28/05/2026
Give Old Furniture a Second Life and discover the timeless craft of upholstery in our hands-on classes in Almondbury
There is something deeply satisfying about taking a worn-out chair or footstool and coaxing it back to life — choosing the fabric, feeling the tension in the webbing, and stepping back at the end to admire a piece that is entirely your own work. Our autumn upholstery classes give you the skills, the space, and the time to do exactly that.
What Is Recreational Upholstery?
Re-upholstery is the craft of repairing, padding, and covering furniture — transforming the tired and worn-out into something beautiful and lasting. Unlike our structured courses, our recreational classes are designed to be flexible and varied. There are no set agenda, no pressure, and no expectation that you have picked up a staple gun before. What there is, instead, is a small, friendly group of like-minded people, expert guidance, and the quiet pleasure of working with your hands. Whether you want to rescue a beloved family heirloom, reduce waste by giving charity-shop finds a new lease of life, or simply try something creative and absorbing, these classes are built for you.
What You Could Learn
Over twelve weekly sessions, you could build a genuinely useful set of skills that can be applied to all kinds of domestic furniture:
Stripping & Preparation
Safely remove old fabric, webbing, and padding; assess frames for repairs; work with both traditional and modern internal structures
Webbing & Springing
Tension and interlace webbing correctly; tie springs for a firm, even seat; understand the foundations that make upholstery last for decades
Cutting & Fabric Fitting
Measure, cut, and position foam and fabric neatly; handle pattern matching, corners, and awkward curves with confidence
Finishing Techniques
Apply piping, gimps, and decorative nails; achieve a clean, professional finish that you will be proud to display at home.
You do not need to be artistic or experienced — just curious and willing to try. Every skill in these classes is transferable, and every session leaves you with something tangible to show for it.
Who is this for? Absolutely anyone. Beginners are warmly welcomed — in fact, most participants arrive with little or no experience. The class size is kept deliberately small so that the tutor can give personal attention to each student, whatever their level. If you have done a little upholstery before and want to develop your technique further this course provides the structured progression and dedicated studio time to do so. All you need to bring is enthusiasm and, of course, a suitable piece of furniture to work on (guidance on choosing a good beginner project can be provided).
Check our website for details of days and times for our Recreational classes - www.manorhouseupholstery.net
