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 new to upholstery and I feel overwhelmed with the types of fabric available. How do I choose the right fabric for my first project?
ANSWER: I can totally understand that. Here’s the deal. When you’re new to upholstery and still learning, going all out for expensive upholstery fabric is never the answer. Best practices will tell you to consider the ‘Double Rub Count’ This is how many times your...
I have an old armchair that I love but it’s really worn out. Is it better to reupholster or to buy new? What factors should I consider?
ANSWER: Completely dependent on the condition of the frame. Newer furniture is only build to last a max of 4-5 years, meaning you’re looking at spending $3000+ for new stuff at that same frequency. Older furniture was made stronger with better materials and is more...
I’m interested in turning my upholstery hobby into a business. What are some tips for pricing my work to ensure I’m covering costs and valuing my time appropriately?
ANSWER: Short answer… DON’T. Just kidding. Of course I want to advocate for the spread of upholstery businesses across the nation, but to send you into that world all willy nilly would be irresponsible. There are a lot of factors you need to consider when starting a...
What essential tools do I need to start my first upholstery project? Are there any that are worth investing more in for quality?
ANSWER: Investing in the right tools can be very expensive, but you don’t need a ton to get started. If you only had a staple remover, hammer, scissors, and a needle and thread, you could in theory complete an upholstery project. Well, those and your materials. Just...
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!



