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A Complete Guide to Modern Upholstery
Part 11 - Upholstering the frame
with MICAELA SHARP — Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.
Lesson 53 of 68
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You can now refocus your attention on the chair frame and begin to prepare it for upholstery.
From the Lesson Workbook
Part 11- Upholstering the Frame
You can now refocus your attention on the chair frame and begin to prepare it for upholstery.
- Take into account how any of the changes you want to make to the frame will affect its overall size. If you make some areas thicker with foam, your cover may not fit. It's a good idea to replace foam like for like, so you know it will fit; make notes to help you remember what thickness has been used where.
- Once you've finalised your plan and made any necessary notes, you can begin to strip the chair of any unwanted padding material.
- For my chair, my first step is to remove the hessian from both the seat and the back. This can be done quickly with a tack remover and mallet, without the need to save the old material.
- Remove any long staples that are sticking out of the wood here, as these can get caught on your new fabric. If there are any short, stubborn ones, just hammer them in to get rid of them.
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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...
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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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