In this class, you’ll discover the art of upholstery by working on one of the most approachable and satisfying projects: a drop-in seat. Perfect for absolute beginners or anyone wanting to build their skills, this class takes you through each step in a clear, supportive way.
We’ll begin by stripping back the old upholstery and prepping your frame, giving you a fresh start and a chance to see the structure beneath. Then, we’ll move on to creating a supportive foundation using webbing, choosing and shaping your padding and wadding, and finally working with your top cover fabric to achieve a smooth, even finish.
What will you learn…..
You’ll learn the key techniques to tension your fabric evenly and create neat, tidy pleats at the corners — the little details that give your seat that inviting, polished look. We’ll also show you how to add a dust cover to the underside of your seat for a clean, finished appearance that will make you proud of your work.
Whether you’re working on a modern chair or a vintage piece, you’ll learn how to choose the right materials for your project, and how to create a seat that’s not just comfortable, but also beautiful. No previous experience? No worries! Our step-by-step approach will give you the confidence to tackle your project with ease and enjoy the process.
By the end of this class, you’ll have a drop-in seat that’s ready to be used and admired — plus the skills to take on more upholstery projects in the future. Join us and see how fun and rewarding upholstery can be!
Tools & Materials For The Class
Tools You’ll Need to
Strip Your Seat
Before you can start adding the new upholstery layers and a new top cover, you’ll need to strip your drop-in seat base down to its frame. Whether you’re working on a modern or vintage chair, this step is all about carefully removing the old upholstery materials — the old fabric, padding, and any old webbing or tacks. Taking the time to do this properly will give you a clean, solid foundation for your new upholstery layers
Learn How to Add Webbing to Your Seat Base
Creating a strong, supportive foundation is one of the most important steps in upholstery. In this part of the class, you’ll learn how to apply webbing to your seat base. I will show you how to use a webbing stretcher to achieve just the right amount of tension and explain why webbing is key for both comfort and longevity. Whether you’re working on a modern seat or restoring a vintage piece, this step sets the stage for a beautifully upholstered chair that will stand the test of time.
Exploring the Upholstery Layers: Modern and Vintage Approaches
In upholstery, the layers beneath your top cover fabric make all the difference in comfort and durability. For modern upholstery, you’ll often find high-density foam or recycled foam crumb as the main cushioning, topped with soft polyester or recycled polyester wadding to create a good finish. These materials are lightweight, supportive, and easy to shape.
In contrast, vintage and antique chairs traditionally use natural materials like coir fibre or hair-latex composite padding, along with breathable cotton wadding to give a more authentic traditional feel in keeping with the age of your seat. Whichever approach you choose, each layer builds on the next, giving your drop-in seat a perfect balance of support and softness — and helping your finished piece feel just right.
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![Welcome To The Class]()
Welcome To The Class
Join me for a hands-on introduction to the basics of upholstery through the perfect beginner project: the drop-in seat. In this class, you’ll learn how to strip back old upholstery, clean and prepare your chair frame, and rebuild it layer by layer.
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![Lesson 1: Stripping Back The Old Upholstery]()
Lesson 1: Stripping Back The Old Upholstery
Before we can begin rebuilding your drop-in seat, we need to strip away the old upholstery and prepare the frame.
Having the right tools ready like a staple remover, small pliers, and a tack lifter , will make the process smoother and help protect the frame underneath. We'll also cover simple ways to repair any wood damage, using a mix of PVA glue and fine wood dust, and show you how to clamp and glue any cracks to restore the frame's strength. -
![Lesson 2: Adding The Webbings]()
Lesson 2: Adding The Webbings
In this stage of the upholstery project, we create the structural support for your drop-in seat by applying jute or herringbone webbing in a woven pattern. Using a webbing stretcher and 12mm staples, you'll learn how to tension and secure each strip to build a firm, even base — the key to a comfortable and long-lasting upholstered seat.
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![Lesson 3: The Upholstery Layers]()
Lesson 3: The Upholstery Layers
We will explore how to create the supportive, comfortable base for your drop-in seat. You’ll learn how to choose the right padding for modern or antique chairs and how to build up the layers to give your seat a soft, inviting shape. By the end, you’ll have a perfectly contoured seat base that’s ready for your final fabric cover.
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![Lesson 4: The Wadding Layer]()
Lesson 4: The Wadding Layer
In this lesson, we’ll create a smooth, soft layer of wadding that bridges the gap between your padding and your final top fabric. You’ll learn how to choose the right wadding for your project, how to tension and shape it, and how to secure it in place using a temporary and then permanent stapling technique.
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![Lesson 5: Finishing Your Drop-In-Seat]()
Lesson 5: Finishing Your Drop-In-Seat
You will learn how to take your drop-in seat from a padded base to a beautiful, finished look. We’ll guide you through preparing and marking your top cover fabric, tensioning it evenly using temporary staples, and shaping the corners with neat pleats. You’ll also see how to apply a dust cover for a clean and tidy underside — a perfect final touch that completes your seat.
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2. Specialised Classes: We’re offering access to all our classes for subscribers only! Our single and double piping class, headboard class and seat bench class is already available, providing in-depth tutorials to enhance your skills and boost your confidence.
3. Q&A Sessions: Join our interactive Q&A sessions where you can ask questions, seek advice, and get personalised tips for your upholstery projects. I am here to help you every step of the way.
4. Detailed Project Tutorials: Our tutorials are designed to be clear and easy to follow. We provide step-by-step instructions that make learning upholstery enjoyable and stress-free, without the rush of fast-paced reels.