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.
Hi, do you sell the benches we used in class to sit furniture on?
Hey! Thanks for asking! I do not, but I did purchase the saw horses at Home Depot! Then I just built the boxes for the top. Those are 9" wide and 48" long, and glued and screwed together on the sides. The ones in my class have held up great to 1 full year of use at 3...
I’m looking to buy that tool that allows for seam allowance as I trace the foam for cushion.
You're looking for the Seam Puck! That is available on my friend Jeremy of Beals Upholstery's Website! You can order yours here: https://bealsupholstery.com/collections/all
I am in South Carolina and would love to learn. Do you have any friends in this area?
Hey! Great question! I don't know anyone personally out that way, but a google search may help. On that note, I do travel for larger workshops. I currently teach my classes at my local Maker Space. If you had something similar near you, or could rent an event space,...
If I take a class, do I bring the fabric I want to use with me? It seems like yes, but how do I know how much fabric to buy? Also, are you able to help with fixing wood couch feet on older than jeez louise couches?
For newbies I always recommend getting extra fabric, and getting it for as low a price as possible because they are bound to make mistakes. Mid grade to high end upholstery fabric starts at about $40 a yard. There are lots of alternatives though. Antique markets,...
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!



