Upholstery Courses in Bristol Everything there is to know about our upholstery courses

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Our Upholstery Courses

About Our Upholstery Courses

Based on traditional skills that are tried and tested, upholstery is a great way to breathe new life into a piece of furniture that deserves a refresh. Instead of throwing your furniture into landfill, how about upcycling and repurposing that heirloom or skip find!

Maybe you have inherited an item that has seen better days or perhaps you have spotted a piece which you love the structure of, but that needs work to really bring it to life?

Changing the fabric to one of your choice, adding buttons and/or flutes, repairing the padding, webbing or springs can all provide you with a truly bespoke piece of furniture that is a unique statement piece that will enhance your home and life.

Courses on Offer

One-Day Workshops

You might choose to do a one-day upholstery workshop. These courses are great for a taster into upholstery where you are working on a small piece such as a stool or drop in seat/dining chair that can be finished in a day. Lots of learners use these workshops as inspiration to help you get started with a project. If you have a project ‘on the go’ you might find these one-day workshops perfect to help to progress or finish an existing project.

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Location: Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS9 1BN

Intensive Courses

We offer intensive courses where you have several days in a row to work more intensively on your project. These courses are particularly good if you have something you really want to get on with as they give you the opportunity to get stuck into your project.

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Location: Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS9 1BN

Green Velvet Chair Finished with Cushion

Longer Weekly Courses

We also have longer courses where you attend for one session a week for 6 or 12 weeks. This allows you to build up work on your project over several weeks. Ideally suited for bigger and more complicated piece or pieces.

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Location: Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS9 1BN

UPCOMING COURSES

UPHOLSTERY WEEKLY COURSES - MONDAYS (AM)
Upholstery

Bring a treasured heirloom back to life! You will learn traditional upholstery skills and methods using traditional materials. If your project requires it, you can also learn how to use a sewing machine. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.

Due to limited storage, please bring smaller, lighter pieces. All pieces of furniture MUST be taken home at the end of the course unless you have enrolled on the next course.
- Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 12 September £148/£90 T10A Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 31 October £148/£90 T10B Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 5 sessions from 9 January £124/£75 T10C Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 20 February £148/£90 T10D Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 5 sessions from 17 April £124/£75 T10E Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 5 June £148/£90 T10F Stoke Lodge
Book Now
UPHOLSTERY WEEKLY COURSES - MONDAYS (PM)
Upholstery

Bring a treasured heirloom back to life! You will learn traditional upholstery skills and methods using traditional materials. If your project requires it, you can also learn how to use a sewing machine. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.

Due to limited storage, please bring smaller, lighter pieces. All pieces of furniture MUST be taken home at the end of the course unless you have enrolled on the next course.
- Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 12 September £124/£75 T11A Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 31 October £124/£75 T11B Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 5 sessions from 9 January £104/£63 T11C Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 20 February £124/£75 T11D Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 5 sessions from 17 April £104/£63 T11E Stoke Lodge
And
- Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 5 June £124/£75 T11F Stoke Lodge
Book Now
UPHOLSTERY WEEKLY COURSES - TUESDAYS
Upholstery

Bring a treasured heirloom back to life! You will learn traditional upholstery skills and methods using traditional materials. If your project requires it, you can also learn how to use a sewing machine. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.

Due to limited storage, please bring smaller, lighter pieces. All pieces of furniture MUST be taken home at the end of the course unless you have enrolled on the next course.
- Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 13 September £124/£75 T12A Stoke Lodge
And
- Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 1 November £124/£75 T12B Stoke Lodge
And
- Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 5 sessions from 10 January £104/£63 T12C Stoke Lodge
And
- Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 21 February £124/£75 T12D Stoke Lodge
And
- Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 18 April £124/£75 T12E Stoke Lodge
And
- Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 6 June £124/£75 T12F Stoke Lodge
Book Now
UPHOLSTERY WEEKLY COURSES - THURSDAYS
Upholstery

Bring a treasured heirloom back to life! You will learn traditional upholstery skills and methods using traditional materials. If your project requires it, you can also learn how to use a sewing machine. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.

Due to limited storage, please bring smaller, lighter pieces. All pieces of furniture MUST be taken home at the end of the course unless you have enrolled on the next course.
- Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 15 September £124/£75 T13A Stoke Lodge
And
- Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 3 November £124/£75 T13B Stoke Lodge
And
- Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 5 sessions from 12 January £104/£63 T13C Stoke Lodge
And
- Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 23 February £124/£75 T13D Stoke Lodge
And
- Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 19 April £124/£75 T13E Stoke Lodge
And
- Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
- 6 sessions from 8 June £124/£75 T13F Stoke Lodge
Book Now
REPAIR, REUPHOLSTER & REUSE A DINING CHAIR
Repair, Reupholster and Reuse A Dining Chair

Give an old dining chair a new life! Whether contemporary or traditional, drop seat or deep sprung you will be guided through all the steps necessary to get that professional finish!

Due to limited storage, please bring smaller, lighter pieces. All pieces of furniture MUST be taken home at the end of the course unless you have enrolled on the next course.

This workshop will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.

Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm Grace Ingram
- 6 sessions from 4 November £147/£97 T26A Stoke Lodge
- 6 sessions from 24 February £147/£97 T26B Stoke Lodge
- 6 sessions from 21 April £147/£97 T26C Stoke Lodge
- 6 sessions from 9 June £147/£97 T26D Stoke Lodge
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CUSHION RECOVERY
Cushion Recovery

Do you have any cushions or soft furnishings that need a new lease of life? This course is for you! You will learn to totally remake your cushion cover from scratch to get that professional finish.

This workshop will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.

Wednesday 6pm to 8.30pm Grace Ingram
- 6 sessions from 2 November £116/£74 T25A Stoke Lodge
- 6 sessions from 22 February £116/£74 T25B Stoke Lodge
- 6 sessions from 19 April £116/£74 T25C Stoke Lodge
- 6 sessions from 7 June £116/£74 T25D Stoke Lodge
Book Now
UPHOLSTERY ON SATURDAYS: ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS
Upholstery On Saturdays

These one-day workshops can be used as a “taster” or as an opportunity to complete an unfinished project. If you intend to finish a project in a day, please bring fabric and braid (if appropriate). Please choose a small, manageable piece. No previous experience necessary.

This workshop will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.

Pieces of furniture cannot be stored at Stoke Lodge due to limited storage space.
- Saturday 10am to 4pm Nicola Hamilton
- 1 session on 15 October £55/£40 T14A Stoke Lodge
And
- Saturday 10am to 4pm Nicola Hamilton
- 1 session on 12 November £55/£40 T14B Stoke Lodge
And
- Saturday 10am to 4pm Nicola Hamilton
- 1 session on 10 December £55/£40 T14C Stoke Lodge
And
- Saturday 10am to 4pm Nicola Hamilton
- 1 session on 4 February £55/£40 T14D Stoke Lodge
And
- Saturday 10am to 4pm Nicola Hamilton
- 1 session on 4 March £55/£40 T14E Stoke Lodge
Book Now

Tutor Profile

Nicky Hamilton

My first experience with upholstery was in an evening class over 30 years ago, I loved it and was hooked.

I gave up my job as a Physiotherapist and embarked on a full-time, 2 year, City and Guilds course in Upholstery which I passed with distinction.

In 1994, once the course was over, I set up an upholstery business in Redland Train Station with a fellow student called Renee Hodson, and Hamilton & Hodson was born. Renee moved on, and my new business partner is Erica Fredricksson. We take commissions, refurbish preloved furniture for retail, and we also teach there.

I currently split my time between H&H (still in the station!), teaching at Stoke Lodge in Bristol and spending time with my young daughter.

I have taught upholstery at Stoke Lodge since 2008 and really enjoy seeing others become enthused, as I did all those years ago in an evening class just like the ones I now teach!

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Video Tutorials

Watch our tutorial video, making your own trim – upholstery course with Nicky Hamilton

See Other Upholstery Tutorials On Our YouTube Channel

Our Gallery

Here is a look at some of our students’ projects and testimonies.

Testimonials What our learners say...

“I did the course with my 2 daughters. It was our 4th time of doing this workshop. I love everything about it – it’s creative, it’s technical, it can’t be rushed, and we work towards changing something tatty and old and transform it into something useful and beautiful.”

“The course is tailored to your specific project and Nicky is very good at explaining and demonstrating new approaches.”

“A very friendly group and tutor, everyone was busy as well as interested. Would definitely join again.”

“It was difficult! – but the tutor demonstration was extremely helpful. I learnt how to gather corners, so it all laid a lot flatter and looked wonderful. The result moved me forward a great deal. Thanks Nicky.”

“Nicky is very knowledgeable, helpful and clear in her instructions. She was very positive and encouraging. I really liked her calm and methodical approach. She had all the materials we needed. I felt the course was very good value.”

“I managed to do everything I had hoped to do. Nicky is a calm and experienced tutor.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the courses like?

Courses are relaxed and friendly. Most of our courses are in small groups of 6 to 8 learners. Each learner has their own workspace in the classroom and the tutor will work with you on individual aspects of your project.

A suitable project can be anything from foot stool or dining chair to a small armchair or wing chair. Learners have even chosen to upholster headboards for beds. The techniques learned depend to an extent on the project you bring, from webbing and springing to stitched edges, box cushions and other soft furnishings.

Courses are hands-on from the start and you will begin work on your project during the first lesson. There may be dust involved when stripping the furniture and loose tacks and staples on the floor therefore dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear.
Where do the courses take place?

Courses take place in our workshop at Stoke Lodge. Stoke Lodge is our adult learning centre off Shirehampton Road in Stoke Bishop. The building has been hosting adult learning classes for over 50 years and is a beautiful old house set in fantastic grounds. We have plenty of free car parking and our back car park is closest to the annexe building and the upholstery classroom.

The upholstery room is a spacious room on the ground floor of our annexe building. The room has large windows and French doors that open out to the grounds so there is plenty of natural light.
Are refreshments available?

Yes, we have a morning and an afternoon tea/coffee break at Stoke Lodge.

Drinks are served in the main building (just next to the annexe) and we charge £1 for a cup of tea, coffee or herbal tea with biscuits.

Tea breaks are a great way to step away from your project, grab a drink and catch up with learners on your course or those on other courses in the building. Its always a nice social part of the day where everyone gets the chance to stretch their legs and refresh.
Do I need any previous experience?
What do I need to bring?

Specific details on what to bring may vary, so when you book with us please check the course information sheet for that particular course.

Generally for the first session you will need to bring:
A manageable piece of furniture, not sofas or chaise loungues. You generally only need to bring top cover fabric to the first session if you are doing a very small piece of furniture or a one day workshop.

We have a wide range of upholstery tools available to use but we generally ask each learner to bring: Scissors and a tape measure. If you have one already you might also like to bring a wooden mallet. You may want to bring an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes.
Can I store my project at Stoke Lodge?

Yes you can. We have 2 upholstery store rooms at Stoke Lodge where learners can leave their project between sessions. The upholstery stores are fine for chairs and smaller projects, but we can’t accommodate big sofas and chaise lounges!

We recommend you bring an old sheet or rug to cover the piece if the fabric is particularly light or delicate.

We obviously ask that you take your project home with you at the end of the course to make room for the next learners’ pieces.
Can you help me to buy the right materials and tools?

Yes. The materials learners need can be supplied by the tutor at a moderate cost or can be purchased elsewhere by the learners, for example horsehair, foam, wire and fixings.

The tutor can advise you of possible suppliers. You will also need to bring your choice of cover fabric and/or braid. Your tutor can advise on fabric types that might suit your project.

We have lots of tools available to use in the classroom so you are unlikely to have to purchase any specialist tools, but sometimes learners like to start building up their own tool kit and the tutor can advise you of options.
Is there any homework?
What sort of projects do learners work on?

On a one-day course learners might bring a stool or dining style chair to work on so they can get the project done in one day, or a project they already have on the go.

On intensive or longer course most students are working on chairs, learners choose lots of different styles and designs, whatever they like the look of. Have a look at some of the examples of learner projects in our Upholstery Gallery.

Need More Information

Contact Us

Need more information regarding our upholstery courses? You can call us on 0117 903 8844, email or visit us in person at Stoke Lodge. Office hours applies.

Stoke Lodge Adult Learning Centre
Shirehampton Road, Bristol, BS9 1BN

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