I’ve always been intrigued by tufted furniture.
http://www.museumfurniture.com
Styles became increasingly ornate, flamboyant and playful. More and more of the chair seats were made with springs and had deep buttoned backs for comfort. Rooms became total works of art with elegant yet ornate furniture, sculptures, tapestries, wall murals and ornamental mirrors. Grand homes or halls had salons which were used for the gatherings of intellectuals to discuss literature, politics, music and art. Furniture designers created armchairs, divans, chaise lounges and stools as a more comfortable place for ladies and gentlemen to sit.
I have never tackled a tufted piece as of yet, but have made some tifted items which are equally as beautiful but easier to create.
It requires some thick padding, usually batting, and equally spaced buttons. (Math skills come in handy.)
Diamond tufting on the other hand is a little (or a lot) more complicated and requires more fabric both length and width to allow for the deep set buttons and pleats. Careful measuring and straight alignment of buttons is a must. I have found a great website www.apartmenttherapy.com that walks you step by step on how to do diamond tufting. With a little knowhow and the right tools you can create your very own tufted chair, headboard or ottoman. I’m looking forward to creating my very own piece in the near future, I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
Be creative and let me know how you made out.
by Susan Dorbeck