Upholstery Summer School - 2026

This course is full. Please contact us on 0117 903 8844 to be added to the queue.

Course code: T92D

A chance for beginners to learn traditional upholstery skills, while improvers focus on their own individual projects.

when: From 03 Aug 2026 to 07 Aug 2026
Full time - all week 09:30-15:30 one week
Tutor: Nicky Hamilton

where

location to be advised

fees

full fee for this course £295.00, concession fee £178.00

who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

A five-day course ideal for beginners learning upholstery and improvers tackling more advanced projects. Learners bring their own furniture—please avoid items larger than an armchair. New learners are asked to confirm the suitability of their project by emailing a photo of the item to Nicky at <a href="mailto:nickyhamilton99@gmail.com" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">nickyhamilton99@gmail.com</a> at least one week before the course begins.

What can students expect?

This flexible, hands-on course lets you work on your own upholstery project at your own pace, with expert guidance tailored to your piece. You will begin your project in the first session.

As learners work on individual projects at different levels, the pace of tuition may vary—thank you for your patience. Please wear practical clothing and sturdy shoes, as the work may involve dust and loose tacks or staples. Our storage space is limited so we cannot accommodate large pieces (e.g. a sofa or chaise longue). All pieces MUST be taken home at the end of the Summer School unless you have enrolled on a weekday course starting in September. Pieces left behind without prior agreement will be disposed of.

Late starters allowed?

Yes, but there will be less time to work on your project.

Previous experience required?

No. Experience with hand or machine sewing would be beneficial.

What is the progression route?

Learners may enrol on weekly “Upholstery” course or “Upholstery On Saturdays” workshop to complete a project.

Are there any extra costs?

Yes. Materials can be supplied by the tutor at a moderate cost or purchased elsewhere by learners. Top cover fabric and braid are also required.

Work set between sessions?

No, but learners can continue working on their project at home if they wish.

What should students bring?

To the 1st session, please bring:

<ul>
<li>A manageable piece of furniture. Only bring top cover fabric to the first session if doing a very small piece of furniture.</li>
</ul>

Most tools will be available to use but you must bring:

<ul>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Tape measure</li>
<li>Lunch & refreshments </li>
</ul>

Optional

<ul>
<li>A mallet if you have one</li>
<li>An apron or old shirt to protect your clothes (optional)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
</ul>

Teaching method/style?

Hands-on demonstrations, individual guidance, handouts.

Course Cancellations and Refunds

If we cancel your course

<ul>
<li>You will receive a full refund of course fees.</li>
<li>We are not responsible for any additional costs, such as materials already purchased.</li>
</ul>

If you cancel

<ul>
<li>7 days or more before the start date: refund minus a 20% administration fee.</li>
<li>Less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: no refund provided.</li>
<li>Enrolments are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, you will not be able to send another person in your place.</li>
</ul>

Refund processing

<ul>
<li>Refunds for online or telephone enrolments will be made via the original payment method within 14 days of approval. </li>
<li>If you enrolled in the office, you will need to come in with your payment card to arrange a refund.</li>
</ul>

Transfers

<ul>
<li>7 days or more before the start date: transfer minus a 10% transfer fee.</li>
<li>Less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: no transfer provided.</li>
<li>All transfers are subject to availability.</li>
<li>Transfers between Language levels may be possible with less than 7 days notice, subject to availability.</li>
<li>Enrolments are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, you will not be able to send another person in your place.</li>
<li>If we cancel your course, and you wish to transfer to another course this will be free of charge.</li>
</ul>

Illness and non-attendance

<ul>
<li>We recognise that illness and unforeseen circumstances may arise. However, please note that we are unable to offer refunds, credits, or transfers for missed sessions due to ill health or non-attendance.</li>
</ul>