AMUSF UPHOLSTERY DIPLOMA

Registration opens again 1st April 2025 for Stages starting September 2025.

The AMUSF Diploma is a three-stage progressive programme which is suitable for all levels, wether you have picked up a sewing needle, hammer or staple gun before or not.  Stage 1 starts  with the basics of traditional & modern methods, students then progress to larger traditionally upholstered armchairs & modern tailoring in Stage 2 & 3. Each stage is intensive & has at least 3 assessed exam pieces alongside an extensive set of exercises.

Every stage is a separate certified course & each stage is priced accordingly. 

The emphasis of this programme is the development of the student as an individual craftsperson, while supporting the development of transferable skills. Students are encouraged to develop & build on their skills at each stage, providing a holistic learning experience leading to the attainment of the Diploma at the end of the 3 stages. Each student is encouraged to push themselves creatively & with the quality of their work.

Certificates are awarded by the AMUSF on the successful completion of each stage.  By the end of the third stage students will have achieved the full AMUSF Diploma and with practice, will be equipped to take on the challenges of upholstering a diverse range of furniture, producing high quality work stamped with individuality and creativity.

As upholsterers, we are able to offer a sustainable service, bringing skill, quality & better ecological choices to our clients.

Upholstery is a sustainable way to keep good quality furniture being produced & bringing life back to old furniture. Having the skills to reduce waste is the only way to go if we are to keep our heritage crafts & artisanal ways of life alive.

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STAGE 1 CRAFT CERTIFICATE

During Stage 1 you will develop your practical skills with the following exercises & assessed pieces.

– Drop-in seat both modern & traditional

– Stitched and stuff chair

– Sprung dining chair

– Sprung arm exercise

– Scatter cushion with piping and zip*

– Box cushion with piping and zip

– Bolster end with piping

– Upholstered and lined box with deep-buttoned lid*

– Portfolio containing notes and details of your work in progress

– Written research project on fabric characteristics, identification and appropriate usage.

Highlighted sentences are assessed examination pieces.

*one of which must include some decorative details or fabric manipulation

STAGE 2 INTERMEDIATE CRAFT CERTIFICATE

During Stage 2 you will extend your skills with the following exercises & assessed pieces & undertake different styles of chair.  Good quality upholstery is achieved by eye, feel and judgement and these are additional skills we aim to help students develop.

– T-shaped cushion with piping and zip

– Tailored cover including caps and collars

– Independent sprung edge for a cushion

– Armless chair with traditionally upholstered seat and back

– Post 1950s armchair upholstered using modern materials and methods

– Portfolio containing notes and details of your work in progress

– Written research project on the history of upholstered furniture up to 1900

Highlighted sentences are assessed examination pieces.

STAGE 3 DIPLOMA

During Stage 3 you will be working on more demanding styles of modern and traditional chair.  

– Modern chair with concave inside back incorporating tailored fitting and top-stitching

– Substantial traditional armchair using advanced techniques: at least two of the following – caps, collars, scroll arms, sprung arms, stitched-edge arms, sprung seat, independent sprung edge, deep buttoning, fluting, ironback.

– Portfolio containing notes and details of your work in progress

– Written research project on 20th century chair design

– AMUSF Business studies seminar: the requirements for setting up a small business

Highlighted sentences are assessed examination pieces.