DIY Tufting Cushions

A single button tuft can transform the look of a cushion.

Turn a plain pillow into an interesting accent piece by tufting it. Tufting a pillow makes it firmer, so it's one way to restore a pillow whose stuffing has become flattened with wear. A pillow can be tufted in a symmetrical pattern with matching thread for a traditional look, or you can use contrasting thread to add an accent color. For an eclectic look, tuft the pillow in an asymmetrical pattern. If desired, sew on shank buttons to add even more interest.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pencil
• Tailor's chalk
• Large needle
• Upholstery thread
• Shank buttons (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the front of the pillow. Draw a rectangle with these dimensions on a sheet of paper to make a pattern.

2. Place pencil dots on the paper to plot the desired location of the tufting. Place the dots at least 3 inches from the edges and 2 inches from one another.

3. Use a tape measure and tailor's chalk to transfer the pattern to the pillow. Measure the distance from the edges of the pattern to a dot and make a corresponding dot on the front of the pillow. Turn the pillow over and transfer a mirror image of the marks to the back of the pillow. Make this process easier by poking a hole with the pencil point at each dot and turning the pattern over. Transfer the position of the holes to the back of the pillow.

4. Thread a large needle with 30 inches of upholstery thread and knot the ends of the thread together. Stick the needle in through a dot on the back of the pillow and out through the corresponding dot on the front of the pillow. Make a 1/16-inch-tall vertical stitch and bring the needle out the back of the pillow near where it went in. Pull the thread tight. Stick the needle back through the pillow, stitching through the same holes you stitched through the first time. Pull the thread tight enough to make a dent on each side of the pillow. Make three stitches this way, pulling the thread tight with each stitch.

5. Add shank buttons to the tufting, if desired, by threading the shank of the button onto the thread. Sew three stitches through both the shank and the cushion to hold the button in place. Make these stitches the same way you made the first three stitches. You may add buttons on both sides of the pillow or just on the front.

6. Knot the thread close to the pillow on the back side and cut off the excess. Make the remaining tufts in the same way.

Tips & Warnings

• If you add buttons on both sides, sew both buttons on at the same time by sewing through the shank of one button, through the cushion and then through the shank of the button on the other side.