STUDENT RESOURCES
JOIN THE CLUB
TAKE A CLASS
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
GET SPONSORED
STUDENT RESOURCES
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
JOIN THE CLUB
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
TAKE A CLASS
GET SPONSORED
STUDENT RESOURCES
TAKE A CLASS
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
JOIN THE CLUB
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
GET SPONSORED
NO STUPID QUESTIONS
The Professional Upholstry Industry hasn’t always been welcoming to the DIY Community and New Comers. Though there are many supportive professionals out there sharing their knowledge with future generations, by and far, the culture of welcoming just isn’t obvious to an outsider looking in. Not knowing where to start, or even stop, can be intimidating enough to give up all together. You won’t experience that here.
Though I have no formal training (self taught!), I have been working professionally in this industry restoring, reimagining, and fabricating furniture for the better part of a decade. I’m more than happy to share my advice based on my lived personal and professional experiences. Ask away, and take a look at some of your peers questions below. Maybe someone has already asked! Your questions are always confidential.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
I live in the UK and would like to learn upholstery, do you do any online classes.
The author announces their new virtual upholstery lessons. These lessons, ranging from 2-4 hours, are conducted through high-definition video calls, guiding participants towards professionally finished projects. Furthermore, they provide free additional support through the LullCo Upholstery Club Group on Facebook.
I’m heart broken 💔 the contest is over I’ve wanted to learn reupholstery for years & could find no Apprenticeship anywhere near I live. I’m celebrating 15 years clean from Breast Cancer in December this would have been such a wonderful gift a new beginning. I signed on to your TT months ago. I don’t know how missed this opportunity 😔
I'm so sorry you missed this opportunity! I have some good news for you though! I will be taking my Upholstery Camp on the road beginning this Spring to visit other states and towns! We will begin with the Great Lakes States and branch out from there. If you have a...
Hi!! I’m from buffalo New York and I have been wanting to become a reupholsterer for a very long time. I continuously get turned down by people because they are too busy and don’t want me in their way as an apprentice. Would it be absolutely crazy to go to Michigan for your class? I’m dying to learn and you almost seem like the only person whose willing to teach to me!! Thank you so much. Any advice you have id appreciate it.
Heya! That's not crazy at all! People travel from all over the US to take classes from me! Your best value will be for a Weekend Retreat. I just so happen to be hosting my next one at the end of this month!At my weekend retreats you will enjoy a 5 day, 4 night stay at...
Location??
So glad you asked! I teach my classes from Maker Works in Ann Arbor Michigan. Maker Works is a local maker space. They are a non-profit organization who provides space, tools, and training on those tools by membership and through their public programming. Many states...
Is there a way to do this curve without seams?
Hey! I just finished a sofa just like that! In reality, NO. There is no way to do that sofa without seams. The top part of the cushion will need to be the exact shape of that seat, allowing for seams of course (my standard is a half inch.) I use a seam puck to trace...
Hi, do you sell the benches we used in class to sit furniture on?
Hey! Thanks for asking! I do not, but I did purchase the saw horses at Home Depot! Then I just built the boxes for the top. Those are 9" wide and 48" long, and glued and screwed together on the sides. The ones in my class have held up great to 1 full year of use at 3...
I’m looking to buy that tool that allows for seam allowance as I trace the foam for cushion.
You're looking for the Seam Puck! That is available on my friend Jeremy of Beals Upholstery's Website! You can order yours here: https://bealsupholstery.com/collections/all
I am in South Carolina and would love to learn. Do you have any friends in this area?
Hey! Great question! I don't know anyone personally out that way, but a google search may help. On that note, I do travel for larger workshops. I currently teach my classes at my local Maker Space. If you had something similar near you, or could rent an event space,...
If I take a class, do I bring the fabric I want to use with me? It seems like yes, but how do I know how much fabric to buy? Also, are you able to help with fixing wood couch feet on older than jeez louise couches?
For newbies I always recommend getting extra fabric, and getting it for as low a price as possible because they are bound to make mistakes. Mid grade to high end upholstery fabric starts at about $40 a yard. There are lots of alternatives though. Antique markets,...
I’m new to upholstery and I feel overwhelmed with the types of fabric available. How do I choose the right fabric for my first project?
ANSWER: I can totally understand that. Here’s the deal. When you’re new to upholstery and still learning, going all out for expensive upholstery fabric is never the answer. Best practices will tell you to consider the ‘Double Rub Count’ This is how many times your...
I have an old armchair that I love but it’s really worn out. Is it better to reupholster or to buy new? What factors should I consider?
ANSWER: Completely dependent on the condition of the frame. Newer furniture is only build to last a max of 4-5 years, meaning you’re looking at spending $3000+ for new stuff at that same frequency. Older furniture was made stronger with better materials and is more...
I’m interested in turning my upholstery hobby into a business. What are some tips for pricing my work to ensure I’m covering costs and valuing my time appropriately?
ANSWER: Short answer… DON’T. Just kidding. Of course I want to advocate for the spread of upholstery businesses across the nation, but to send you into that world all willy nilly would be irresponsible. There are a lot of factors you need to consider when starting a...
What essential tools do I need to start my first upholstery project? Are there any that are worth investing more in for quality?
ANSWER: Investing in the right tools can be very expensive, but you don’t need a ton to get started. If you only had a staple remover, hammer, scissors, and a needle and thread, you could in theory complete an upholstery project. Well, those and your materials. Just...