I am a complete beginner – What project should I start with?

It is always a good idea to start with something small with just a few of the basic upholstery skills required. We suggest a dining chair, piano or foot stool. Modern pieces tend to be quicker to complete. 

I have done some upholstery in the past can I do a bigger project?

If you are more experienced, you might want to bring an armchair, sprung chair or stool, but bear in mind that these projects will take longer than one course. For larger projects such as a chaise longues or small sofas please discuss with us first. We have limited space so this can depend on other projects already underway

How can I check if the project I want to do is suitable?

With every person who would like to join our courses we ask that you email us a picture of your project to info@folkinghamcreative.co.uk so that we can see whether we think it is suitable and achievable,

What is the difference between Traditional and Modern Upholstery?

Traditional pieces are handcrafted using hand tools & materials such as horsehair, coir fibre, hessian cloth, jute webbing and cotton felt. The process involves stuffing and stitching a framework to give strength and structure to the upholstery.

Modern Upholstery uses mainly synthetic materials such as foam, elasticated webbing, polyester wadding and staples.

At FCA we look to sustainable practices and so do not use foam. We do have more sustainable alternatives that we can suggest.

Do I need to provide my own tools and materials?

We provide a toolbox to use in class with the tools you will need to work on your project. If you have your own, please bring them along. 

We have a store cupboard full of sundries and supplies for you to work with so there is no need to bring your own.

We also have fabric sample books from a vast array of fabric houses for you to look through and choose a fabric to suit your piece. We offer a 10% discount on their retail prices to all students. However, if you have something already then bring it along and we will be able to check its suitability. For modern frames it is necessary to ensure where possible it meets British Standards for fire retardancy.  

What is included in the term fees?

The term fees include tuition, the use of a toolbox, delicious homemade refreshments and basic sundries including tacks, staples, twine, sewing threads etc.

Each student is given a ‘Sundries sheet’ at the start of the course so that other sundries such as calico, hessian and stuffings are noted down and paid for at the end of the term. We try and keep these costs as reasonable as possible and have the price list in the workshop.

How many people are in each class?

We have a maximum of 8 in a class. We base this on up to 7 students plus a ‘floating space’ to allow for people to make up a slot should they miss one.

What if I don’t finish my project in a term?

We will always try to say when we first see your project whether we think it can be completed in a term, and if we feel it may take more than one term. However this does depend on your competence and speed. Also, projects can throw up surprises as we take off the old upholstery (breaks to frame or extra work) which  cannot be foreseen. 

What happens if I am ill or have to miss a session?

We will try and offer an alternative for any class missed if available - but this is not guaranteed. No classes can be carried over to the next term, or refunds given for missed classes.

Where can I buy my own toolkit?

We have tools on sale at the school. If you wish to purchase a more comprehensive kit, we can talk about what you require and put together the perfect kit for you to suit your budget.

Do you supply guidance notes for the sessions?

We have a library of Upholstery books for you to look through at the school and are happy to assist in suggesting the best ones to guide you through your project if you want to work on it in your own time.