
If you’re passionate about breathing new life into furniture and keen to learn either traditional or modern techniques, our courses provide the perfect environment to explore this timeless craft. Join us and experience the satisfaction of preserving something truly special.
In a relaxed, friendly setting, working alongside up to four fellow students, you’ll receive focused guidance from your tutor, Helen, in the Stevenson & Soames workshop.
Here’s what we’ll cover on the Upholstery Course:
- Careful Removal of Old Upholstery – Techniques for carefully removing existing upholstery to prepare your piece for restoration.
- Basic Cleaning and Repairs – How to clean and make basic repairs to your furniture frame and revive the show wood.
- Traditional or modern upholstery techniques – using a variety of materials that suit the style and needs of your project.
- Selecting Fabrics and Materials – Tips for choosing fabrics and materials that work well with your piece.
- Introduction to Upholstery Tools – Get hands-on experience with essential tools like magnetic tack hammers and webbing stretchers and more.
- Upholstery Equipment – Gain expert tuition and hands-on experience with industry-standard pneumatic staplers and an industrial sewing machine.
Bring along your chosen upholstery project. If you’re new to upholstery, we recommend starting with a smaller project to build core skills before tackling a larger piece.
Recommended Projects for Beginners
- Small items like a footstool or dining chair seat are ideal for learning the basics.
You will need to provide your own Top Fabric.
Fabric Selection Tip
Choosing the right upholstery fabric is important. With so many colors, patterns, and textures available, it’s worth exploring your options in advance. If you need help, check out our Fabric Guide with a list of local Nottingham shops and online stores, 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 reupholstering process, we recommend bringing a dust mask if you have one (available to buy in our workshop). Safety glasses are provided to protect you from dust and flying tacks.
Project Condition
For the best experience, your furniture should be in good repair. We recommend projects that do not require any major structural repairs.
Tools
All essential hand tools, such as magnetic tack hammers, webbing stretchers, pincers, fabric shears, tack lifters, and lots more, are provided for use during your upholstery course.
Workshop Equipment
Each class takes place in our fully equipped workshop, offering everything you need to tackle your upholstery project. You’ll have access to a wide range of tools, including pneumatic staplers and an industrial sewing machine, as well as adjustable-height workbenches to ensure comfort and reduce strain while you work.
Materials and Fabrics
Please note that materials and fabrics are not included in the course fee, as the requirements vary greatly depending on each student’s project. However, we stock a comprehensive range of supplies for purchase, including webbing, foam, fire-retardant calico, hessian, coir fibre, horsehair, springs, and a selection of premium upholstery fabrics.
Safety Gear
For your protection, we provide safety glasses to shield against dust and flying tacks.
Need Something Specific?
If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we’ll happily direct you to some of our trusted upholstery suppliers to help you achieve the perfect finish for your project.
Important: Send a Photo of Your Project Before Enrolling on an Upholstery Course
To ensure your project is suitable for the course, we ask that you send a photo of it before booking and paying. This helps us assess whether it can be completed within the course timeframe, especially if you’re a beginner. Choosing an overly complex project might require additional classes or courses.
How to Submit Your Project: Simply send a quick photo via WhatsApp to to your tutor Helen 07946 489 611. We’ll review it and confirm if it’s suitable before you book 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.
Simple Style Chair
Project Timeframe:
18 Hours
Drop in Dining Seats
Project Timeframe:
1 or 2 seats 18 hours
4 seats 24+ hours
Foot Stools
The fillings inside the stools were in great condition and did not need replacing.
Project Timeframe:
18hours
Wing Back Chair
The fillings inside were in tip top condition and did not need replacing.
Project Timeframe:
24+ hours
Why not check out our Bagsy Booth?
Our Bagsy Booth is filled with a unique selection of furniture collected from our travels, each piece waiting for a little TLC. While not everything here is suitable for upholstery classes, items that are will be clearly labeled as “Suitable for Upholstery Courses.” It’s the great place to find a project for our classes and an opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind piece for your home.
Click to visit the Bagsy Booth and
Antique Chair
Victorian Dining Chairs
Helen discovered her natural talent for design and making early on, embracing her creativity throughout her school years. Following her passion, she pursued Art & Design at college and later achieved a BA (Hons) Crafts degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1995, specialising in Wood, Metal, and Textiles.
With a deep passion for furniture conservation, Helen is eager to share her expertise and guide you through the rewarding process of reusing, repurposing, and restoring furniture.
As a proud member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Helen upholds the highest standards of craftsmanship, ensuring every piece is restored with exceptional skill and care.
Together, you’ll learn to breathe new life into old pieces, creating beautiful, sustainable works to be proud of—while helping to keep valuable items out of landfill.
Tuesday
Febuary - April
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Duration: 6 Weeks
Dates:
Feb 25th
Mar 4th
Mar 11th
Mar 18th
Mar 25th
Apr 1st
Price: £248.00
Wednesday
Febuary - April
Time: 11.30 am – 2.30pm
Duration: 6 Weeks
Dates:
Feb 26th
Mar 5th
Mar 12th
Mar 19th
Mar 26th
Apr 2nd
Price: £248.00
Thursday
April - June
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Duration: 6 Weeks
Dates:
Apr 24th
May 1st
May 8th
May 15th
May 22nd
May 29th Half term – no class
Jun 5th
Price: £248.00
Friday
April - June
Time: 11.30 am – 2.30 pm
Duration: 6 Weeks
Dates:
Apr 25th
May 2nd
May 9th
May 16th
May 23rd
May 30th Half term – no class
Jun 6th
Price: £248.00
Be the first to know when new upholstery course dates are announced!
Our courses fill up quickly, so signing up ensures you never miss an opportunity to secure your spot.
How to Enrol on an Upholstery Course:
- Online via this website. This secures your place immediately.
- In the workshop. Full payment is required to secure a booking.
Payment:
- Payment must be made in full at the time of booking to confirm your place. We cannot reserve places without payment.
- We take payment by cash, card or PayPal.
Please review our Upholstery Courses Cancellation Policy before booking.
Finding Us and What to Expect
Our upholstery courses take place in the Stevenson & Soames workshop, located in Unit 21 on the second floor of Hartley House Business Centre (A Block) in Sherwood, Nottingham (NG5 1FD).
Don’t worry about lugging heavy or awkward furniture—there’s a large lift available for easy access to the second floor. Plus, we offer free parking and disabled access to ensure your visit is as convenient as possible.
I’m happy to meet you in the car park on your first day and show you where to go—just let me know if you’re feeling a bit lost! And of course, tea, coffee, and a tempting biscuit from the tin are always on hand, so you can enjoy as many cuppas as you like during class.
Beautifully restored and unique items that have a real touch of style.
Thank you so much for the care and attention you've given my Nana's curiosity cabinet - it's completely revitalised and looks stunning! Fantastic work xxx
