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DIY ModUpholstery: Mock Tufting

 The problem at hand was those annoying, yet luxurious, down-filled back cushions.  Everytime anyone would get up from the loveseat, the back cushions were smashed down, seams all askew.  My compulsive self had to walk over, re-fluff, straighten and then I could move on.

Don't the best solutions just come to you in the simplest of ideas??

My first thought was to make some covered buttons and pull those through the cushions to give a modern, symmetric button tufting look.  That is definitely an option.  After perusing the Mitchell Gold catalogue, I opted for mock tufting made by using upholstery twine to make mock tufts with symmetrical stitches. It's so easy!!!

Not only does the tufting freshen up the look of this loveseat, but it also solves the slouchy cushion insert problem.  Check out this tutorial for your own Mock Tufted Sofa/Loveseat Cushions. (You could also do this on the seat cushions to get an even more trendy look.) 

Note: After adding the stitches or buttons, you can't remove the cushion inserts unless you re-do the tufting after cleaning the cushion covers.

This is the loveseat with plain back cushions.  It's not bad, just a little bland.

What you need:

upholstery or other twine

scissors

ruler

chalk

long upholstery needle

What you do:

1. Gather your materials

2.  Fluff and distribute the cushions stuffing evenly

3.  Measure and mark where you want your mock tufts to be placed

4.  Thread long needle with upholstery twine

5.  Pull twine through to back of cushion

6.  Take a small diagonal stitch.  It needs to be diagonal so it will distribute the pull on the fabric weave.

7.  Pull twine snug to make your desired tuft depth and tie a knot

Notice how this pulls a bit on the weave. It needs to be loosened a little

8.  Snip off excess twine

 There you go, clean,  updated cushions that will no longer slouch.

tagged
sofa, DIY, restyle, cushions, couch, modhomeecteacher, how-to, modupholstery