Upholsterers

Fit, install, and secure material on frames, using hand tools, power tools, glue, cement, or staples.

Measure and cut new covering materials, using patterns and measuring and cutting instruments, following sketches and design specifications.

Build furniture up with loose fiber stuffing, cotton, felt, or foam padding to form smooth, rounded surfaces.

Make, restore, or create custom upholstered furniture, using hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods.

Read work orders, and apply knowledge and experience with materials to determine types and amounts of materials required to cover workpieces.

Draw cutting lines on material following patterns, templates, sketches, or blueprints, using chalk, pencils, paint, or other methods.

Stretch webbing and fabric, using webbing stretchers.

Operate sewing machines or sew upholstery by hand to seam cushions and join various sections of covering material.

Examine furniture frames, upholstery, springs, and webbing to locate defects.

Adjust or replace webbing, padding, or springs, and secure them in place.

Sew rips or tears in material, or create tufting, using needles and thread.

Design upholstery cover patterns and cutting plans, based on sketches, customer descriptions, or blueprints.

Maintain records of time required to perform each job.

Remove covering, webbing, padding, or defective springs from workpieces, using hand tools such as hammers and tack pullers.

Attach fasteners, grommets, buttons, buckles, ornamental trim, and other accessories to covers or frames, using hand tools.

Discuss upholstery fabrics, colors, and styles with customers, and provide cost estimates.

Pick up and deliver furniture.

Repair furniture frames and refinish exposed wood.

Attach bindings or apply solutions to edges of cut material to prevent raveling.

Interweave and fasten strips of webbing to the backs and undersides of furniture, using small hand tools and fasteners.

Collaborate with interior designers to decorate rooms and coordinate furnishing fabrics.

Make, repair, or replace automobile upholstery and convertible and vinyl tops, using knowledge of fabric and upholstery methods.