Crafts & Restoration

Upholstery Basics

Rebuild a Chair From the Frame Up, the Way Upholsterers Do It

12 lessons4 modules9h 55m durationbeginner level

Instructor: StretchLearn Faculty

About this course

This course takes you from a tired, sagging chair to a tight, professionally finished seat you rebuilt yourself. You will learn how upholsterers choose and measure fabric, strip a piece without destroying the pattern, re-web and re-foam a seat, pull fabric drum-tight, dress crisp corners, and add a row of buttons. No sewing-machine mastery or software required, just hand tools, a staple gun, foam, webbing, and the muscle-memory habits that make work tight and durable.

Curriculum

Module 1: Materials, Tools, and Fabric Selection3 lessons

The Upholsterer's Toolkit and FastenersPreview40m
Reading Upholstery Fabric: Rub Count, Weave, and Use🔒45m
Yardage Math: Measuring and Estimating Fabric🔒50m

Module 2: Stripping and Rebuilding the Foundation3 lessons

Stripping a Chair Without Losing the Pattern🔒45m
Re-webbing a Seat with Jute or Elastic Webbing🔒50m
Springs and Spring Tying Basics🔒50m

Module 3: Foam, Padding, and Pulling Fabric Tight3 lessons

Choosing, Cutting, and Shaping Foam🔒50m
Pulling and Tacking Fabric Drum-Tight🔒55m
Clean Corners: Pleats and Folds🔒50m

Module 4: Tufting and Finishing Projects3 lessons

Button Tufting: Diamond Pattern Basics🔒55m
Welt, Piping, and Trim🔒45m
Project Builds: Drop-In Dining Seat and Ottoman🔒1h 0m