Is upholstering furniture hard to learn? (panels, painters, designer, wooden)

[Murray1]

I have taken an interest in furniture lately and I would like to learn how to upholster. Is it hard to learn? What would be my first step in learning? Does anyone know a good place to learn, should i go to college and learn? is it expensive to do and if so about how expensive? if anyone has any input or advice that would be great!

[TakeAhike]

I know that I have some sort of spatial reasoning dysfunction.

I cannot visualize well.

Have you watched HGTV--all the decorating shows --gone online and Googled for FYI on decorating and related topics?

I think you need to have the natural abilities --ie some of the ability that architects and/or carpenters possess and then some 'Creativity'.

The decorators on HGTV certainly use some shortcuts--I could upholster like that--but not to a level that I would really be pleased with the results.

If you ever look at well-made furniture --the craftsmanship is exquisite. So much time --details that could only be done by hand.

I sometimes watch the design show where the designer adapts a very expensive professional room to a more moderate version. The moderate room is always very nice--but the original--the details make quite a difference.

[GoPadge]

I've re-upholstered three pieces of furniture. My greatgrandmother's chair which only needed a seat and back (wooden legs and arms), our Basset sleeper sofa and a loveseat. We purchased the necessary tools and several books.

We found that none of it was rocket science, but it was time consuming. The chair we were able to complete in a weekend. The couch and loveseat took a lot longer, around a week for each. We only worked during the evenings and on the weekends. We didn't have any intricate work to do, opting to change the look of the couch from three seat cushions with three distinct back cushions to a solid back and two seat cushions. This cut down on the required sewing.

Next time I'll just pay someone to do it.

[virangos]

When I was a kid my mom and dad redid our couch. I remember it took them a long time working nights and weekends, but it came out beautiful.

Do a google search on reupholstering and you should find all the info you need.

I checked onto it a couple years ago and found a site with pretty explicit directions, and tips. Sorry I lost the link and do not remember the site.

and like bhs119 said, Hgtv or Diy has some good programs. They might have shows archived on their sites.
Hope this helps.

[Murray1]

thank you to all that responded! i think i'll give it a try!

[David Pristupa]

Take a short hands on course at a community college. You might try a correspondence course or on-line course through Universal class. That will get you enough experience to get an entry level job. There are alot of schools that offer this as a full-time certificate course. The costs are reasonable. I have done some Upholstery and it is very enjoyable. The day went by quickly. It is also one of the safer trades to work in. You have to be careful though when cutting.

[kimmieyky]

Murray - check with the adult education classes in your area. They teach everything from auto mecahnics to basket weaving (no joke) to furniture restoration and upholstery.

I learned on my own. I bought a $5.00 chair at a flea market , bought some material and off I went, The first time was not so great - but practice makes perfect. If you begin with yard sale and flea market finds - you will not be investing too much money - and remember - material can be anything you want when you are getting started.

I bought a painters cloth at Big Lots - HUGE canvas piece of material, and it was enough to do an antique recliner (wood bottom/feet) and the footstool with some left over, The better you get and the more confidence you have, the better you will be.

You will learn how to make use of natural tuck points in the furniture, how to use the staple gun effectively without it being seen - and the nail head tacks are decorative, inexpensive, and easy to use.

HGTV on line will help some, as will DIY. The best is to grab a book from the bookstore or even Lowes - and get started.

You can do this. If I can - anybody can.

KimmieyKY

[thefer]

I have worked in furniture for 27 years. Depends on where you live,if you are
just trying to reupholster something or are looking for a job.
Someplaces Here in Hickory N.C. build furniture on lines, one man builds the arms one builds the in back, one the seat then it goes to the trim dept. and one will put on the out back and the out arms and front panels if it takes them.along with the black bottom on the underneath the furniture pc. These places usally will train on the job. Your upper end furniture is usally built by two people, the Uph. and the trimmer. Also the community college gives you a rough idea of how to get started. Hope this helps.

[Murray1]

Thank you so much for your help! i really do appreciate it!

[tron612]

I work for Lazyboy the easiest way to upholster is basically have in your mind
what you think it should look like dont let others influence your decision also
you do not need any classes of a degree for this type of business this is considered by some an art/craft always know what you want as an end result
easiest way to learn trial and error, tools needed if not doing antiques,
if you are you will need tacks not staples! Tools needed
1.staple puller
2.scissor's
3.drawing/picture/blueprint
4.sewing tools
5.Frame gun
6.bradley nail gun
7.staple gun
8.patience
9.work area
10.non toxic glue
these are the makings of comfortable furniture
dont forget you will need cushioning, unless you are into concrete furniture and this can use cushioning too.