Learn Marine Canvas and Upholstery Hands-On, One-on-One
Train side by side with Kevin Strate in a working shop at Port Tarpon Marina in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Dates are set around you.
- In the trade since around 2006
- Usually one-on-one, teams of up to 3 welcome
- Flexible dates, employers can be invoiced
- Bring your own project and finish it here using our materials
After your call, hold your date with a $1,000 deposit.
Who it's for
Growing in your current job
Already sewing canvas or upholstery? We find the gaps and fill them, from patterning and enclosures to cushions and working faster and cleaner on the jobs you do every week.
Sent by your employer
Training a new hire or a team member? We focus on the work your shop actually does. Bring up to 3 people, and we can invoice your employer directly.
Call Kevin about employer invoicing
Starting your own business
Planning your own canvas and upholstery shop? Along with the hands-on work, we cover the business side: networking, advertising, the sales process, pricing jobs, what equipment and materials to buy and where to source them, and building out your shop and workflow.
What you'll build
Real projects at real machines: cushions, seats, canvas and enclosures, depending on your goals and the work coming through the shop.
What you'll learn
In the shop
- Industrial sewing machine setup and operation
- Patterning and templating
- Cutting vinyl, canvas and foam
- Seams, topstitching and welt
- Cushion and seat construction
- Canvas fabrication and marine enclosures
- Snaps, tracks and zippers
- Material selection and shop workflow
The business side
- Networking and advertising to find customers
- The sales process, from first call to signed job
- Pricing your work
- What equipment and materials to buy, and where to source them
- Shop build-out and workflow
How deep we go in each area depends on your course length and your goals. Business licensing is not covered.
Compare courses
| 3 days | 5 days | 10 days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee | $3,500 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Deposit after your call | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Balance, due 14 days before class | $2,500 | $4,000 | $9,000 |
| Best for | A crash course, or a skill upgrade if you already sew | A skill upgrade or crossover (canvas to upholstery or the reverse), or the next step after small projects | From the basics to advanced, shop-ready work |
| Core shop outline | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Business side | Tailored to you | Tailored to you | Tailored to you |
| Pre-course call | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Certificate of completion | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Call or text Kevin after class | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Every course follows the same core outline and is tailored to you. A longer course means more hands-on time, more projects and more depth.
The split between hands-on work and business topics is set on your pre-course call. More time on business topics as the course gets longer.
Not sure which length fits? We'll figure it out together on your call.
Call Kevin to pick the right length
Included with every course
- A phone call before class to learn your goals
- A course plan built around your experience
- Hands-on instruction, usually one-on-one
- Certificate of completion
- Portfolio photos of your projects
- A recommended tools and materials list
- Call or text Kevin anytime after class for help with pricing, what to buy and general advice
How it works
- Call Kevin. Every booking starts with a phone call. Tell him where you're starting and what you want to do: grow in your job, train for your employer or start your own shop.
- Pick your length and dates. There's no fixed class calendar. We schedule around you.
- After your call, hold your date with a $1,000 deposit. The deposit is non-refundable and goes toward your course fee. The balance is due 14 days before class begins.
- Train hands-on in the shop. Work on real projects at industrial machines, side by side with Kevin.
- Keep getting help after class. Call or text Kevin anytime with questions about pricing, what to buy or anything else.
After your call, we'll send you an invoice for the $1,000 deposit to hold your date. The balance is due 14 days before class begins.
Meet Kevin
Kevin Strate has worked in marine canvas and upholstery since around 2006. He got his start at Keely's Custom Covers in Land O' Lakes, Florida. Today he runs Boat Canvas Gear and Tampa Bay Canvas & Upholstery, and he shows the same patterning, sewing and installation methods on the Boat Canvas Gear YouTube channel. In class, you learn those methods side by side with him, on real work.
Is this right for you?
A good fit if you
- Want to learn by doing, at real machines
- Want one-on-one time with an experienced instructor
- Are an employer training 1 to 3 people
- Want the business side as well as the sewing
Probably not a fit if you
- Want an online or video-only course
- Need a state-licensed program or a business license course
- Want fixed public class dates with a big group
FAQ
When are classes?
There's no fixed calendar. We set your dates around your schedule on your call with Kevin.
How do I hold a date?
Start with a phone call to Kevin at (727) 373-9492. After your call, we'll send you an invoice for the $1,000 non-refundable deposit that holds your date and goes toward your course fee. The balance is due 14 days before class begins.
When is the balance due?
The balance is due 14 days before class begins.
Can I move my dates?
Yes, with at least 30 days' notice. Admin fees may apply.
Can I get a refund?
The deposit and course fee are non-refundable once a date is selected.
How many people are in a class?
Classes are usually one-on-one. Teams of up to 3 are welcome.
Can my employer pay?
Yes. We can invoice your employer directly.
Do I need sewing experience?
Basic sewing helps, but it isn't required.
What should I bring?
Nothing is required. We encourage you to bring a project, like a cushion, cover or panel, and you can finish it during class using our materials.
What happens after class?
You can call or text Kevin anytime for help with pricing, what to buy and general advice.
Is this online?
No. All training is in person at our Tarpon Springs shop.
Do you cover business licensing?
No. We cover the craft and running the business day to day, not licensing.
Ready to talk?
Every booking starts with a phone call with Kevin. He'll help you find the right course and dates.
After your call, hold your date with a $1,000 deposit.
- Phone or text: (727) 373-9492
- Email: Kevin@tampabayupholstery.com
- Where: Port Tarpon Marina, 527 Anclote Rd, Ste 100, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
- Format: In person only
