SH Upholstery

Introduction to Upholstery
2026-04-10 09:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Semper Hopkins, Kent Green Chapel, Cinderhill Lane, Scholar Green, Stoke-on-trent, Cheshire, ST7 3HR, United Kingdom
This workshop is aimed at complete beginners looking for an introduction into the world of upholstery.
Do you feel frustrated because you don’t know how to start your upholstery project, keep on buying the wrong type of fabric, or haven’t got the right tools. Come and try it out for yourself at this in person workshop where you will get to experience it all first hand and have expert advice along the way.
By the end of the workshop individuals will have an understanding of the tools, materials and fabric needed to complete basic upholstery projects, along with practical experience at basic upholstery techniques. Full overview detailed below.
If you like to learn in person this workshop is for you. The workshop includes a mixture of practical and theoretical teaching. You will have the opportunity to ask Emma lots of questions throughout the day.
You will be able to use the basic techniques you learn to upholster furniture like drop in dining chair seats, footstools, bench seating, stools, headboards and more.
On this workshop you will make a finished piece of furniture of your choice to take away with you at the end of the day. You can choose from a bench, a stool or a small or large footstool and you will be able to select your colour of fabric and finishes.
Furniture choices – Please select your choice when booking.

Bench or Stool – and choose from either metal hairpin legs or mid-century style wooden legs.
Footstool (large or small) – for the feet choose from a natural or dark wax.

Fabric choice:
Sustainable fabric is included. Please detail your colour choice when booking. Free samples can be requested directly from the supplier by clicking on the link below.

Warwick Amantheon Wool

Dimensions:
Stool – 50cm wide x 40cm deep x 49cm high
Footstool – 50cm wide x 40cm deep x 29cm high
Bench – 90cm wide x 40cm deep x 49cm high
Large Footstool – 66cm wide x 48cm deep x 29cm high
On the day you will learn about

Upholstery Tools
Overview of the basic upholstery tools you will need to get you started. A safety demonstration on how to use them and you get to try them out yourself.
It will include a useful glossary of pictures and names of all the tools demonstrated.
Upholstery Materials
A presentation on the basic upholstery materials you may need for a project. It will include a useful glossary of all the names, so you know what you are searching for when you buy as well as seeing physical examples of what they are.
Fabric –
Emma will share her expertise and tips so you feel prepared to buy the right upholstery fabric for future projects.
You will get to see and feel different upholstery fabrics as part of the tutorial.
Emma will include an overview of fabric sustainability and show you examples available. It will also include tips on how to do a search for fabric online.
Upholstery Techniques
Demonstration and practice experience on the following basic upholstery techniques.
Attach elasticated webbing and hessian. How to measure foam for a project and attach (stapling and gluing with spray adhesive). How to measure what fabric you need and marking out your fabric. How to start attaching your fabric.
Finishing corners – including hospital corners and a double pleated corner. Single piping and how to attach. Example of shallow buttoning.
Hot and cold drinks are provided throughout the day. You will need to bring your own lunch.

Square Buttoned Upholstery Workshop
2026-04-17 09:30 - 16:30
Choose to make a square buttoned stool, storage crate, small or large footstool, or two seater bench.
Discover the different tools and materials needed for upholstery, along with a range of upholstery techniques which are detailed in a handout for you to take away.
The price includes all materials and fabric. Suitable for beginners.
You will learn how to:

Staple elasticated webbing and hessian to the wooden frame, glueing foam to the hessian (not applicable to crate).
Prepare the foam for square buttoning including marking out the foam, drilling holes, and applying dacron.
Measure and mark out your fabric for square buttoning.
Sewing the square panels into your fabric.
Make your own fabric buttons.
Pleat and finish off your piece of furniture.
Fix the feet or legs to your furniture.

Furniture choices – Please select your choice when booking.

Bench or Stool –choose from either metal hairpin legs or mid-century style wooden legs.
Footstool (large or small) – for the feet choose from a natural or dark wax.

Fabric choice:
Sustainable fabric is included. Please detail your colour choice when booking. Free samples can be requested directly from the supplier by clicking on the link below.

Warwick Amantheon Wool

Dimensions:
Stool – 50cm wide x 40cm deep x 49cm high
Storage Crate – 50cm wide x 40cm deep x 38cm high
Footstool – 50cm wide x 40cm deep x 29cm high
Bench – 90cm wide x 40cm deep x 49cm high
Large Footstool – 61cm wide x 61cm deep x 29cm high
Useful information:

Hot and cold drinks are included throughout the day.
You will need to bring your own lunch with you.
