Upholstery classes in Biddenden, Kent
Bring your own chair and learn traditional upholstery in friendly groups, at your own pace. Classes run Monday to Thursday, in term time only.
Ask about a place
Classes where you bring your own project
Most classes have everyone making the same thing at the same time. Mine are different. You choose your own piece, whether that is a dining chair, a captain's chair or an armchair, and I teach you what you need for that chair, at your pace.
That means you finish something you actually want to keep, and you learn the traditional methods properly as you go.
A workshop with real character
The workshop is a traditional converted stable block, set alongside a Kentish barn. It has oak beams and a huge amount of character, and it is a welcoming place to let your creativity out.
Each student has a table to work at, and stools are provided. Bring anything else that helps you feel comfortable while you work. Many students bring their own apron.
There is a small kitchenette for tea breaks, and the cakes and biscuits are very popular!
What to expect at your first session
On your first session I will introduce you to some of the other students. Some of them have been coming for 20 years! You will see the kinds of projects people are working on, and it is always nice to learn skills from others along the way.
All the groups are very friendly, and there is always someone about who is happy to help you carry your chair into the workshop.
Not sure what to start with?
If you are new to upholstery, I would always recommend starting with something small, like a dining chair or a captain's chair, before you tackle a chesterfield sofa. You will learn the same skills on a smaller project, and you will see results sooner.
Bringing your chair, and storage
Ideally you will bring your chair to and from each session. It lets you do homework between classes, so you finish your project much sooner than if you only worked on it for a few hours a week in class.
There is limited storage at the workshop for larger items. It can be arranged if there is space, and there will be a storage charge.
What to bring
- Your chair, or the piece you want to work on
- An apron (many students bring their own)
- Anything that helps you feel comfortable while you work
Class times
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
| Monday | 2:30pm to 5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 7:00pm to 9:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
| Wednesday | 2:30pm to 5:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
When do classes run? Term time only, in line with the local academic calendar.
Fees
Fees are set each term, so please ask when you enquire and I will send you the current fees and availability.
Tuition fees are due in full for the term, before you attend your first session. They do not include tools or materials. You pay by bank transfer. Once I have confirmed your place, I will email you the bank details and a payment reference.
Materials and tools
I carry a limited stock of the main tools you will need, or you can buy them in advance from Alison's Amazon shop.
I stock the materials you will need, because you are unlikely to know exactly what is needed until I have seen your chair. That includes webbing, springs, hessian, scrim, coir fibre stuffings, skin and insulating wadding, and calico. Everything you need to get to top cover stage.
You log your materials in the workshop and pay for them before the end of each term.
Because there are so many beautiful fabrics on the market, I do not stock top fabrics. You can choose yours online. My fabric calculator will help you work out how much you need, and when you reach that stage I will help you measure up.
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Questions
Do I need any experience?
No. If you are new to upholstery, start with something small such as a dining chair or a captain's chair.
Do I choose my own project?
Yes. You bring your own chair to class, so everyone is working on something different and you learn what your chair needs.
Can I bring a sofa?
I would always recommend starting small, then tackling something like a chesterfield sofa once you have the skills.
What should I bring?
Your chair, an apron if you have one, and anything that helps you feel comfortable while you work. Each student has a table, and stools are provided.
Do I need to buy materials before my first class?
No. You will not know exactly what you need until I have seen your chair. I stock webbing, springs, hessian, scrim, coir fibre stuffings, skin and insulating wadding, and calico, and you pay for what you use before the end of each term.
Do I need to buy my own tools?
I carry a limited stock of the main tools, or you can buy them in advance from my Amazon shop.
Can I leave my chair at the workshop?
Storage is limited for larger items, but it can be arranged if there is space. There is a storage charge.
How much do classes cost?
Fees are set each term, so please ask when you enquire and I will send you the current fees and availability.
When do I pay?
Tuition fees are due in full for the term, before your first session. They do not include tools or materials. You pay by bank transfer, and I will send you the details when I confirm your place.
Do classes run in the school holidays?
No. Classes run in term time only, in line with the local academic calendar.
Is the workshop accessible?
There is ramp access into the workshop, with a threshold at the door. Please ask if you would like to know more before you visit.
Can I have a tea break?
Yes. There is a small kitchenette, and the cakes and biscuits are very popular.
Can I learn online instead?
Yes. My online video tutorials teach the same traditional methods, from £14.99 a month. See the tutorials.
Can't get to Kent?
You can learn the same traditional methods online, at home, with my video tutorials and membership.
See the online tutorialsAsk about a place
Tell me a little about your chair and which session suits you, and I will get back to you with the current fees and availability.