An Introduction to Upholstery | Leisure Learning | UNB Art Centre | UNB

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College of Extended Learning

An Introduction to Upholstery

This two day workshop will focus on the basics of upholstery. You will learn about fabrics and materials and receive instructions on how to use common upholstery tools. In this introductory class, we will focus on reupholstering a simple dining room chair seat. You will strip the old material using the right tools, re-build the padding and upholster the seat. This is a great way to start learning the basics using a common project found in most homes.

You will need to bring a basic dining room chair with a removable chair seat (usually screwed to the frame from the bottom.) These can often be found in second-hand stores for a few dollars. If you do not have an appropriate chair, one may be purchased from the instructor.

Materials to bring with you:

  • Fabric scissors (Dollarama: $5)
  • Tack lifter
  • 8” Nippers
  • Hand stapler with staples, rated for upholstery
  • Screwdriver(s) and/or cordless drill with multiple bits
  • Light duty Hammer
  • One yard of sturdy fabric, preferably upholstery weight
  • Safety gloves and safety glasses/visor (recommended)

Incidentals included in class fee.

In-class purchases if needed: Yard of fabric: $5 | Chair: $10

Fall term

Saturday, Nov. 16 & Sunday, Nov. 17 (2 days)
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (includes lunch break)
UNB Fredericton
9 Bailey Drive, Memorial Hall, Room 26
$249 (+ HST)

Register now

Winter term

Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 (2 days)
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (includes lunch break)
UNB Fredericton
9 Bailey Drive, Memorial Hall, Room 26
$249 (+ HST)

Registration opens Oct. 18.

About the instructor

Jolie Mack-Lewis is a self-taught upholsterer and owner of J.Lewis Upholstery & Decor, a small upholstery shop in Fredericton, NB. Jolie has been working in the trade for six years. She has a special interest in vintage furniture restoration and has a large inventory of curated items in storage.

The shop focuses on bringing these rescued mid-century and retro pieces back to life and then offered for private sale. Over the years, Jolie has completed many client commissions, restoring much-loved furniture with care. She works with the client to help them choose colours, fabrics, and style details.

Residential upholstery projects have included classic comfy chairs, patio furniture, antique sofas, ottomans, retro dinette sets, kitchen nook benches - and plenty more jobs in between. Commercial work includes restaurant seating and vinyl banner sewing.