How to Tuft a Cushion

Tufted Cushion

A tufted cushion accentuates the stuffed nature of the cushion and gives it a soft look that is attractive for many types of cushions. In addition, when a cushion is tufted, the cushion inside the fabric covering will be held tight and effectively prevented from moving or shifting inside the cover. This makes the cushion more stable and durable.

Learn how to tuft a cushion to make an attractive and durable seat cushion.

Things You'll Need

• Foam cushion (covered with fabric)
• Tape measure
• Fabric pen
• Thread (heavy duty for hand sewing buttons)
• Needle
• Two-hole buttons (2 buttons for each tuft)

Instructions

1. Determine where you want the tufts to be placed on the cushion. Putting them 4 to 6 inches apart and 4 to 6 inches from the edges is recommended. Measure and make small marks where the tufts will be created. Make the placements even and symmetrical.

2. Thread the needle with a 24-inch long length of thread and make the thread doubled on the needle (12-inch lengths of threads). Knot the ends with a simple overhand knot.

3. Insert the needle into the underside of the cushion at the first mark and bring it up to the top of the cushion. Pull the thread through until the knot stops it.

4. Poke the needle through a hole of the button and then down again through the second hole of the button.

5. Insert the needle back through the cushion from the top at the same mark.

6. Poke the needle through the hole of a second button on the underside of the cushion and through the second hole of the button.

7. Insert the needle back into the cushion from the underside of the cushion back to the top side of the cushion.

8. Pull the needle and thread very tightly to create the tuft of the cushion.

9. Continue sewing this tuft by making several more stitches to firmly attach the buttons to the cushion.

10. Finish the tuft by ending with the needle and thread on the underside of the cushion but not sewing through the button. Make a knot and clip the thread.

11. Make another knot on the end of the thread and repeat steps 3 through 10 to sew each tuft in the cushion.