Here's another lesson from Shelly, Mod Home Ec Teacher and queen of DIY - this time it's a tutorial on doing mock tufting of sofa cushions. Like most projects, it started with a problem to be solved: Every time 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....
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!!!

And as always, Shelly does make it seem totally do-able. The list of necessary tools and materials is short, the skill level is within reach and the end results look great.

In literally 8 steps, you can go from slouchy cushions to a very current look.
1. Gather materials.
2. Fluff & distribute cushions.
3. Measure & mark tuft placement.
4. Thread long needle with upholstery twine.
5. Insert and pull twine through to back of cushion.
6. Take a small diagonal stitch. (must be diagonal to distribute the pull on fabric weave)
7. Pull twine snug to desired tuft depth and tie a knot.
8. Snip off excess twine.

Check out the full step-by-step tutorial here.
Thanks, Shelly!
I've done this before on a sofa I re-upholstered. It's not hard - but having an extra set of hands to help out is highly recommended.
view caw261's profile
bless you! my dog makes a "nest" of my loose sofa back cushions and it looks awful.
view DahliaCactus's profile
HMMM!! I wonder if I void my couch's warranty if I do this...
perhaps I could get them restuffed THEN tuft away. very nice looking.
view revolution9's profile
It's a lovely idea, but if you're not careful you will rip the fabric at the point where the twine goes in and out of the fabric. Normally, using buttons at those points helps distribute the stress so you won't end up ripping the lovely upholstery and it would be very easy to add them to this method.
Kudos on a job well done!
view Monica's profile
The twine puts a little more pressure on the fabric, but this loveseat is OLD. I didn't mind risking it.
view ModHomeEcTeacher's profile
wow this looks great- it looks professional to me! looks so different than the before.
view eribear12's profile