In this two day class students will learn some of the history of early American upholstery as it came to us from France by way of England and was adapted by colonial craftsmen with the materials that they could obtain both locally and from imported sources.  We will discuss the simple tools and materials needed for both simple and complex work, including linen webbing, hessian (burlap) coir fiber, curled horsehair, cotton wadding, and calico (muslin).  Students will complete a simple footstool using hand tacking and hand-sewing techniques in the English style as described by David James in his book “Upholstery, A Complete Course”.

All tools and materials including frames will be provided as well as a selection of generic show covers, and students are also free to bring ¾ to 1 yard of their own fabric if they wish.  No prior experience in upholstery is necessary, however a willingness to work with heavy threads and large needles is a great starting point.