Learn how to make your own footstool by upholstering a side table with a hessian cushion. Use high-quality hessian that has a closer weave for upholstery, so it doesn't stretch too much after use.

You will need

side table

newspaper, to make a template

pencil, fabric pen and scissors

an equal number of covered shank buttons and large flat buttons

electric drill or hammer and nail

foam, cut to the size of your table top and around 10cm deep

hessian, 30cm longer and wider than your table

long upholstery needle and strong, thick thread

staple gun

trimmings and fabric glue (optiona)





Method

Start by positioning the buttons. Place a piece of newspaper, cut to the size, on top of your table and arrange the shank buttons (with a hollow metal raised area on the back) where you'd like them to sit. Mark these spots with a pencil. Set aside the buttons, and drill through the paper and table at the points, or use a hammer and nail. Remove the template and place the foam on the table with the fabric on top, so that 15cm overhangs on all sides. Position the template on top of the material and, using a fabric pen, mark where the holes were made. Discard the template. Working out from the centre, use a doubled piece of thread knotted at the end, and pass the needle through the shank of a button and back through the loop of cotton. Stitch down through the fabric, foam and hole in the table top, pulling tightly. On the underneath of the table, pass the needle in and out of the two holes of a flat button, pulling taut, and then push it back up through the hole. Repeat several times, to secure the buttons. Attach the other buttons. Turn the table over. Starting in the middle of one side, pull the fabric tightly around the underneath of the frame and staple it in place. Repeat on the three other sides. At each corner, pull the fabric down over the point and secure this before folding and stapling the pieces either side to create a pleat. Trim excess fabric and then stitch or glue trimmings on the sides.

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