Second Year Upholstery Course

This course is suitable as a follow on to our one year upholstery course or anyone with a Stage 1 AMUSF qualification.

During the 35 weeks, you will deepen your knowledge of everything you have learnt during your first year by adding new skills and completing two chairs of your own choosing (one modern & one traditional).

The course will focus on several useful set projects including the complete upholstery of a traditional armless sprung chair and a modern armchair using modern techniques.

The course will focus on several useful set projects including the complete upholstery of a traditional armless sprung chair and a modern armchair using modern techniques.

The practical skills to learn include:

• T-Shaped Cushion with piping and zips.
• Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars.
• Independent sprung edge for a cushion seat using traditional methods.
• Armless chair with traditionally upholstered seat, coiled springs and back.
• Post 1940s armchair upholstered with modern materials and methods.
• There will be an option of two extra exercises; a traditional kidney shaped stool or a modern circular stool top.

The course will focus on several useful set projects including the complete upholstery of a traditional armless sprung chair and a modern armchair using modern techniques.

The practical skills to learn include:

• T-Shaped Cushion with piping and zips.
• Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars (these will be samples).
• Independent sprung edge for a cushion seat using traditional methods. This is executed as an exercise on a frame we will provide.
• Armless chair with traditionally upholstered seat, coiled springs and back*
• Post 1940s armchair upholstered with modern materials and methods*
• There will be an option of two extra exercises; a traditional kidney shaped stool or a modern circular stool top.

* Sourced by the student. Additional materials used on learner’s own chairs will be charged at nominal prices.

Teaching & Learning

Learners will have full access to our well equipped upholstery workshop and the majority of the teaching will be by practical experience on your own projects.

We have restoration facilities here so that chair frames can be restored and refinished as part of the course.

The variety of chairs that learners bring to the workshop form a foundation to learn more about 20th century furniture by exposing a rich variety of styles.

We encourage learners to extend their creativity as they work on their chosen chair. This helps to build confidence and independence in tackling upholstery commissions.We keep our classes small so that everyone can get lots of attention.

There will be set exercises to be completed and tutors will help learners evaluate their own work in private and group tutorials throughout the course.

Fundamental knowledge will be explained in interactive lectures in the workshop using practical examples where possible.

Supplementary Learning

In addition to our the core upholstery course, learners have the opportunity to round-off their knowledge by attending our other related workshops at a substantial discount.

These workshops run regularly, in the evenings  and at weekends, and can be taken at any time during your upholstery course.

These complementary workshops will improve your skill levels and abilities in curtain making, hand caning, restoration and  basic woodwork, providing you with a very comprehensive grounding in all levels of upholstery and furniture restoration.

Career Progression

Learners will be encouraged to attain professional standards in their upholstery and soft furnishing projects, as well as acquiring a background knowledge in a broad range of basic techniques. Final projects can be used to show a high standard if a learner has a desire to continue to onto an accredited higher level.

Students will be encouraged to work independently as they would have to in the industry.

All basic materials for the projects are included in the cost of the course.

Additional materials used on learner’s own chairs will be charged at nominal prices. Legs for the projects can be purchased at cost price.

Fees and Payment Structure

Total cost £2,980 (includes VAT)

This is inclusive of all materials. We supply the frames for the exercises that you will not keep. (The spring frame, arm frame, traditional dining chair).

Payment is due via the following methods-
1.  Payment in full before the beginning of the course. 
2. This method incurs an admin charge of 3% –  £980 by beginning of first term (17th September 2025) The  balance (£2060) will be invoiced in 3 parts (£687) which will be due on 17th November and 7th February, 17th May

Our class sizes are small. Maximum 8 per class

2025-26 Term Dates

The course takes places weekly each Thursday 10 am-1pm / 1.30pm-5pm. Term dates for the course are:

Autumn Term 2026 (12 week term)
September 17, 24, – October 1, 8, 15, 22 (Half term 26-30 Oct) – November 5,12, 19, 26   – December 3, 10

Spring Term 2027 (11 week term)
January 7, 14, 21, 28 – February 4, 11, 25 (Half Term 15-19  Feb) – March 4, 11, 18, 25 (Spring  Holidays 30th March- 9th April – Good Friday 26 March, Easter Monday 29th March)

Summer Term 2027(13 week term) April 15, 22, 29 – May 6, 13, 20, 27 (half term 31 May -4 June) June 10, 17, 24, – July 1, 8, 15

General Information

You will receive a courtesy reminder by email 1-2 days before the workshop/course begins.

Refreshments

Coffee, tea and biscuits are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you or visit a nearby venue to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access or special needs, please contact us confidentially in advance by email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk. There is a small step to the entrance, and the toilet is on the ground floor.

All sewing workshops and occasionally lampshade making, tassel making and bookbinding workshops are located on the second floor. There is no lift access.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, The Goodlife Centre reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

View our Terms and Conditions here.