What does an Upholsterer do?
Published 3 min read
An upholsterer is a person who upholsters furniture. This involves attaching padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather covers to furniture.
Upholsterer job duties include:
- Read and interpret blueprints or design specifications to determine the type of fabric or foam needed
- Cut fabric or foam to specified size using scissors or power cutting equipment
- Sew fabrics or foams together using needle and thread or sewing machine
- Attach padding, springs, webbing, and other materials to wood frames with hand tools or power tools
- Pull fabric taut around frame and staple it in place
- Measure, cut, and sew slipcovers, draperies, and other decorative coverings
- Repair damaged upholstery on furniture and automobiles
- Inspect finished products for defects and make necessary repairs
- Deliver completed products to customer
Upholsterer Job Requirements
An upholsterer typically has a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most upholsterers complete on-the-job training. Some states have certification programs for upholsterers. Employers usually require upholsterers to have at least 2 years of experience.
Upholsterer Skills
- Upholstery
- Furniture
- Fabric
- Sewing
- Measuring
- Cutting
- Tacking
- Tufting
- Welting
- Piping
- Springs
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How to become an Upholsterer
Upholsterers are responsible for creating and repairing upholstered furniture. They may work in a variety of settings, including furniture stores, upholstery shops, and manufacturing facilities. Some upholsterers are self-employed.
Becoming an upholsterer typically requires completing a vocational program or an apprenticeship. Vocational programs in upholstery are available at some community colleges and technical schools. Apprenticeships typically last three to four years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Many upholsterers learn their trade through on-the-job training. Some start out as entry-level workers in furniture stores or upholstery shops, working their way up to journeyman level over the course of several years. Others may begin their careers as apprentice upholsterers.
Once they have completed their training, upholsterers must be able to use a variety of tools and equipment, including sewing machines, staple guns, hammers, and saws. They must also be able to read and follow blueprints or other instructions. In addition, they must be able to select the appropriate fabrics and materials for each project.
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