Starting upholstery training is incredibly exciting, but one of the first things that can feel slightly daunting is knowing which tools it’s worth buying. Most students arrive thinking they need a fully equipped professional workshop from day one, when in reality, the best upholstery toolkits are built gradually over time. Some of the best upholsterers I know still use tools they bought decades ago — tools that have become completely familiar to their hands and part of the way they work.
One of the things I will really try to encourage with new AMUSF students at The Upholstery Cabin is the idea that good tools don’t just make upholstery easier, they make the entire process more enjoyable. And when you enjoy the process, you naturally practise more, become more confident at the bench, and improve far more quickly.
There’s also a real difference between buying tools simply because they’re inexpensive and investing in tools that genuinely feel good to use. Upholstery is hands-on, repetitive work and you quickly notice whether scissors cut cleanly, whether a hammer feels balanced, or whether a regulator moves smoothly through stuffing. Over time, these small things make a huge difference to both the quality of your work and your enjoyment of the craft.
So, with that in mind, here’s my guide to some of the tools I think are particularly useful when starting your upholstery journey. You absolutely do not need everything immediately. Begin with the basics, build your kit steadily, and perhaps leave larger purchases like pneumatic tools and compressors until your workshop starts taking shape properly.
Essentials:
- This Osborne Magnetic hammer is the best on the market in my opinion and will last you a life time and has excellent magnetic hold with a lightweight feel in your hand.
- I like a flat head staple remover personally and this wooden handled variety will sit in your toolkit and hand quite happily.
- A good set of curved needles are invaluable. These are probably the best on the market.
- I like a range of regulators, short and long. This mini regulator helps with teasing a stitched edge. and this medium and long regulator help with so many aspects – button pleats, coir handling and horse hair shifting.
- For scissors I recommend Whiteleys. These Scissors are general for fabric, but don’t forget finer scissors for trimming and workmasters which can cut through wire.
- Back to needles and it’s important to get a range of bayonet needles in different sizes and buttoning needles. Bayonet have a square tip and buttoning needles are smooth. Get a variety of sizes from short to long. You can find them here .
- Pins Pins PINS! Small medium and large are all used. Everyone in the industry loves the french ones with the fat heads You can buy these from Martins Upholstery Supplies and if you mentioned “Sit on This!” they’ll give you 5% off.
- I like a small mallet for stripping furniture down, but you can get larger mallets. Try these.
- You’ll need a web stretcher. In the UK we tend to you the ones with a dowel.
- You’ll need something to pull out the rogue staples. Try these long nose pliers or pincers
Workshop Extras:
- If you want a Pneumatic stapler kit using the best staple guns, call up BEA and place an order and mention “Sit on This!” for a discount. You’re looking for a short nose or long nose and 71/10 staples in silver and black.
- A hand held steamer is great for button work and getting our little creases in natural fibres. Good for velvet too.
- Hide Strainers are useful for pulling interlines really tight and leather.
- If you want to use a lot of leather I’d recommend getting a skiver
- A Wood file is a good addition for shaving off the edge of frames
- Button Making Machine: This will coming in handing as you progress and if you want to start taking on commissions.
- You can get a professional foam cutter, but to start pick up a meat cutter – it does the same thong by allowing you to shape foam effectively.
There are many more tools I know I have totally forgotten to mention, but these are what I can think of right now. I’ll update this as more come to mind!
