Ask Me Anything Upholstery Related Hero Image

ASK ME ANYTHING!

Furniture, and the Art of Figuring It Out

Ever wanted to learn upholstery but didn’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Not everyone is nice or helpful on those online forums, and it can be difficult to get answers to your specific questions. From fabric selection and foam replacement to rebuilding chair frames, repairing springs, and learning the tools of the trade — this page exists to answer every beginner question, one day at a time.

Whether you’re

  • Learning out of necessity — repairing what you already own to save money (and the planet),
  • Exploring a hobby that lets you turn creative energy into something tangible, or
  • Building a side business restoring, customizing, or flipping furniture for profit, you’ll find answers here that demystify the entire process.

We’ll cover topics like:

  • Basic upholstery tools and how to use them
  • Fabric, foam, and batting 101
  • Frame repair, springs, and webbing
  • Pricing, estimating, and selling your work
  • Eco-friendly restoration and material reuse
  • How to get started at home, even with no experience

The truth is, upholstery looks intimidating, but it’s just a collection of skills you can absolutely learn. I’ve taught hundreds of people to do it themselves, and every single one started with questions just like yours. I make it look easy, because everything becomes easy with practice.

So, ask away. No question is too simple, too weird, or too late. Let’s turn curiosity into confidence, and furniture into a story worth keeping.

I’m heart broken 💔 the contest is over I’ve wanted to learn reupholstery for years & could find no Apprenticeship anywhere near I live. I’m celebrating 15 years clean from Breast Cancer in December this would have been such a wonderful gift a new beginning. I signed on to your TT months ago. I don’t know how missed this opportunity 😔

I’m heart broken 💔 the contest is over I’ve wanted to learn reupholstery for years & could find no Apprenticeship anywhere near I live. I’m celebrating 15 years clean from Breast Cancer in December this would have been such a wonderful gift a new beginning. I signed on to your TT months ago. I don’t know how missed this opportunity 😔

I'm so sorry you missed this opportunity! I have some good news for you though! I will be taking my Upholstery Camp on the road beginning this Spring to visit other states and towns! We will begin with the Great Lakes States and branch out from there. If you have a...

Hi!! I’m from buffalo New York and I have been wanting to become a reupholsterer for a very long time. I continuously get turned down by people because they are too busy and don’t want me in their way as an apprentice. Would it be absolutely crazy to go to Michigan for your class? I’m dying to learn and you almost seem like the only person whose willing to teach to me!! Thank you so much. Any advice you have id appreciate it.

Hi!! I’m from buffalo New York and I have been wanting to become a reupholsterer for a very long time. I continuously get turned down by people because they are too busy and don’t want me in their way as an apprentice. Would it be absolutely crazy to go to Michigan for your class? I’m dying to learn and you almost seem like the only person whose willing to teach to me!! Thank you so much. Any advice you have id appreciate it.

Heya! That's not crazy at all! People travel from all over the US to take classes from me! Your best value will be for a Weekend Retreat. I just so happen to be hosting my next one at the end of this month!At my weekend retreats you will enjoy a 5 day, 4 night stay at...

Location??

Location??

So glad you asked! I teach my classes from Maker Works in Ann Arbor Michigan. Maker Works is a local maker space. They are a non-profit organization who provides space, tools, and training on those tools by membership and through their public programming. Many states...

Is there a way to do this curve without seams?

Is there a way to do this curve without seams?

Hey! I just finished a sofa just like that! In reality, NO. There is no way to do that sofa without seams. The top part of the cushion will need to be the exact shape of that seat, allowing for seams of course (my standard is a half inch.) I use a seam puck to trace...

BYOP Classes

Bring your own project to the studio or join me from home over Zoom for guided support. We have all the tools and materials you need here at the studio and available on my website. Everything you need to get started with confidence.

ZOOM Classes

All of my BYOP classes can be attended online or over Zoom, from the comfort of your own home. Buy one class, or pay $300 a month for unlimited class access. Dedicate time to developing your skill, and I'll be there every step of the way.

Private Lessons

Need some special attention for your project? I'm happy to help guide you through it here in the studio, or over Zoom, from the comfort of your own home! Book a private lesson to get your questions answered today!