AMUSF Stage 1 Upholstery Craft Certificate

The Craft Certificate Stage 1 of the AMUSF accredit programme of training courses takes 210 hours to complete and is based around a three stage programme which requires a pass to advance to the next stage. There is no obligation to complete all three stages and an AMUSF certificate is presented for successful completion of stage 1 and then 2, with an AMUSF Diploma awarded on successful completion of stage 3.

The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) qualifications are based on good practical upholstery skills.

There are flexible start dates and different course programme options students may choose from

·        One day course programme completing one stage of 210 hours over a 42 week period.

·        Two day course programme completing 2 stages consecutively of 210 hours each over the 42 weeks period.

·        Three day course programme completing 3 stages consecutively of 210 hours each over the 42 weeks period.

Each stage of the Upholstery syllabus contains the following listed below, with the sections highlighted in bold being the pieces that will be marked at the end of each course stage, though all other exercises must be completed. Students will receive tuition and guidance to underpin this knowledge. It is expected that the written research project will be undertaken away from the class and outside of the 210 hours.

• Drop-in seat (modern materials)
• Drop-in seat (traditional materials including fabric and bottoming cloth)
• Stitched and stuffed footstool or chair (traditional materials and methods including fabric and bottoming)
• Sprung dining chair (traditional materials and methods including fabric and bottoming cloth)
• Sprung arm exercise for an inset facing (traditional materials and methods. Calico to be stitched under the roll. Fabric need not to be applied)
• Box Cushion with piping and zip (sample)
• Bolster End with piping (sample)
• Upholstered and lined box with decorative detail and deep-buttoned lid (modern materials, with a minimum of three diamonds)

Highlighted pieces will be assessed as part of the final mark/grade.

Students will also be required to produce a portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress.

Written Research Project – 10%

• Fabric Characteristics, Identification & Appropriate Usage

or

• History of Upholstered Furniture – a timeline and overview of the styles of upholstered furniture and the development of upholstery techniques and materials used

 or

• 20th Century Furniture Design – an overview of the styles, periods and iconic designers of the 20th Century.

(Training Centres may choose the order studied, provided that all three subjects are covered over the course of the three stages)

Brief Description

During this stage students will develop their practical skills, gaining knowledge and experience in the manipulation of a variety of materials and processes, within the context of a series of individual set exercises and/or assessment projects.

Students will acquire an understanding of upholstery fabrics and textiles and should be encouraged to develop, where appropriate, their own creative responses to the assessment projects.

• Health & Safety: when working with tools and equipment in a workshop environment
• Appropriate use of tools and equipment, both hand and machine
• Understanding of Domestic and Industrial Sewing machines
• Appropriate use of Fillings & Sundry Materials
• Appropriate use of techniques and processes including Knots, Blind, Top and Slip-Stitching
• Cutting, Pattern Matching and Finishing of Fabrics
• Sewing seams and decorative techniques
• Trims and Decorative detailing
• Awareness of frame repairs and polishing
• Costing Materials
• Evaluation Methods 

Flexible start dates and course programme options.  

Registration     -       £60

We offer the following options of attendance for the AMUSF accredited and certificated courses;

Option1: A one day per week programme to complete one stage, you attend the work-shop one day per week for 42 weeks (210 hours) in order to complete the course syllabus. £2,625.00

Option2: A two day per week programme covering two stages of 210 hours each. You attend the work-shop two days per week for 42 weeks and are required to sign up to complete two stages running consecutively (one after the other). £5,250.00

Option3: A three day per week programme covering all three stages of 210 hours each You attend the work-shop three days per week for 42 weeks and are required to sign up to complete three stages running consecutively (one after the other) £7,875.00

Each stage is a 210 hour booking which equates to *42 days attendance. 

Class times are 9-3pm (including an hour lunch break).

Enquiry and Booking

Interested in this course or want to find out more details make an enquiry using the request form below. Please confirm the name of the course and the date/s you are interested in

or ring direct on 02076229347 and speak to Sara