AMBER RUSSELL UPHOLSTERY

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AMBER RUSSELL UPHOLSTERY and coursesAMBER RUSSELL UPHOLSTERY and courses
AMBER RUSSELL UPHOLSTERY and coursesAMBER RUSSELL UPHOLSTERY and courses

upholstery classes with Amber

Traditional Upholstery Classes

The next All-day classes will be starting in September 2025 (see below for details).

Bring your own furniture – and learn the following techniques:
  • The construction on interior upholstery and fabric fitting
  • Stitches – lashing and whipping
  • How to spring- size- gauge and spacing
  • Knots – twines and cords
  • Lining Cloths and insulators

A pair of scissors and a tape measure is essential, all other tools are available to borrow (or buy) and all the construction materials you will need are available to buy during the course.

The courses are popular so book early to avoid disappointment!
For more information contact
amberupholstery@gmail.com

Phone: 07771 847239

Dates for the next Upholstery Classes for 2025.

There are 2 classes, one on a Tuesday and the other on a Wednesday (see dates below).
 

Tuesdays
(starting in September 2025)

Venue: Stockleigh Pomeroy Village Hall, Devon.
Venue postcode: EX17 4AU.
Cost: a 10 week block is £400.
Payment to be made please by the 26th of August 2025.
Time: 9.30 – 3.00
Max. of : 7 people
Start day: 16th September

Dates:

SEPTEMBER:
Tuesday: 16th, 23rd, 30th.

OCTOBER:
Tuesday: 7th, 14th, 21st.

* Half term - two weeks *

NOVEMBER:
Tuesday: 11th, 18th, 25th.

DECEMBER:
Tuesday: 2nd (finish).

 

Wednesdays
(starting in September 2025)

Venue: Stockleigh Pomeroy Village Hall, Devon.
Venue postcode: EX17 4AU.
Cost: a 10 week block is £400.
Payment to be made please by the 27th of August 2025.
Time: 9.30 – 3.00
Max. of : 7 people
Start day: 17th September

Dates:

SEPTEMBER:
Wednesday: 17th, 24th.

OCTOBER:
Wednesday: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd.

* Half term - two weeks *

NOVEMBER:
Wednesday: 12th, 19th, 26th.

DECEMBER:
Wednesday: 3rd (finish).

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Courses Gallery showing venues and some student work.

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Information for students coming on the upholstery course

To become skilled in traditional upholstery takes years of labour and effort but with the right project much can be achieved over a short course! With some tools and a few skills the transformation of an old and tired piece of furniture can become addictive.

This course will allow you to be creative and enjoy learning traditional upholstery skills, but to get the most from this course it is essential to be realistic about what can be achieved in a few days; some suggestions of suitable projects are listed below.

  • Piano or foot stool
  • Drop in seats (e.g. dining chairs) sprung or un-sprung
  • Re-covering nursing chair or similar

To ensure your piece of furniture is suitable for the course please email a photo of your intended re-upholstery project, and your phone number so Amber can discuss the suitability, skills and time scale required to complete it. This will also allow Amber to advise you how much fabric you will need.

Working with the Tutor in a small group you will learn a variety of transferable skills completing your project which will be useful for any future upholstery projects.

Tools and upholstery materials will be provided but not the fabric for covering your project.

Upholstery can be physically demanding and flat, thick soled toe covering shoes are essential.
 

How much fabric do I need for my upholstery project?

A Google or Bing search can return lots of guides on the internet for estimating how much fabric you will need, for example:

Upholstery-fabric-meter-requirements-chart.pdf

www.fabricsupplies.com.au/index.php?page2=1130

www.ebay.co.uk/gds/How-Much-Fabric-Should-You-Buy-/10000000177318532/g.html

 

Health and safety on upholstery classes

As with any practical activity there is a small risk of an injury. Minor cuts and pin-pricks to the skin are not uncommon and only to be expected. To minimize the risk of injury please listen carefully to the health and safety talk that will be given at the start of the course. Pay particular attention to advice regarding the proper and safe use of the tools and working at a safe distance from other students. Plasters will be provided, but to be inline with health and safety regulations you will have to ask for and apply them yourself.

Please be considerate towards other students within the space provided and treat the tools provided by Amber Russell upholstery with care and respect.

Students are responsible for maintaining their own safety and comfort. Be aware that upholstery can be a physically demanding and strenuous activity and you should allow yourself to take time out and breaks when you feel you need to.

Remember these are advanced traditional skills you are learning, it will take time and lots of practice. Try to remember to stay positive, it may occasionally be challenging but you should still have fun and enjoy the experience.