This elegant tuffet looks best when the skirt is constructed out of beautiful silk fabric. In the Southern Lady Magazine, we used decorative nail heads around the base of the cushion. In this picture, we used covered buttons over each point.
Use pattern above for cutting. Seam allowances are included. The Tuffet Kit is available www.patemeadows.com and includes the precut Round or Oval Tuffet Base, the full size pattern pieces shown above, 4" oval or round foam, batting, piping to cover, tack strip and buttons. To order the kit, click here or give us a call at 205-424-1770.
Using 4" thick foam, cut it 16" diameter.
Using batting (we use 1" thick), cut out the cushion top 16" diameter. Cut a piece of batting for the band that is 52"x 4". Batting is available from www.patemeadows.com or (205-424-1770).
Serge or straight stitch the band to the cushion top.
Slip the batting over the foam. Flip over and slipstitch the batting in place with a needle and thread.
Using the stool base as a template, trace the shape onto the fabric. Add ½” to this measurement and draw another line.
Cut the oval out of the fabric, using the outside line.
Make enough piping to go around the oval top then sew the piping to the right side of the top.
Using the pattern template shown at the beginning of this slide show, cut out the pointed band. Be sure to place the pattern on the fold. ½” seam allowances are included on the pattern. ***NOTE: If you are using the oval shape, the band will need to be cut 3 " wider. Add 1 1/2" to both ends to allow for the extra width. It should be 57".
Joining short ends, right sides together, stitch, using a ½” seam allowance.
Serge or zigzag raw edges along the bottom
Attach decorative trim to the bottom of the points. We use Steam-A-Seam2 available at www.patemeadows.com to attach ours; however, you can hand stitch or glue the trim, if desired.
Divide the cushion top into 4ths and mark.
Divide the pointed band into 4ths and mark. Match the marks on the cushion top and the cushions sides and pin, right sides together. Stitch, using a ½” seam allowance. Finish seams by serging, if desired.
With right sides together, sew the 3 widths of the tuffet skirt using a ½” seam allowance. Join all sides together forming one continuous piece. Finish the top of the skirt by serging or zigzagging
Make enough piping to go around the bottom of the skirt then stitch piping to the bottom of the skirt. See "Apply Piping Like a Pro" in the Tips & Techniques section of our website.
Press piping.
Gather the top of the skirt.
Turn the stool upside down and staple the gathered skirt as shown, right side down.
Staple cardboard tacking strip next, lining up the outer edge with the edge of the particle board. This gives you a rigid edge. Cardboard tacking strip is available at www,.patemeadows.com.
Turn stool right side up and slip the cushion top over the foam and stool base. Staple in place at the point where you will attach your button. In the Southern Lady Magazine, we used decorative nail heads all the way around the cushion.
Using tufting thread, tie the buttons into place. We like to use a dab of hot glue on the tied knot underneath the button to keep the button in place. Tip: If you don't have tufting twine, dental floss works great!
