AMUSF Stage 3 Upholstery Diploma

AMUSF Stage 3, Upholstery Diploma is the final stage of a three stage programme of training taking 210 hours to complete and is based around a three stage programme which requires a pass to advance to the next stage. There is no obligation to complete all three stages with an AMUSF certificate presented for successful completion of stage 1 and then 2, with an AMUSF Diploma awarded on successful completion of the final stage 3.

The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) qualifications are based on good practical upholstery skills.

There are flexible start dates and different course programme options students may choose from

·        One day course programme completing one stage/level of 210 hours over a 42 week period.

·        Two day course programme completing 2 stages/levels consecutively of 210 hours each over the 42 weeks period.

Intensive Course Programme Option:

·        Complete 1 Stage in 42 days i.e. 8.2 weeks.

·        Complete 2 Stages in 84 days i.e. 16.4 weeks

·        Complete 3 stages in 126 days i.e. 25.1 weeks

Each stage of the Upholstery syllabus contains the following listed below, with the sections highlighted in bold being the pieces that will be marked at the end of each course stage, though all other exercises must be completed. Students will receive tuition and guidance to underpin this knowledge. It is expected that the written research project will be undertaken away from the class and outside of the 210 hours.

• • 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)

  Highlighted pieces will be assessed as part of the final mark/grade

  Students will also be required to produce a portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress.

  Written Research Project – 10%

  • Fabric Characteristics, Identification & Appropriate Usage

  or

  • History of Upholstered Furniture – a timeline and overview of the styles of upholstered furniture and the development of upholstery techniques and materials used

  or

  • 20th Century Furniture Design – an overview of the styles, periods and iconic designers of the 20th Century.

  (Training Centres may choose the order studied, provided that all three subjects are covered over the course of the three stages)  

  Brief Description

  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 the history of upholstered furniture and the development of techniques and materials used.

  Students should be encouraged to develop, where appropriate, their own creative responses to the assessment projects.

  The students will receive workshop inductions, practical demonstrations and teaching in the use and application of core materials and techniques, both modern and traditional, including instruction on:

  • 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 Slip-Stitching
  • 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

Flexible start dates and course programme options.
Registration     -       £60

One day course programme completing one stage of 210 hours
over a 42 week period.  - £2,625
Two day course programme completing 2 stages consecutively
of 210 hours each over the 42 weeks period.  - £5,250.00

Intensive Course Programme Option: 
Complete Stage 1 in 42 days i.e. 8.2 weeks. £2,625.00
Complete 2 Stages in 84 days i.e. 16.4 weeks - £5,250.00
Complete 3 stages in 126 days i.e. 25.1 weeks - £7,875.00

Enquiry and Booking

Interested in this course or want to find out more details make an enquiry using the request form below. Please confirm the name of the course and the date/s you are interested in

or ring direct on 02076229347 and speak to Sara