Upholstery 10, 20, 30: Curriculum Guidelines

Module 10A: Basic Spring Foundations (Optional)

Suggested time: 4-10 hours
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Modules 2 and 3

Foundational Objectives

To develop skills in the use of equipment and materials common to the upholstery industry.
To develop workplace skills, knowledge, and attitudes that may lead to successful employment.
To demonstrate safe working practices for the upholstery industry.
To demonstrate an understanding of business and entrepreneurial practices used in society.
To develop independent decision-making skills pertaining to the upholstery industry.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To demonstrate safety practices when working in the upholstery industry. (PSVS)
To develop students' understanding of the practical uses of mathematical concepts in upholstery. (NUM)
To develop skillful use of technology that may lead to successful employment. (TL)
To develop a responsible attitude toward the safety of oneself and others. (PSVS)

	Learning Objective	Notes
		Basic spring foundations are introduced in this module. The practice and application of these skills will be integrated in projects when appropriate.
10.1	To be able to identify the types of springs used in furniture. (CCT)	Students will record the types of springs and where they are used in their journals. Students will rate the quality of different springs systems for comfort.
10.2	To understand the purpose of the non-sag spring. (COM)	Students can define non-sag spring and trace the history of springs. Request information from a spring supplier or manufacturer about the history of springs.
10.3	To understand the safe use of the hand tools required to cut, bend, and attach springs. (TL)
10.4	To measure and cut a non-sag spring. (NUM)	Students will calculate the amount of spring required and using bolt cutters cut the spring into required lengths. Caution: Students must wear safety glasses when cutting, as the spring may spring back and small pieces may fly off.
10.5	To use the spring bender.	Students will use the spring bender to bend the sharp end to prevent the spring from slipping out of the spring clip.
10.6	To attach spring clips.	The students will calculate and lay out the locations for the spring clips (hangers) and then attach the spring clips using tacks.
10.7	To attach a non-sag spring to the spring clips.	Build boxes or use recycled seats or seat backs as practice frames for attachment of non-sag springs. To attach a non-sag spring: insert into the front spring clip attach the spring clip stretch to the back spring clip attach the spring clip.
10.8	To calculate the cost of the non-sag springs and clips. (NUM)	Calculate the cost of the non-sag springs and clips and enter onto the bill of materials for the job.

Module 10B: Advanced Spring Foundations (Optional)

Suggested time: 5-8 hours
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Modules 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11

Learning Objective Notes

Advanced spring foundations are introduced in this module. The practice and application of these skills will be integrated in projects when appropriate.

10.9 To identify the styles of springs used. (COM)
Students will record the types and purposes of springs in their journals.

Students will rate the comfort of different systems.

Creation of a sample board with examples of different spring types is a good project for students. Retailers or factories may give or lend samples.

10.10 To explain the purpose of the coil spring. (COM)
Students can describe coil springs and trace their history. This is an excellent opportunity for student research.

A spring supplier or manufacturer may supply information directly, provide an information video, or offer a website address for research support.

There are three basic coil spring placement configurations. Choose the one best suited to the chair style. The students will draw the different patterns and chairs used into their journal.

Tour a mattress factory for samples of interlocking spring styles.

10.11 To be able to place and attach coil springs onto jute webbing. (IL)
Design a lab activity to use coil springs. The activity should be done on a jute web base with a set of coil springs. Use an old seat back or a seat that has been recycled.

Use long double-end needles to sew coil springs.

Caution: Be very careful when using the long double-end needle.

10.12 To be able to sew a coil base to the jute webbing.
Calculate and measure the amount of jute twine required to attach all the springs.

Mark the spring location on each piece of the jute webbing prior to stitching.

Use the slip and twist knot to attach the twine to the springs.

10.13 To tie coil springs using appropriate knots. (TL) The students should practise the following knots for tying springs:

clove hitch
simple loop
overhand knot
clove spring knot.

Use the 8-way tie to fasten springs crossways, vertically and diagonally. Fasten springs on the other diagonal. Have students draw the 8-way tie in their journals. Videos or pictures can be helpful for the student portfolio. See recommended resources.

10.14 To use edge wire where required.

10.15 To attach edge wire clips.
Use BW/EK/G clip pliers to attach the edge wire clips to the springs.

Tying can be done although it is a time consuming technique and is now rarely done in the upholstery industry.

10.16 To cover springs with burlap after installation.

10.17 To calculate the cost of the coil springs, edge wire, edge clips, and twine used. (NUM) Calculate the cost of the new materials and enter on a bill of materials for the job.

Projects:
There are many places to pick up used or discarded furniture to use for projects.

antique shops
used furniture stores
donations
insurance claims.

	Learning Objective	Notes
		Advanced spring foundations are introduced in this module. The practice and application of these skills will be integrated in projects when appropriate.
10.9	To identify the styles of springs used. (COM)	Students will record the types and purposes of springs in their journals. Students will rate the comfort of different systems. Creation of a sample board with examples of different spring types is a good project for students. Retailers or factories may give or lend samples.
10.10	To explain the purpose of the coil spring. (COM)	Students can describe coil springs and trace their history. This is an excellent opportunity for student research. A spring supplier or manufacturer may supply information directly, provide an information video, or offer a website address for research support. There are three basic coil spring placement configurations. Choose the one best suited to the chair style. The students will draw the different patterns and chairs used into their journal. Tour a mattress factory for samples of interlocking spring styles.
10.11	To be able to place and attach coil springs onto jute webbing. (IL)	Design a lab activity to use coil springs. The activity should be done on a jute web base with a set of coil springs. Use an old seat back or a seat that has been recycled. Use long double-end needles to sew coil springs. Caution: Be very careful when using the long double-end needle.
10.12	To be able to sew a coil base to the jute webbing.	Calculate and measure the amount of jute twine required to attach all the springs. Mark the spring location on each piece of the jute webbing prior to stitching. Use the slip and twist knot to attach the twine to the springs.
10.13	To tie coil springs using appropriate knots. (TL)	The students should practise the following knots for tying springs: clove hitch simple loop overhand knot clove spring knot. Use the 8-way tie to fasten springs crossways, vertically and diagonally. Fasten springs on the other diagonal. Have students draw the 8-way tie in their journals. Videos or pictures can be helpful for the student portfolio. See recommended resources.
10.14	To use edge wire where required.
10.15	To attach edge wire clips.	Use BW/EK/G clip pliers to attach the edge wire clips to the springs. Tying can be done although it is a time consuming technique and is now rarely done in the upholstery industry.
10.16	To cover springs with burlap after installation.
10.17	To calculate the cost of the coil springs, edge wire, edge clips, and twine used. (NUM)	Calculate the cost of the new materials and enter on a bill of materials for the job.
		Projects: There are many places to pick up used or discarded furniture to use for projects. antique shops used furniture stores donations insurance claims.