Figure 1: A fully restored mid-century sofa featuring deep-buttoned velvet and original brass sabots.
Course Overview & Learning Objectives
True upholstery restoration goes far beyond replacing top fabric. The integrity of an antique chair or sofa relies on its internal foundation: jute webbing, hand-tied springs, and natural stuffing materials that breathe and contour perfectly over decades.
Led by master upholsterers, this comprehensive 10-module course demystifies the structural tear-down and meticulous rebuild process required to bring historical seating back to life without modern foams that degrade over time.
Key Skills You Will Master
- Safe frame tear-down and tack removal without splitting antique timber
- Executing the traditional eight-way hand-tie method for coil springs
- Layering natural horsehair, cotton batting, and muslin for structured padding
- Creating flawless blind stitches and applying decorative trims or gimps
Detailed Curriculum Breakdown
Module 1: Structural Tear-Down & Frame Prep
Removing old upholstery layers, preserving original tacks for reference, and reinforcing loose mortise and tenon seat joints with hide glue before applying new tension.
Module 2: Webbing & Spring Foundations
Stretching traditional jute webbing, securing coil springs, and mastering the complex eight-way tying knot for ultimate seat longevity and equal weight distribution.
Module 3: Sculpting with Horsehair
Distributing and stitching down natural horsehair and coir over burlap to create the firm, sculptural edges characteristic of fine antiques.
Module 4: Fabric Layout & Final Tensioning
Pattern matching across large surfaces, executing relief cuts around arm posts, and achieving perfect tension across silk, wool, and heavy velvet top covers without wrinkling.
Start Your Upholstery Journey
Instant lifetime access to all 10 video modules and downloadable workshop guides.
Enroll in Masterclass — $195