How to Make Button-tuffeted Cushions

Cushions add comfort to seating, and button tuffets add style to the cushions. Cushion with tuffets have buttons that are pulled down into the puffy part of the cushion, giving the cushion extra dimension. Using upholstery foam, you can make cushions to fit any seat. Buttons are put on both sides, so the cushions are reversible.

Things You'll Need

• 1-inch upholstery foam
• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Thread
• Hand-sewing needle
• Shank buttons
• String
• Large upholstery needle

Instructions

1. Measure and cut the upholstery foam to the desired size.

2. Using the foam as a pattern, cut two pieces of fabric in the same shape, adding 1 inch all around.

3. Turn the right sides of the fabric together and sew three edges of the fabric, using 1/2-inch seams. Turn right-side out.

4. Insert the foam into the fabric pouch. Fold over the raw edges of the open seam and hand-sew the opening closed.

5. Thread a 12-inch piece of string onto the large needle. Leave one end longer than the other, but do not knot. From the bottom of the cushion, push the needle up through the fabric and foam where you want the first button placed. Hold on to several inches of thread on the bottom.

6. When the needle is through the foam and is on top of the cushion, insert the needle through the shank of the button and reinsert the needle 1/4-inch away from where the needle came up, directing the needle to come down 1/4-inch from the insertion point on the bottom. Pull ends of the string tightly.

7. While still pulling and holding the string, slip one end of the loose bottom string into the shank of another button. Tie in a knot and clip the ends close to the knot.

8. Repeat button-tying procedure wherever you want a button placed.