Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
A Complete Guide to Modern Upholstery
Part 3 - The essential toolkit
with MICAELA SHARP — Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.
Lesson 9 of 68
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Before beginning your project, it’s well worth taking some time to really think about the design of your headboard. Consider the shape and size, as well as the materials, colours and any details you want to introduce yourself with the key skills you’ll need to take on the more advanced projects later on in this course.
From the Lesson Workbook
Part 3- The Essential Toolkit
There are a few key tools you'll need to tackle an upholstery project – you might find you have some of them at home, but there are also some that are well worth investing in.
- Tack remover
- Mallet
- Pinchers
- Staple gun – compressor powered, hand operated or electric
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Tailor's chalk
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Scissors
- Spray glue
- 10 mm or 12 mm staples
- Measuring tape
- String
- Sharpie
- Ruler
- Drill
- Screws
- Woodglue
- Sandpaper
- Foam cutter or electric carving knife or serrated knife
- Sewing machine
- Seam unpicker
- Pins
- A piping foot for the sewing machine
- Thread
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May 31, 2026
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Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Micaela Sharp
Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.
Micaela Sharp is a professional upholsterer, interior designer and broadcaster who champions the art of reupholstery and its ability to breathe new life into pre-loved furniture. Growing up, Micaela learnt both carpentry and sewing skills from her grandparents. It was this knowledge, alongside a passion for sustainability and longevity, that inspired her to take up upholstery and set up her own practice. Whether it’s designing furniture from scratch, reimagining a tired armchair into an heirloom to be cherished for years to come, or creating a room scheme layered with fabric and colour, Micaela brings her unique creativity and inventive flair to every project.
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