Upholstery and Fabrics - Upholstery Class / Apprenticeship

My wife wants to learn to reupholster, but the only course offered was two hours away and at an odd time. Does anyone have a clue about how to learn to this trade? :confused:

I'm sure there are numerous books about this topic, however I never have read one. Is she going to do furniture or automobiles/boats etc.?

The best way is to find, if possible, an upholsterer(?) who would allow her to come by the shop at times to watch/help(free) to learn. Sort of an unpaid apprentice. My friend was an auto upholsterer, and I learned a lot from watching him. There are a lot of little things that probably aren't taught in a book. A good basic book would be a good start I guess! Good luck!

The main thing she wants to learn is interior furniture, starting with a couch that is 'getting tired'. Do you work with leather? I'd love to learn how to redo the leather seats in my 80's vintage 928.

No I don't have a commercial sewing maching as it costs about 500.00 and I wouldn't use it that much. You may be able to buy a replacement leather cover from the factory or some of the vehicle restoration outlets. Look up vehicle restoration for your car on the internet. If it is a popular model to refurbish/restore, they may have the ability to make one. Good luck though!
If I were going to try to re-upholster an old couch, I would just start removing the old upholstry(SLOWLY) and carefully to see how it was applied/covered keeping all the old material for paterns if necessary. In removing the cover, she will be able to see how it was attached and fastened. The frame is probably wood so they used upholstry tacks and/or staples from an air powered stapler. Time and patience and I am sure she will be able to do this. I am presuming she has a sewing machine and sewing ability. If a machine is available and no experience, start by sewing some small pillow covers, covers for the patio furn. etc. to get acquainted with the machine and sewing a straight line. That is the hard part. Good luck!

I taught myself to upholster recently. I got some books from the library and read them. Re-read the one I liked the best - called So Simple Upholstery, and then used it as a guide while I went to work on my project. I kept a journal as I worked, writing down how each piece of fabric was attached.

i would say you need intermediate sewing skills (for making the cushions) There isn't a whole lot of sewing involved except for cushions and maybe skirts if your piece has them. Also if your piece has welts, you'll have to sew those. I am also a quilter, so I had that skill set to draw upon also.

the only tools I bought was an electric stapler ($25) from Sears and a welting foot for my sewing machine. The first piece I did, a recliner, I just used my zipper foot for making the welt. That was okay, but the welting foot is really nice. It has a groove on the bottom side of the foot for the welt to slide through, so that your stitch line is tight up against the welt.

I just finished doing a three piece set in my living room. Couch, 1-1/2 chair and ottoman. It took about 2 months, working evenings and weekends when I had some time. I bought fabric from an ebay store (great prices) and also replaced all the foam in the cushions (also from ebay stores). I spent about $500 total for fabric, foam, cushions, supplies for the 3 piece set.

The sofa was sagging, so I had to do some frame repair where the spring assembly had come loose from the frame, but that wasn't too difficult.