STOP GUESSING, START UPHOLSTERING!
From the first staples to professional finish
A clear learning path, whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft.
Why this upholstery tutorials platform exists
Traditional upholstery classes can be difficult to access. They are often expensive, local, or limited to a small number of students.
With this website I wanted to build something different. Something everybody could try, something super affordable, something usefull for every apprentices or DIYers.
This platform gives you access to real upholstery knowledge online, in a structured and affordable way. It is designed for people who want to learn seriously, but cannot always join an in-person class.
Learning a craft should not be reserved for a few.
Start with the right guide
If you are new here, start with these 3 guides.
They will take you from the fundamentals to more complex techniques, and finally to complete chair projects so you can build your skills step by step, with a clear and structured approach.
Your Upholstery Journey in 3 clear guides
Start simple, learn the right techniques, then move to real projects. A clear method, built to last.
How the site works
The Girl With A Hammer is designed to help you learn upholstery in a structured way — not by jumping randomly from one tutorial to another.
You can move through the platform in two ways:
- by level: to follow a clear progression from beginner to more advanced work
- by project: to focus on a specific chair and complete it step by step
This gives you both structure and flexibility.
Free / Premium membership
Guests get access to the Upholsterer’s Forum. This is where you can ask questions, share your projects, and connect with a passionate community of upholsterers.
Ready to go further? Become a Member and unlock the full library of step-by-step tutorials.
Category access at a glance
| Category | Guests | Members |
| Blog | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Materials | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Fabrics | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Tools | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Strip & Prepare | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Webbing | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Upholstery for Beginners | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Springs | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Padding | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Sewing | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Covering | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Finishing | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Upholstering | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Chairs Tutorials | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Seats | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Upholsterer’s Forum | ✔️ | ✔️ |
About The Girl With a Hammer
I’m Céline, a professional upholsterer and upholstery teacher based in France.
Everything on this platform comes from real workshop practice. I teach what I actually do, the way I use it in real upholstery work. Just clear explanations, solid methods, and real craftsmanship.
Start with the basics
Before you even touch the chair you will need few basics about materials and tools.
Materials
- Hessian, calico, webbing, twine…
- Foams and densities (no confusion)
- What changes between “ok” and “pro”
Tools
- What to buy first (and what not to)
- Staplers, tack hammers, webbing tools
- Pro tips to work faster and cleaner
Upholstery tutorials for beginners
Modern Foam Upholstery with a Traditional Shape: Voltaire Armchair SEAT Tutorial
9 Essential tips for starting upholstery
Starting upholstery: safety rules and advice
All about thread: What thread to use for upholstery work ?
The perfect sewing machine for upholstery work
How to upholster a modern “bridge” chair step by step
Suppliers for upholsterers: where to buy upholstery supplies ?
What Type of Upholstery Fabric Should You Choose to Cover a Seat?
How to HANDSEW
Simple cushion cover tutorial
How to sew a simple inside cushion
9 steps to sew a decorative cushion with a piping cord
OUTSIDE UPHOLSTERY: 7 professional advices to get a perfect fabric cover
What are the different types of chairs and tutorials?
Clove Hitch Knot and simple Knot
V pleat on a drop in seat
How to create a simple pleat on a squared edge seat
The 16 steps of (traditionnal) upholstery
How to choose the right padding for your upholstery project ?
My favorite fabrics brands
The different ways to finish a seat (with visible wood)
Foam: wich one for upholstery ?
How to web with elastic webbing
