Learn Foundational Upholstery and Slipcovering Techniques on a Cube Ottoman

Instructors: Jonathan Bennett and Mimi Nowaskey

Friday, April 9 – Saturday, April 10, 2027

NOTE: This is a date change from the originally announced Feb 19-20, 2027.

9:00 am – 5:00 pm, with a 1-hour lunch on your own

Class size: Limited to 6 students (minimum 4)

Prerequisites: Intro to Sewing Soft Furnishings, or equivalent demonstrable experience

Master the Fundamentals of Upholstery on a Classic Cube Ottoman

This hands-on class with Jonathan Bennett and Mimi Nowaskey teaches the foundational skills of upholstery from the ground up, using a basic cube ottoman (not a storage cube) as your project piece. Over two days, you'll build, pad, and upholster your ottoman from a bare frame to a fully finished piece — then take it one step further, learning how to construct and fit a removable slipcover over your finished work. It's a complete introduction to two skill sets that pair naturally in a professional workroom.

Jonathan and Mimi bring complementary expertise to the classroom, guiding you through both the structural techniques of upholstery and the fitting, patterning, and stitching skills needed to slipcover a finished piece with a clean, professional result.

Class Projects

• A fully upholstered cube ottoman, built from a bare frame

• A fitted slipcover for your finished ottoman

What You'll Learn

• How to assemble an ottoman frame from pre-cut pieces

• Preparing and padding a basic frame for upholstery

• Cutting and applying fabric with clean, tailored corners

• Working with a pneumatic staple gun and standard upholstery tools

• Achieving crisp, professional boxed corners

• Patterning a slipcover directly on a finished piece

• Cutting and sewing a fitted slipcover

• Finishing techniques for a removable, professional-looking cover

What to Bring

Each student will have use of a worktable, a pneumatic staple gun, and an industrial sewing machine — all provided. Frames, padding, and basic upholstery supplies are also provided. You'll need to bring your own fabric for the ottoman and slipcover; yardage requirements will be provided upon registration.

Note: Students are required to bring their own fabric scissors. Be sure to comply with all travel regulations regarding carry-on versus checked bags.

Who Should Take This Class

This class is designed for students who have completed Intro to Sewing Soft Furnishings, or who have equivalent demonstrable sewing experience, and want to build a foundation in upholstery alongside slipcovering skills.

Seats are limited to 6 students to ensure hands-on instruction time with Jonathan and Mimi, with a minimum of 4 students required to run the class. Reserve your spot today.