AMUSF Stages 1, 2 and 3 - the course curriculum

Studying for the AMUSF Upholstery Diploma is the best choice for students wishing to become a professional upholsterer. As Britain only trade-recognised upholstery qualification and provides a thorough training in all the practical skills of traditional and modern upholstery. 
Students start with the basics: core techniques such as traditional edge stitching and springing on exercise frames. By the end of the three-stage qualification they will be working on the advanced skills required for the most complex armchairs. 
Everywhere the AMUSF Upholstery Diploma is taught, students tackle it in three stages. Each stage involves around 210 hours of tuition and is a qualification in its own right. Students receive a certificate when they complete each stage. When you successfully finish Stage 3 you are awarded the full AMUSF Diploma (and we have a bit of a party at that point).
The AMUSF qualification is aimed at students planning to work in the industry at a high level. After some practice, Diploma holders should be competent enough to be able to set up their own upholstery business.
​Examples of some Traditional Upholstery School ex-students' onwards journeys have included restoration work for important historic homes, employment in larger upholstery firms, and setting up their own workrooms to take on reupholstery and restoration work. 

AMUSF Stages 1, 2 & 3 course content
Each of the three stages of the diploma includes different techniques. The items highlighted in bold are marked by externally upholstery experts from the Association. All items on the curriculum must be completed to a high standard before each stage certificate will be awarded.

AMUSF Stage 1 
During this stage students will develop their practical skills, gaining knowledge and experience in the manipulation of a variety of materials and processes, within the context of a series of individual set exercises and/or assessment projects. These are:
       Drop-in seat (modern materials)
       Drop-in seat (traditional materials including fabric and bottoming cloth)
       Stitched and stuffed footstool or chair (traditional materials and methods including fabric and bottoming cloth)
       Sprung dining chair (traditional materials and methods including fabric and bottoming cloth)
       Sprung arm exercise for an inset facing (traditional materials and methods. Calico to be stitched under the roll. Fabric need not to be applied)
       Box cushion with piping and zip (sample)
       Bolster end with piping (sample)
       Scatter cushion with piping and zip
       Modern upholstered and lined box with decorative detail and deep-buttoned lid (modern materials, with a minimum of three diamonds)
        Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress
        Written research project: Fabric characteristics, identifiction and appropriate usage
 
In addition to this practical coursework, students will acquire an understanding of upholstery fabrics and textiles and are encouraged to develop their own creative responses to the assessment projects. Students will also receive workshop inductions, demonstrations and teaching in the use of core materials and techniques, both modern and traditional, including:
• Health & Safety: when working with tools and equipment in a workshop environment • Appropriate use of tools and equipment, both hand and machine • Understanding of domestic and industrial sewing machines • Appropriate use of fillings & sundry materials • Appropriate use of techniques and processes including knots, blind, top and slipstitching • Cutting, pattern matching and finishing of fabrics • Sewing a piped and zipped scatter cushion • Sewing seams and decorative techniques • Trims and decorative detailing • Awareness of frame repairs and polishing • Costing materials • Evaluation methods

AMUSF Stage 2 
During this stage students will develop their practical skills, gaining knowledge and experience in the manipulation of a variety of materials and processes, within the context of a series of individual set projects. Students will acquire an understanding of upholstery fabrics and textiles and will be encouraged to develop their own creative responses to the assessment projects. These are:
          T-Shaped cushion with piping and zips (samples)
          Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars (samples)
          Independent sprung edge for a cushion seat (exercise) (traditional materials and methods, including fabric and front border)
          Armless chair with traditionally upholstered seat and back (seat to be sprung with coil springs)
           Post 1950s armchair upholstered using modern materials & methods
          Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress
           Written research project: History of upholstered furniture - a timeline and overview of the styles of upholstered furniture and the development of upholstery techniques and materials used.

In addition to the above, students will receive workshop inductions, demonstrations and teaching in the use of core materials and techniques, both modern and traditional, including:
• Health & Safety: when working with tools and equipment in a workshop environment • Frame repair and polishing, including the fitting of castors • Understanding of industrial and domestic sewing machines • Appropriate use of fillings & sundry materials • Types of springs and suspension systems: coil, serpentine, tension springs, sprung units, pocket springs, rubber & elastic webbings etc. • Appropriate use of foams and rubberized hair sheets and various pre-formed profiles • Appropriate use of techniques and processes including knots, blind, top and slipstitching • Cutting, pattern matching and finishing of fabrics • Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars • Basic design skills: sketching, colour co-ordination and scale drawing • An understanding of the UK’s Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 relating to domestic furniture and furnishings • Fabric classifications – Martindale abrasion test • Estimating and costing materials • Evaluation methods

AMUSF Stage 3 - Diploma
During this stage students will develop their practical skills, gaining knowledge and experience in the manipulation of a variety of materials and processes, within the context of a series of individual set projects. These are:
            Substantial traditional armchair of advanced techniques, which should include at least two of the following elements: the fitting of caps and collars, scroll arms or stitched-up edges to arms, sprung arms, coil sprung seats, independent sprung edges, deep buttoning, fluting or an iron framed chair.
           Modern chair with a concave inside back incorporating tailored fitting and top stitching i.e. Egg style (shell frame)
           Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress
            Written research project: 20th Century Furniture Design – an overview of the styles, periods and iconic designers of the 20th Century.
 
Throughout the year students will be encouraged to develop their own creative responses to the assessment projects. They will acquire an understanding of the history of upholstered furniture and the development of techniques and materials used. They will receive workshop inductions, practical demonstrations and teaching in the use and application of core materials and techniques, both modern and traditional, including:
• Health & Safety: when working with tools and equipment in a workshop environment • Understanding of industrial and domestic sewing machines • Frame repair and polishing including fitting castors: costs and time required to undertake repairs • Appropriate use of fillings & sundry materials • Types of springs and suspension systems: coil, serpentine, tension springs, sprung units, pocket springs, rubber & elastic webbings etc. • Appropriate use of foams and rubberized hair sheets and various pre-formed profiles • Appropriate use of techniques and processes including knots, blind, top and slipstitching • Cutting, pattern matching and finishing of Fabrics • Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars • Basic Design Skills: sketching, colour co-ordination and scale drawing • An understanding of the UK’s Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 relating to domestic furniture and furnishings • Fabric Classifications – Martindale abrasion test • Estimating & Costing Materials and Labour • Working to a deadline including timing records • Business Studies: requirements of self-employment; H&S whilst working from home or a workshop; Legal & Safety requirements;  Terms & Conditions;  Insurances; PR & Marketing including social media; Resources; Evaluation methods.

                   "Learning a traditional skill thoroughly, and using your hands
              in your work, is incredibly satisfying.  And now... I love running
                                     my own business. It's hugely rewarding"  
                                                                                   Jo, Bristol 2019

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