Upholstery Workshop for Beginners and Improvers

Dive into the world of sustainable textile art with this chair upholstery course in near Stafford. Bring along your own wooden-framed chair and restore it to its former glory with the support and guidance of an expert tutor.Learn in a relaxed but purposeful environment with plentiful tea, coffee and biscuits. With small group sizes, you'll get plenty of guidance! Learn new skills and techniques to achieve more professional results.Classes take place within the historic Spode Works (an 18th century former pottery factory) Stoke-on-Trent, surrounded by a creative community of artists and makers. How you and your tutor tackle your project will be determined by the chair you bring. You'll use traditional and modern methods, with the traditional methods being a little more time-consuming. You may choose to re-cover your furniture to give it a fresh appearance - this involves taking off the top fabric only. This option is quicker than a full re-upholster. If you prefer a full upholster, however, your tutor can take you through this - it involves ripping off all layers until you get to the bare frame and rebuilding your chair from there. This option takes twice as long as re-covering but is a fascinating process. Whichever method you choose with your tutor, you'll be supported throughout to ensure your chair looks beautiful by the end of your session. Wondering what furniture you can bring along to this bespoke restoration class?

• An ideal project for beginners would be a footstool, drop-in dining chair pads or a covered dining chair.
• A traditional nursing chair would be an ideal intermediate or 'improver's' project.
• A wing chair or small armchair would be great for an advanced project - this work requires the sewing of a box cushion and may require additional sessions. As a guide, a wingback chair can take up to eight sessions.

When you book, send a photo of your project to your tutor, Katie - she'll then check that it is a suitable piece for restoration - all chairs are different! Ideally, the wooden frame of your chair should be sound and not require extensive repair. Everything you need to restore your furniture is included in this class! Should you require materials such as stuffings and to complete your project, they are available to purchase.Refurbish that fabulous vintage chair you have been meaning to restore to its former glory. Create a future heirloom! By the end of this restoration course, you'll have a wealth of new skills and a beautiful piece of furniture to treasure. Your refurbished chair to treasure. Read more details