Upholstery Apprentice

As many of you know, my job was cut in half due to the economic thing happening. Instead of going back to the service industry, I applied (read: begged) for an intern/apprenticeship at Think Design to learn the finer points (plygrip/the regulator/no pun intended) of upholstery. After about a month an a half of webbing/strapping banquettes, pulling cotton batting out of my hair, and band-aiding my gentle hands, I completed a wingback chair. Larry (the one on the far left) showed me how to measure, cut, and stretch fabric over a reused frame, fabric remnants, and recycled foam.  The fabric we used was a recycled polyester in a bamboo print that is widely available. Brittany says it sort of looks like a hippie fabric.  I did not do any of the sewing of the welts or the seat cushion, however I stapled and plygripped the majority of the chair. I would say I have an initial mastery of the fundamentals of upholstery. Here's a photo:

 

(Larry, Me, Alex)

please note: we were all out of latex foam for the seat cushion and so it looks saggy. also, i need a haircut real bad.

Comments

[summerpowell]

It's good you didn't polygrip the chair...

[Jennifer Treadwell]

Hi Michael,

I stumbled upon your blog while searching for information on how to get an apprenticeship to learn upholstery. What steps did you take? Who did you approach and how?

I have a few books I have read on the subject, but I haven't even tried a project yet. What would you suggest?

Please contact me at [email protected]

Thanks,
Jennifer

[James Harvon]

Michael, congratulations on completing your first chair. I am sure you now understand the joy and pride that goes behind upholstery work. Piecing furniture together more fun than you probably realized. http://www.sureline.ca/Templates/custom_upholstery.html