Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Upholstery Technician
💰 $35,000 - $55,000
ManufacturingSkilled TradesFurnitureTextile
🎯 Role Definition
The Upholstery Technician is responsible for restoring, repairing, and creating upholstered furniture and soft furnishings. This role involves selecting materials, cutting and sewing fabrics, assembling furniture, and ensuring high-quality finishes that meet design specifications. Upholstery Technicians work closely with designers, clients, and production teams to deliver both custom and standard furniture solutions in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Apprentice Upholsterer
- Furniture Assembler
- Textile or Sewing Technician
Advancement To:
- Senior Upholstery Technician
- Workshop Supervisor / Production Lead
- Custom Furniture Designer
Lateral Moves:
- Furniture Restoration Specialist
- Textile or Fabric Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Measure, cut, and sew fabrics, leather, or synthetic materials to create custom upholstery for furniture pieces.
- Remove old fabrics, padding, springs, and frames to repair or refurbish furniture.
- Assemble furniture frames and attach cushioning, springs, and padding to meet design and comfort specifications.
- Apply decorative trims, tacks, and stitching to enhance the aesthetic appeal of upholstered items.
- Repair or replace damaged upholstery, ensuring structural integrity and visual quality.
- Collaborate with clients, designers, and production teams to determine material choices and finishes.
- Use industrial sewing machines, staple guns, and other specialized tools safely and efficiently.
- Inspect and maintain tools and equipment to ensure consistent performance and safety.
- Estimate materials, labor, and costs for upholstery projects and provide accurate quotes.
- Prepare patterns, templates, and mock-ups for custom designs.
- Maintain accurate records of projects, materials used, and production timelines.
- Apply finishing techniques such as tufting, pleating, and padding to achieve desired design effects.
- Operate cutting tables, steamers, and sewing machines to fabricate upholstery components.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, workplace protocols, and quality benchmarks.
- Participate in product development, testing new fabrics, and evaluating new upholstery techniques.
- Coordinate with suppliers to source fabrics, leathers, foam, and other materials.
- Troubleshoot and resolve structural or material defects in furniture or soft furnishings.
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace to optimize workflow and safety.
- Mentor apprentices and junior technicians in upholstery techniques and industry best practices.
- Deliver completed furniture and upholstered items to clients or prepare for shipment with care.
Secondary Functions
- Support design team with material selection and technical feasibility assessments.
- Contribute to quality control inspections and product improvement initiatives.
- Assist in inventory management and stock tracking for materials and supplies.
- Participate in continuous professional development and training programs.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Upholstery and furniture repair techniques
- Fabric, leather, and foam cutting and sewing
- Knowledge of furniture construction and frame repair
- Use of industrial sewing machines, staple guns, and hand tools
- Pattern making and template creation
- Cushioning, padding, and spring attachment methods
- Decorative finishing techniques (tufting, pleating, trimming)
- Material estimation and project costing
- Basic woodworking and frame assembly
- Quality control and inspection procedures
Soft Skills
- Attention to detail and precision in workmanship
- Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Effective communication with clients, designers, and team members
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Time management and ability to meet project deadlines
- Creativity and design sensibility
- Teamwork and collaboration in a production environment
- Adaptability to different materials, tools, and furniture styles
- Patience and perseverance with detailed or repetitive tasks
- Commitment to safety and workplace protocols
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education:
Vocational training or certification in Upholstery, Furniture Making, or Textile Arts
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Upholstery / Furniture Making
- Textile or Fabric Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
2–5 years of hands-on experience in upholstery, furniture repair, or textile fabrication
Preferred:
- Experience with custom furniture design and high-end upholstery projects
- Knowledge of leather, specialty fabrics, and advanced sewing techniques
- Prior work in residential, commercial, or industrial furniture production settings