How to Be Upholsterer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The upholsterer plays an important role in the furniture industry, as they are responsible for creating furniture that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. They use materials such as padding, fabric, leather, and vinyl to cover furniture, making it softer and more comfortable. they use a variety of tools such as hammers, staple guns, and scissors to make sure the furniture is upholstered properly.

As a result of the upholsterer's work, customers are able to purchase furniture that looks good and feels great. Furthermore, the upholsterer's skill and expertise ensures that furniture is durable and lasts for years to come.

Steps How to Become

Research the profession of upholstering to decide if it is the right career for you. Consider the job requirements, physical demands and potential rewards.
Obtain an education in upholstering. This may include taking classes at a trade school, community college or university. You may even be able to find an apprenticeship with an experienced upholsterer.
Build a portfolio of your work. This will be important as you begin to look for upholstery jobs.
Consider obtaining industry certification by taking the National Upholsterers Association's certification exam.
Develop a list of references from previous employers and clients.
Network with other upholsterers and businesses in the industry. This can help you learn about job openings and other opportunities.
Apply for upholstering jobs or start your own business. If you plan to start your own business, consider developing a business plan, registering your business and obtaining necessary licenses and permits.

Becoming a skilled and capable upholsterer requires dedication, hard work and a passion for the craft. It begins with learning the basics of the trade, such as fabric selection, cutting, stapling and sewing techniques. From there, experience and practice are essential to hone these skills and become more proficient.

Once a certain level of competency is achieved, additional training in upholstery techniques like pattern making, furniture construction and refinishing can help to further develop one's craft. With the right combination of dedication, skill and knowledge, an upholsterer can become highly skilled and capable in their chosen profession.

You may want to check Upholsterer Assistant, Upholstery Frame Builder, and Upholstery Sewer for alternative.

Job Description

Create, repair and refurbish furniture upholstery.
Measure and cut fabric to fit furniture frames.
Remove and replace old fabric, padding, springs and webbing.
Sew and attach fabric to furniture frames.
Install decorative trim and tacks.
Repair and refinish wood frames.
Repair and replace broken springs, webbing, and padding.
Create custom upholstery for furniture and other objects.
Advise clients on the best fabrics and colors for their furniture pieces.
Keep accurate records of supplies used and work completed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of different types of fabrics, textiles, and materials
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and measurements
Proficiency in sewing, cutting, and stitching techniques
Ability to use various tools such as staple guns, hammers, and scissors
Knowledge of different upholstery techniques, such as tufting and pleating
Understanding of design principles and concepts
Good eye for detail and color coordination
Excellent problem solving skills
Strong communication abilities
Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Knowledge of health and safety protocols related to upholstery work

The ability to measure accurately and to have great attention to detail are two of the most important skills for an upholsterer. Without these abilities, an upholsterer would be unable to create a properly tailored piece that fits the exact specifications of a customer. Being able to use a variety of hand tools and machines is also critical, as is having a good sense of design and color coordination.

If an upholsterer lacks any of these skills, it can lead to cost overruns, dissatisfied customers, and ultimately a loss of business. Having these skills is essential to success in the upholstery trade.

Automotive Upholsterer, Upholstery Finisher, and Residential Upholsterer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in upholstery?
How would you rate your sewing skills?
How long have you been working in the upholstery industry?
What techniques do you use to ensure a quality finish?
What safety practices do you observe when working?
How do you maintain the tools and materials used for upholstery?
Describe the process of upholstering a piece of furniture from start to finish.
What other trades have you worked in?
How do you handle difficult fabrics and materials?
How would you handle a customer complaint about a job you completed?

Common Tools in Industry

Hammer. Used to secure nails into various surfaces (eg: to attach fabric to a frame).
Staple Gun. Used to quickly and easily affix fabrics or materials together with staples (eg: to secure upholstery foam to an armchair).
Upholstery Needles. Specialized needles used to sew and stitch fabrics together (eg: to stitch a patterned fabric onto a chair cushion).
Measuring Tape. Used to accurately measure fabrics and other materials (eg: to measure the size of a sofa before upholstering).
Sewing Machine. Allows upholsterers to quickly and easily sew fabrics and materials together (eg: to create a tailored slipcover).
Fabric Scissors. Used to cut fabrics into precise shapes and sizes (eg: to trim off excess fabric around a chair frame).
Staple Remover. Allows upholsterers to remove staples from surfaces (eg: to replace an old cushion cover).
Padding Material. Used to provide extra cushioning and comfort to furniture (eg: foam padding for a sofa).
Fabric Glue. Used to securely bond fabrics and materials together (eg: to stick decorative trim onto an armchair).
Hot Glue Gun. used for quick and easy adhesion of fabrics and other materials (eg: to apply trim onto a cushion cover).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF)
National Upholstery Association (NUA)
American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA)
National Association of Furniture Manufacturers (NAFM)
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD)
International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD)
Upholsterers International Trade Guild (UITG)
The Society of Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (SUSF)

We also have Upholstery Technician Supervisor, Upholsterer Truck Driver, and Upholstery Sales Representative jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Upholstery Fabric. A type of cloth material used to cover furniture, typically a blend of cotton, polyester, or a synthetic blend.
Foam. A type of cushioning material used in upholstery to provide comfort, support, and durability.
Springs. Metal coils used in furniture, typically made of steel or iron, to provide support and comfort.
Webbing. A woven material used to attach the cushioning material to the frame of furniture.
Frame. The wooden or metal structure of a piece of furniture.
Stitching. The use of thread or yarn to stitch or sew fabrics together.
Tufting. A decorative technique used to add texture and design to furniture upholstery.
Reupholstering. The process of replacing old or worn upholstery fabric with new fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Upholsterer?

An upholsterer is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in the repair and restoration of furniture, as well as other items such as automotive interiors, boat interiors, and airplane interiors.

What services do Upholsterers provide?

Upholsterers provide a variety of services including upholstery repair, reupholstery, furniture refinishing, custom furniture fabrication, and interior design.

What materials do Upholsterers use?

Upholsterers typically use fabrics, leathers, foams, batting, and other materials to repair and restore furniture.

How long does it take to become an Upholsterer?

It typically takes at least two years of training and apprenticeship to become a skilled upholsterer.

What certification is needed to become an Upholsterer?

In order to become an upholsterer, individuals must complete a certification program approved by their state or the Professional Upholstery Trade Association.