Upholstery Tools and Materials, Types, Uses and Sketches for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Wood Work
Topic: UPHOLSTERY TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Subject Matter: Types, uses, of upholstery tools, materials and their sketches
Previous Lesson: Project Selection, Working Drawings, Cutting Lists and Bill of Materials

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify at least five common upholstery tools.
• State the uses of various upholstery tools.
• List at least five common upholstery materials.
• Describe the uses of different upholstery materials.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of using the correct tools for upholstery work.
• Value the role of different materials in upholstery projects.

Psychomotor Domain

• Sketch at least three common upholstery tools.
• Sketch at least two common upholstery materials.
• Demonstrate the proper handling of selected upholstery tools.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Wood Work for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Assortment of actual upholstery tools (e.g., tack hammer, webbing stretcher, ripping chisel, regulator, curved needles, shears, staple gun).
• Samples of upholstery materials (e.g., webbing, springs, wadding, foam, various fabrics, tacks, staples, twine).
• Charts or posters showing sketches of upholstery tools and materials.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Sketch pads and pencils for students.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces students to the essential tools and materials used in upholstery, a key aspect of woodworking and furniture finishing. Understanding these components is fundamental for practical application, enabling students to identify, select, and correctly use them in future projects. It also lays the groundwork for appreciating the craftsmanship involved in furniture making and repair.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of woodworking hand tools and general safety precautions in the workshop. They should also be familiar with different types of wood and their uses.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

UPHOLSTERY TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Types of Upholstery Tools and their Uses

Upholstery involves covering furniture with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric. Various specialised tools are required to perform these tasks effectively and safely.

1. Tack Hammer: A lightweight hammer with a magnetic head for holding and driving upholstery tacks. It has a split peen for removing tacks.
2. Webbing Stretcher: Used to stretch webbing tightly across a frame before securing it with tacks or staples. It typically has a rubber face to prevent damage to the webbing.
3. Ripping Chisel/Ripper: A tool with a sharp, angled blade used for removing old fabric, staples, and tacks from furniture frames.
4. Regulator: A long, thin, pointed steel tool used to adjust and shape stuffing or padding under the fabric, ensuring a smooth and even surface.
5. Curved Needles: Available in various sizes and curvatures, used for hand-stitching fabric, springs, and other components where a straight needle cannot reach.
6. Upholstery Shears: Heavy-duty scissors with sharp blades designed for cutting thick upholstery fabrics and materials cleanly.
7. Staple Gun: A hand-held tool used to drive staples into the furniture frame, providing a fast and secure method of attaching fabric and webbing.
8. Staple Remover: A tool with a thin, flat end designed to pry out staples without damaging the fabric or wood.
9. Sewing Machine (Industrial): Used for stitching heavy-duty upholstery fabrics, creating strong seams and decorative finishes.

Sketches of Upholstery Tools

Sketches of upholstery tools should be simple line drawings that clearly show the main features and shape of each tool. Focus on the distinctive parts that differentiate one tool from another.

1. Tack Hammer: Sketch showing the magnetic head, split peen, and handle.
2. Webbing Stretcher: Draw the wooden block with a rubber face and the handle.
3. Ripping Chisel: Illustrate the angled blade and handle.
4. Regulator: A simple line drawing of a long, thin rod with a pointed end.
5. Curved Needle: Show the distinct curved shape with an eye for thread.

Types of Upholstery Materials and their Uses

A variety of materials are used in upholstery to provide comfort, support, and aesthetic appeal.

1. Webbing: Strong woven strips (jute, elastic, or polypropylene) stretched across the furniture frame to form a supportive base for springs and padding.
2. Springs: Metal coils (coil springs, zigzag springs) that provide resilience and support for seating and backrests. They are attached to the webbing or frame.
3. Wadding/Batting: Layers of fibrous material (cotton, polyester, wool) placed over springs and foam to provide a smooth, soft layer and prevent padding from shifting.
4. Foam: Polyurethane foam, available in various densities, used for padding and cushioning. It provides shape, comfort, and support.
5. Upholstery Fabric: The outermost layer, available in numerous types (e.g., velvet, linen, leather, synthetic blends) chosen for durability, texture, colour, and pattern.
6. Tacks: Small, sharp nails with broad, flat heads used to secure fabric, webbing, and other materials to the wooden frame.
7. Staples: Metal fasteners driven by a staple gun, used as an alternative to tacks for faster and more secure attachment of materials.
8. Twine/Cord: Strong string used for tying springs, stitching, and securing various components within the upholstery structure.
9. Burlap: A coarse, woven fabric used as a foundational layer over springs or webbing before applying padding.
10. Interlining: A layer of fabric placed between the foam/padding and the top fabric to provide extra durability, shape, and to prevent show-through.

Sketches of Upholstery Materials

Sketches of upholstery materials should represent their typical appearance and texture where possible.

1. Webbing: Draw a strip with a clear woven pattern.
2. Springs: Illustrate a coil spring or a zigzag spring.
3. Foam: A simple block or sheet, perhaps with a textured surface to indicate its spongy nature.
4. Upholstery Fabric: A swatch showing a pattern or texture.
5. Tacks: Small, round head with a pointed shank.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they learned about different types of wood and their uses in furniture making. The teacher then introduces the topic of upholstery, explaining that after a piece of furniture is built, it often needs to be covered for comfort and aesthetics.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about previous lessons and listen attentively to the introduction of upholstery.

Learning Point: Link to furniture construction

Step 2: Identification of Upholstery Tools

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various upholstery tools one by one, naming each tool and asking students to identify any they recognise or guess their possible uses. The teacher then correctly names and briefly describes the function of each tool.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools, attempt to identify them, and listen to the teacher’s explanations.

Learning Point: Upholstery tool identification

Step 3: Uses of Upholstery Tools

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher elaborates on the specific uses of each upholstery tool, demonstrating how some are held or used (e.g., tack hammer, webbing stretcher). The teacher encourages questions and clarifies any misconceptions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and observe the demonstrations, taking mental notes on the uses of the tools.

Learning Point: Specific tool functions

Step 4: Identification and Uses of Upholstery Materials

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Display/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays samples of various upholstery materials (webbing, foam, fabric, tacks, etc.), names them, and explains their role and application in upholstery work. The teacher highlights the properties that make each material suitable for its purpose.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials, feel their textures, and listen to explanations of their uses.

Learning Point: Upholstery material knowledge

Step 5: Sketching Upholstery Tools

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Drawing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of sketching for design and communication. The teacher demonstrates how to make simple, clear sketches of 2-3 common upholstery tools on the board, emphasising key features. Students are then asked to sketch some tools in their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and then attempt to sketch upholstery tools in their notebooks.

Learning Point: Basic tool sketching

Step 6: Sketching Upholstery Materials

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Drawing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students on how to sketch 2-3 common upholstery materials, focusing on representing their form or texture. Students are encouraged to practice sketching these materials.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and practice sketching upholstery materials.

Learning Point: Basic material sketching

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. Name three upholstery tools and state one use for each.
2. List three common upholstery materials and explain where each is used.
3. What is the purpose of a webbing stretcher?
4. Briefly describe how you would sketch a tack hammer.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding upholstery basics

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, including the types, uses, and sketching guidance for upholstery tools and materials, into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the importance of knowing upholstery tools and materials for practical woodworking, reminding students that correct identification and use are crucial for quality work and safety. The teacher encourages students to observe upholstery work around them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Upholstery knowledge consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Research and draw.

1. Draw clear, labelled sketches of five different upholstery tools not discussed in class, stating their uses.
2. Find out about two different types of upholstery springs and explain their applications.
3. Visit a local furniture workshop or upholstery shop (with parental permission) and identify at least three tools or materials you learned about today. Write a short report on your observations.

Lesson Keywords

• Upholstery – The work of providing furniture, especially seats, with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric covers.
• Tack Hammer – A specialised hammer for driving small upholstery tacks.
• Webbing Stretcher – A tool used to pull webbing taut across a furniture frame.
• Regulator – A pointed tool for shaping and adjusting stuffing under upholstery fabric.
• Webbing – Strong strips of material forming the base for springs and padding.
• Foam – A common cushioning material used in upholstery.
• Tacks – Small, sharp nails used to secure upholstery materials.
• Staple Gun – A tool that drives staples to fasten materials.

Differentiation

For learners needing support: Provide pre-drawn outlines of tools for tracing and labelling. Focus on identifying and stating uses for a smaller number of key tools and materials. Allow them to work in pairs for sketching activities.

For advanced learners: Challenge them to research and present on the historical development of upholstery tools or the properties of different upholstery fabrics. Encourage them to identify and sketch more complex tools or material applications.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for “upholstery tools and materials SS3 woodwork”