What you'll learn
Learn the basic skills of Upholstery and more with our Woodwork courses in Sydney.
Got a tired chair or stool that needs new life? Join this fun and hands-on introduction to upholstery and learn how to bring furniture back to life—starting with a simple, practical project you can take home.
In this 3-hour workshop, you’ll learn the foundational skills, tools, and materials used in upholstery while creating your own milk crate topper. With expert guidance, you'll walk away with the confidence to tackle small projects at home.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this introduction to upholstery course, you should be able to:
- Recall knowledge of general workshop safety
- Understand how to select appropriate fabrics for your project
- Measure and cut foam
- Understand what kind of timber to use for creating a base for your project
- Recall knowledge of basic upholstery principles and tools
- Take home a milk crate topper
After finishing this course, you might like to enrol in our Furniture Repair & Restoration workshop
Course content
What will be covered in this Basic Upholstery Short Course?
Getting started
- Workshop safety protocols and housekeeping procedures
- Introduction to the project: milk crate topper
- Benefits of repairing and reusing materials
Tools & techniques
- Introduction to basic upholstery tools
- Attaching foam to a plywood base
- Applying dacron and fabric
- Securing the base fabric (plug)
Expect a mix of theory and hands-on practice. Mistakes are part of the learning—your facilitator is there to support and guide you throughout the process.
Intended audience
Who is this introduction to upholstery course for?
This course is designed for those with little to no knowledge or experience in woodworking.
Course venue
The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre Workshop
- Summer Hill: 7 Prospect Road, Summer Hill NSW 2131
- Redfern: 107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016
- The entrance to the Bower workshop is at the rear of 107 Redfern Street and is opposite no. 23 Turner Street. 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 at the rear will be open and not the front. If you have trouble locating the entrance or encounter any emergencies, please contact the workshop manager at 0422 840 471.
- 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.
- Most nearby parking is 2-hour-timed (including some paid parking on Redfern St) though it is untimed after 8 pm. Untimed parking is available on Pitt St between Phillip and Wellington St.
Course materials
What to bring to class
- Close-toed shoes
- Dust masks or safety equipment if you have any
Additional information
Please note the following:
- 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
Course testimonials
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Tailoi said: It was a fabulous introduction to upholstery, we made an upholstered seat insert making it a relevant transition to our future home projects. The tutor had years of experience and was very generous with his time to make sure we had our individual questions answered. Also provided information on upholstery equipment suppliers.
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Adrienne said: It was advertised as a "beginner" course and I really appreciate that the tutor assumed no knowledge of tools or techniques and patiently took us through each step.
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Jacqueline said: This was a fantastic course with Leif. We had a project to reupholster dining chairs. Having a choice of antique chairs and fabrics to select from and he guided us through from beginning to end. This session gives you the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle those larger projects at home as you learn the fundamentals.
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Jenny said: Refining some skills that I already had. Learning new techniques. Leif was an excellent tutor, very helpful and friendly
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Mary-Ann said: Learning makes easy at Sydney College. Love the course structure and timeframe.
Course tutors
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process, and you can change your mind up to 7 days before class starts.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
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This course has no current classes. Please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Basic Upholstery Short Course
This course has no current classes. Please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Basic Upholstery Short Course