Introduction to Upholstery

Learn the basic skills of Upholstery, and more, with our DIY Woodwork courses in Sydney.

Would you like to refurbish your own items of furniture and learn to live more sustainably? Do you want to save money by repairing your own furniture items?

This three-hour hands-on workshop could be for you.

In our Introduction to Upholstery workshop, you will learn upholstery basics and upholster a flat surface yourself with guidance from workshop facilitators.

You will use repurposed materials and learn up-cycling techniques that are both budget-friendly and sustainable.

By the end of the workshop, you will have a milk-crate upholstered seat base and the knowledge to undertake basic upholstery projects of your own (e.g. refurbishing dining chair seats or a bedhead).

This course goes hand-in-hand with our Furniture Repair & Restoration workshop.

Learning outcomes

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

• knowledge of general workshop safety;
• an understanding of how to select appropriate fabrics for your project;
• understand and skills to measure and cut foam;
• knowledge around how to repurpose and glue foam pieces together;
• an understanding of what timbers to use for creating a base for your project;
• knowledge of basic upholstery principles and tools; and
• a seat base to take home.

After finishing this course, you might like to enrol in our Furniture Repair & Restoration workshop or Woodwork Course for Beginners.

What will be covered in this course?

• Introduction
• Safety and Housekeeping
• Project outline
• Introduction to tools
• Preparation of materials
• Cut pieces
• Assemble seat base
• Discussion and advice on your future upholstery projects

Who is this course for?

Those with no knowledge or experience with upholstery.

Course venue

The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre Workshop
107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016

How to get there

The entrance to the Bower workshop is via Turner Street, which is at the rear of 107 Redfern Street and is opposite no. 23. You will see a hand-painted sign "The Bower Woodworks". If the door is locked, please press the doorbell on the left-hand side of the garage door. Please note, the doors for the venue will be open from 5:30 pm.

Public transport

Public transport is the best way to get to the workshop space. The space is located close to Redfern Train Station, a local transport hub.

Car parking

Most nearby parking is 2-hour-timed (including some paid parking on Redfern St) though it clicks over to untimed at 8 pm. Untimed parking is available on Pitt St between Phillip and Wellington St. Turn right from Turner St and head down Pitt St two blocks, untimed parking is on your right.

What to bring to class

Any fabrics or buttons you would like to use on your project;

Ideas for future projects - if you have a project in mind, please bring photos to class as we will be able to discuss and advise you on the best next steps for your refurbishment project.

Please bring the following PPE:

a face mask

safety glasses or goggles

earmuffs or earplugs

The Bower has PPE sanitised and available to borrow. Students must sanitise before and after use.

Additional information

• 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