http://slipcovernetwork.org/linksresources/classes-workshops-schools/

Craftsy has a class on line

Thank you! Do colleges offer classes anymore? Most of the classes in my area are more like sewing 101 or learn your machine. If someone wanted to, for example, become a seamstress are there schools for that? Just sort of curious as to what route people take these days.

Perhaps a Vo-Tech program? Maybe something at your community adult education classes? I have two fashion institute schools in my general area but they offer nothing but fashion. Most of the businesses that do slip covers are run by people who have learned from their parents/grandparents where this career was good to raise a family on.

I think some of the issues with redoing sofa and such is you will need the dense foam to rebuild the cushions and perhaps springs or supports. You might need special tools, like hot knives to cut the foam and a industrial sewing machine that has a motor powerful enough to handle The volume of home decorator fabric.

I just don't know if today's furniture is worthy of a re-work and yesterday's furniture while it might be better overall, refinishing it would cost more than most would want to invest. ....if that makes any sense at all.

I can't link it but if you google Craftsy, then use their search for Custom Fit slipcovers Couches and Sofa's, you will find an on line course. You can take it as many times as you want, ask questions and see other people's projects. It's very affordable and based on your own schedule.

I learned to slipcover after hiring out a slipcover project. The woman came to my house and "pin fit" the entire chair, took the cover along with the cushion to her home, sewed it and returned. I had been sewing my whole life and thought, I can do that (but not as fast and not with an audience). Perhaps a professional would allow you to watch? I later took an upholstery class at a local community college--6 week evening class, non credit. If all else fails, there is a blog called Slipcovers by Shelley. She sells a DVD- I cannot vouch for it, but she does nice work and a DVD would be easier to follow than a book.

I don't know how far you are from Boston but the Eliot School has a slipcover class from time to time. http://www.eliotschool.org/classes/slipcovers

There are three really good ways to learn---buy a good book and use online resources, and then add experience by doing.

Slipcovering is not the same as reupholstering, as some seem to think. If your cushions that you are slip covering are in good shape there will be no need to start from that point. The only tools you are going to need are the normal sewing tools, nothing fancy.

I used to do this as a part of a business that I had many years ago. I learned how to do it from books, since that was pre internet days.

You said that you want to slipcover cushions. There is nothing easier than cushions that you can take off and handle, unlike a piece of furniture.

Really, it is not that complicated.

A few words of advice

Always wash your fabrics if they are be washed. Many fabrics really can be washed despite what the label says. Of course the fabric may be a little different after washing. Your decision. But, do not plan on washing them if you have not prewashed them. If they are in an informal area and are to be used by a family, being able to clean them is a real asset and one of the great advantages to being able to make them yourself.

Always line your covers with a muslin fabric. One advantage is that you can actually make the muslin lining first, as a test fit. Then, you cut your outer fabric just the same as the muslin, thus, you have a fitted pattern and a lining all at once. Your outer fabric will have more strength, not get distorted, and last a lot longer if you line the covers.

Put in a zippered opening. Learn to do it the right way, from a good book. This is an important finishing feature.

Do make corded seams. Seams that are not corded look home made and badly made. That cord is going to give definition, structure, and strength to your cushion.

One trick to inserting the cushion into the finished cover is to first cover the cushion with a piece of slippery plastic such as dry cleaning bag. It helps the cushion to slip easily into the cover and you just easily work it out after you have the cushion seated.

Really, it is NOT hard to do at all. The same skills used to cover cushions can be applied to making nice professional looking pillows.

Slipcovering a chair is much more problematic and involved. But, cushions are a breeze! Really, cushions are very easy to work with.

Just do it! The time that you spend looking for a class could be time that you use to just puts hand to the task and learn. No matter how much instruction you get, you will just need to do it to learn,anyway. There are several books that deal with slipcovering. It is not that complicated, really. Start with some pillow making that involves boxing, cording and zippers and you have the basic skills for cushions. Cushions are only pillows that use high density foam instead of poly fill. They are usually boxy, so learn to do a boxed pillow and you are set to sail!

Do realize that there is a vast difference between slip covering and reupholstering. You don't need to know how to reupholster if all you are doing is slip covering. And,you dont need any tools other than sewing stuff. Cushions are easiest of all!