Upholsterer
Upholsterers select, cut, sew and fit fabric or leather materials to furniture and repair damaged furniture.
Upholsterers may perform the following tasks:
- repair upholstered furniture by replacing covers, webbing, padding and springs
- discuss colour, fabric, style and cost of upholstery with clients
- staple lengths of webbing (a wide tape) onto the underside of the furniture frame
- stretch webbing from side to side, interlacing it to form a base for the padding
- lace tops of springs together to prevent sideways movement and staple hessian to the frame
- cut and fit foam padding
- measure and cut covering material, join sections and tack fabric onto the furniture frame
- cover staples with decorative braid, trim, buttons or fancy nails and attach calico to the underside of the furniture
Specialisations:
Upholsterers may work in one or more of four main fields:
- Antique and Reproduction Upholstery - involves restoring genuine antiques or recreating the style of a certain era in history.
- Custom Upholstery - involves building furniture for special purposes, such as use in hotels, ships and airports.
- Production Upholstery - involves upholstering mass-produced furniture in sections for the domestic or commercial market.
- Renovation and Repair Upholstery - involves replacing old and damaged upholstery.
Upholsterers generally work in workshops but occasionally may be required to work in clients' homes or other sites.
Upholsterers stand for most of the day, as the furniture is normally placed on a benchtop while work is carried out.
Personal Requirements:
- enjoy practical and manual work
- able to work neatly and accurately
- able to work independently or as part of a team
- interested in furniture
- physically fit
- normal colour vision
- good hand-eye coordination.
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