Construction of Articles Involving Complex Upholstery Works for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 12
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Upholstery
Topic: Construction of Articles Involving Complex Upholstery Works
Subject Matter: Preparation of working rod; Development of templates; Frame construction; Padding; Covering; Finishing and decorating
Previous Lesson: Method of Construction of Articles Involving Upholstery

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the stages involved in constructing complex upholstered articles.
• Explain the purpose of a working rod and templates in upholstery.
• Describe different methods of frame construction.
• List various padding and covering materials.
• State the importance of finishing and decorating in upholstery.

Psychomotor Domain

• Prepare a working rod according to specifications.
• Develop accurate templates for an upholstery project.
• Construct a sturdy frame for an upholstered article.
• Apply padding materials correctly.
• Cover an upholstered article neatly.
• Perform finishing and decorating tasks on an upholstered piece.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of precision and attention to detail in upholstery.
• Demonstrate patience and care during the construction process.
• Value safety precautions when using tools and materials.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Upholstery textbook for SS 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Samples of working rods
• Various templates
• Examples of upholstered frames (finished and unfinished)
• Different padding materials (foam, wadding, springs, coir)
• Various covering fabrics/materials
• Upholstery tools (staple gun, tacks, hammers, scissors, measuring tape, cutting tools)
• Samples of decorative trims (piping, buttons, braids)
• Approved working drawings for a complex upholstery article.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it provides students with practical skills in constructing complex upholstered articles, which are essential for furniture making and interior decoration. It helps them understand the sequential processes and technical requirements for creating durable and aesthetically pleasing upholstered pieces, preparing them for potential careers or entrepreneurial ventures in the craft.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of upholstery tools, materials, and simple upholstery techniques.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Construction of Articles Involving Complex Upholstery Works

Preparation of Working Rod

A working rod in upholstery serves as a guide or reference point for measurements, alignment, and shaping during the construction process. It helps ensure symmetry and accuracy, especially for complex designs.

1. Selection of Material: Choose a straight, strong, and smooth piece of wood or metal. It should be rigid enough not to bend during use.
2. Measurement and Cutting: Cut the rod to the required length based on the dimensions of the article being upholstered.
3. Shaping and Smoothing: If necessary, shape the rod to specific curves or angles. Sand or file the rod to ensure it is smooth and free from splinters or sharp edges that could damage materials or cause injury.
4. Marking: Mark key measurements or reference points on the rod for easy alignment during construction.

Development of Templates

Templates are patterns used to cut covering materials, padding, and sometimes even frame components accurately and consistently. They ensure that all pieces fit together perfectly and reduce material waste.

1. Measuring the Frame/Component: Accurately measure the dimensions of the frame sections or components that need covering or padding.
2. Drafting the Pattern: Transfer these measurements onto a suitable template material (e.g., heavy paper, cardboard, thin plastic). Account for seam allowances, stretching, and tucks as needed.
3. Cutting the Template: Carefully cut out the drafted pattern.
4. Labelling: Label each template clearly with its purpose (e.g., “Seat Cushion Top,” “Armrest Outer”), the project name, and any specific instructions (e.g., “Cut 2,” “Grainline”).
5. Testing (Optional but Recommended): For complex shapes, a mock-up or test fit of the template on the frame can help identify and correct errors before cutting final materials.

Frame Construction

The frame is the skeletal structure of the upholstered article, providing support, shape, and durability. Its construction requires precision and strong joinery.

1. Material Selection: Common materials include hardwood (e.g., iroko, mahogany), softwood (e.g., pine), or engineered wood products (e.g., plywood, MDF) for specific parts. The choice depends on strength requirements and budget.
2. Cutting Components: Cut all frame components to precise dimensions according to the working drawing.
3. Joinery Techniques:
   1. Dowels: Wooden dowels are inserted into corresponding holes in mating pieces, often reinforced with glue.
   2. Mortise and Tenon: A strong joint where a projecting tenon fits into a mortise (hole).
   3. Lap Joints: Two pieces overlap and are joined, often with screws or bolts.
   4. Corner Blocks: Triangular blocks of wood glued and screwed into inside corners for added strength.
   5. Screws and Glue: Screws provide strong mechanical fastening, while wood glue creates a permanent bond.
4. Assembly: Assemble the frame components, ensuring all joints are tight, square, and level. Use clamps to hold pieces securely while glue dries.
5. Reinforcement: Add corner blocks, bracing, or gussets where extra strength is needed, especially at stress points.
6. Inspection: Check the assembled frame for stability, squareness, and absence of wobbles.

Padding

Padding provides comfort, shapes the upholstered article, and protects the covering fabric from the frame. It is applied in layers.

1. Springs (if applicable): Install coil springs or zigzag springs onto the frame for resilient support. Secure them firmly and tie coil springs for even distribution of tension.
2. Webbing: Attach jute or elastic webbing across the frame openings to support springs and padding.
3. Base Padding: Apply a layer of firm padding, such as coir fibre, rubberized coir, or high-density foam, directly over the webbing or springs. This provides initial shape and support.
4. Intermediate Padding: Add softer layers of foam, polyester wadding, or cotton felt to build up the desired shape and provide comfort.
5. Shaping and Sculpting: Carefully cut and shape the padding to create smooth contours and defined edges. Use spray adhesive or light tacking to hold layers in place.
6. Muslin/Calico Layer (Optional): A layer of muslin or calico can be stretched over the padding to smooth out any irregularities and provide a stable base for the final covering.

Covering

Covering involves applying the chosen outer fabric or material to the padded frame, giving the article its final appearance.

1. Material Selection: Choose upholstery fabric, leather, or vinyl suitable for the article’s intended use and aesthetic. Consider durability, pattern repeat, and stretch.
2. Cutting the Covering Material: Using the developed templates, carefully cut the covering material. Pay attention to grain direction, pattern matching, and seam allowances.
3. Positioning and Alignment: Begin attaching the covering material, starting from a central point or a key reference line. Ensure the fabric is correctly aligned and centred.
4. Stretching and Smoothing: Systematically stretch the fabric over the padded frame, working from the centre outwards. Eliminate wrinkles and ensure an even tension.
5. Attaching the Covering:
   1. Stapling: Use an upholstery staple gun to secure the fabric to the frame, placing staples close together for a strong hold.
   2. Tacking: Use upholstery tacks and a magnetic hammer for traditional methods or areas where staples are not suitable.
   3. Sewing: For cushions, seams, or specific design elements, sew fabric pieces together using a heavy-duty sewing machine.
6. Trimming Excess: Trim any excess fabric neatly, leaving enough for a clean finish or to be folded under.

Finishing and Decorating

This final stage adds aesthetic appeal, conceals raw edges, and ensures the upholstered article is complete and ready for use.

1. Trimming and Edging:
   1. Piping/Cording: Apply piping along seams or edges for a defined, tailored look.
   2. Gimp/Braid: Use decorative gimp or braid to cover staple lines or raw edges, often attached with adhesive or small tacks.
2. Buttoning and Tufting:
   1. Buttons: Attach decorative buttons, often pulled through the padding to create tufts or dimples.
   2. Tufting: Create deep folds and pleats in the fabric, secured with buttons or stitching, for a classic, luxurious appearance.
3. Studs/Nailheads: Apply decorative studs or nailheads along edges or as design accents.
4. Dust Cover: Attach a dust cover (often black cambric) to the underside of the frame to give a neat finish and prevent dust accumulation.
5. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the finished article, removing any marks, dust, or debris.
6. Final Inspection: Conduct a final check for quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring all elements are properly secured and finished.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Introduction/Motivation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then introduces the topic, “Construction of Articles Involving Complex Upholstery Works,” by showing pictures or actual examples of complex upholstered furniture and asking students what they observe about their construction.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the examples, sharing their initial thoughts on how such articles are made.

Learning Point: Introduction to complex upholstery

Step 2: Preparation of Working Rod

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of a working rod in upholstery and demonstrates how to select, measure, cut, and smooth a working rod according to a given specification. The teacher also shows how to mark key reference points.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, ask questions, and identify suitable materials for a working rod.

Learning Point: Working rod preparation

Step 3: Development of Templates

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the purpose of templates and demonstrates how to measure a frame component to draft an accurate template. The teacher guides students to develop simple templates for a specific part of an upholstered article, emphasizing precision and labelling.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice measuring and drafting templates under the teacher’s guidance, ensuring accuracy and proper labelling.

Learning Point: Template development skills

Step 4: Frame Construction

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the principles of sturdy frame construction, discussing material selection and various joinery techniques (dowels, screws, glue, corner blocks). The teacher demonstrates the assembly of a small frame section, highlighting the importance of tight and square joints.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, identify different joinery methods, and discuss the importance of a strong frame.

Learning Point: Upholstery frame construction

Step 5: Padding and Covering

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the purpose of padding and covering. The teacher demonstrates the application of different padding materials (e.g., foam, wadding) and how to stretch and secure covering fabric neatly onto a padded frame, using staples or tacks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, identify padding and covering materials, and discuss techniques for smooth application.

Learning Point: Padding and covering techniques

Step 6: Finishing and Decorating

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of finishing and decorating. The teacher demonstrates how to apply decorative trims like piping or gimp, attach buttons, or create tufting, showing how these elements enhance the article’s appearance.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the finishing techniques and discuss how decoration adds value to upholstered articles.

Learning Point: Upholstery finishing, decoration

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of a working rod in upholstery?
2. Mention two materials suitable for making upholstery templates.
3. List three common joinery techniques used in frame construction.
4. Name two types of padding materials used in upholstery.
5. Why is finishing and decorating important in upholstery?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding upholstery construction stages

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the stages of complex upholstery construction into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key stages of constructing complex upholstered articles, reiterating the importance of precision, safety, and attention to detail at each step. The teacher encourages students to apply these skills in their practical projects.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask any final clarifying questions.

Learning Point: Upholstery construction summary

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Project/Homework

Instruction: Individually or in small groups, students should:

1. Prepare a detailed working drawing for a small upholstered stool or footrest.
2. List all the materials and tools required for its construction.
3. Begin the preparation of a working rod and the development of templates for their chosen project, to be submitted next week.

Lesson Keywords

• Working rod – A guide for measurements and alignment in upholstery.
• Templates – Patterns used for accurate cutting of upholstery materials.
• Frame construction – Building the skeletal structure of upholstered furniture.
• Padding – Materials used for comfort, shape, and protection in upholstery.
• Covering – Applying the outer fabric or material to an upholstered article.
• Finishing – The final touches to conceal raw edges and enhance appearance.
• Decorating – Adding ornamental elements like piping, buttons, or tufting.
• Joinery – Methods of connecting pieces of wood or other materials in frame construction.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research advanced joinery techniques or explore different decorative finishes. Provide additional hands-on guidance and simplified templates for students who need more support, focusing on one stage at a time.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for: Upholstery frame construction SS3 Nigeria

Search YouTube for: Upholstery padding and covering techniques SS3