Tufting Instructions
Tufts are the indented designs created when a button is used to compress foam on a couch, chair, headboard or similar type of furniture. In upholstery the tuft is usually created by a fabric-covered button with a prong on the back that pierces a seat back. The pressure of the pressed-in prong causes the fabric to be pulled down sharply. It is not difficult to make a simple tuft using a pillow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pillow
- 2 buttons
- Heavy-duty upholstery thread
- Upholstery needle
- Tape measure
- Fabric pen
- Scissors
- Fabric glue
Instructions
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Select a throw pillow that has a lot of loft and the cover on the pillow is tight. Lofting is the thickness of a fabric or foam in an uncompressed state. Fleece has a lot of loft, which is created by the type of weave, which forms air pockets within the fabric. Foam, such as that used in a pillow, has several inches of loft in its resting state. The more loft a pillow has, the more the compression of the button into the loft will create the appearance of a tuft.
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Thread an upholstery needle that is as long as the pillow is thick. Use heavy-duty upholstery thread and double the thread. Tie the end of the thread to a stem-type button. A stem-type button has a stem on one side with a threading hole and a smooth top.
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Measure to find the center of the pillow. Mark the center on both sides of the pillow using a disappearing fabric pen.
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Pierce the center mark on one side of the pillow, and bring the needle through the center mark on the opposite side of the pillow. Take the needle through the stem of a second button. Send the needle back through the pillow to the original side. Take the needle through the stem of the first button.
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Hold the button in one hand and pull on the thread. The center of the pillow will be drawn together as the button stems become closer together. When you like the tuft, send the needle back through the pillow while holding the thread taut until the last moment. Press the first button side against your chest. Splay your fingers around the second button and send the needle through the stem. Draw the thread tight. This should hold the tuft where you want it. Repeat two or three times, and then tie your thread off to one of the button stems. Add a drop of fabric glue over the knots.
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Tips & Warnings
Large cushions can handle up to five tufting buttons arranged like spots on dice. Consider using buttons that you can cover with the fabric of the pillow or cushion.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
