Basic Upholstery - DIY

Learn the basic tools, materials and techniques of upholstery while working on a small basic project: a milk crate topper. 

At the end of the course, participants should have enough understanding and confidence to tackle projects on their own.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this introduction to upholstery course, you should be able to:

• Recall knowledge of general workshop safety
• Understand how to select appropriate fabrics for your project
• Measure and cut foam
• Understand of what kind of timber to use for creating a base for your project
• Recall knowledge of basic upholstery principles and tools
• Take home a milk crate topper

Course content

The course structure involves a combination of theory and practice. By making a crate topper, participants learn and practice new skills on an easy upholstery project, with lots of tips and guidance, to develop readiness to take on a larger, fiddlier job.

• Introduction
• Safety and housekeeping
• Project outline
• Discuss importance of repair and using reclaimed materials
• Introduction to basic upholstery tools
• Making a milk crate topper
  • Step 1: Attach foam to plywood base
  • Step 2: Dacron
  • Step 3: Fabric
  • Step 4: Attach plug (base fabric)

What to bring 

• Close-toed shoes
• Dust masks or safety equipment if you have any

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Please don't wear your best clothing
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Wear closed-in shoes, no heels, please
• Please do not wear jewellery