Tartan Footstool

Give any old stool a new look by covering it with a wonderful plaid print -- it's quite an improvement.

Tools and Materials
Piece of plaid fabric, cut 8 inches larger all around than the stool cushion
Piece of nonwoven fusible interfacing, cut 7 inches larger all around than the stool cushion.
Heavy-duty staple gun and heavy-duty 1/4-inch staples
Cambric, enough to cover stool bottom
Measuring device
Iron
Screws and drill
Paint, stain, or other finish for stool base, if needed.

Tartan Footstool How-To
1. If you are repairing or recovering an old stool, first remove the cushion from the stool base. Paint or refinish the wood of the stool base and allow to dry.

2. Fuse nonwoven interfacing to plaid fabric using a dry, hot iron. The interfacing protects and reinforces the decorative fabric, making it possible to use even a light, shirt-weight material.

3. Place the cushion on the center of fabric, top facing down.

4. Secure the fabric in place, 1 1/2 inches from the edge of the cushion, using a staple gun. Start by putting three staples close together at the center of each side and then continue toward the corners. Pull the fabric tight as you are doing this, and make sure the plaid is straight.

5. Finish the corners by making a small pleat at the very edge. Staple in place.

6. Cut cambric to the size of the underside of the cushion, and staple in place.

7. Place the stool base over the cushion, and screw in a few screws to attach the cushion to the stool.

Resources
The fabric used for this craft can be found at B and J fabrics, and the Queen Anne footstool kit can be found at woodturners.net.