Reupholster a Very Old Footstool

You have to treat a little antique footstool just like an old person, gentleness and kindness.
It turns out, after a little local research, this stool belonged to a prominent Indianapolis physician in the early 1920's and it cost $5.00 to make.  A little TLC updated, refreshed and turned this old, tattered stool into a sparkling  gem. Notice the snazzy flat welt cord made out of fabric, adhesive and cardboard tack strip. If you'd like this little stool for your home, you can buy it right here at my etsy shop, FliptStudio.

Step 1: Take Stock

This covering is just too threadbare to try to salvage.

Step 2: Unhitch the Old Cover

Carefully remove the tacks and unhook the old fabric. Be careful not to damage the wood.

Step 3: Clean and Sand

Use some sandpaper to clean up the legs and base.

Step 4: Apply New Wood Stain

Gently rub a little wood stain on the legs and base coating all scratched, sanded and dinged up wood. Let dry for 30 minutes and then wipe off with a clean cloth.

Step 5: Fresh Padding

As long as the old padding is not smelly and musty, just add a fresh layer of cotton batting to the top of your stool, gradually pulling off the excess cotton as you near the edge.

Step 6: Staple Fabric

Begin on one side stapling the fabric and move to the opposite sides, pulling fabric tautly and staple in place, smoothing as you staple.

Step 7: Staple All Around

Make sure the fabric is stapled on with your  desired pattern placement.

Step 8: Cut Off Excess Fabric

Using a sharp razor knife, cut off the excess fabric that hangs beyond the staples.

Step 9: Edging

Use small, sharp scissors and cut off loose threads around the edge.

Step 10: Fabric Strips for Flat Welt

Cut enough 1 1/2" strips of fabric to go around the circumference of the stool. Stitch ends together on a diagonal. Clip the excess seam allowance and place wrong side up on a flat surface.

Step 11: Make Flat Welt

Gather cardboard tack strip, spray adhesive, and sharp scissors to make the flat welt.

Step 12: Adhere Fabric to Tack Strip

Spray the adhesive on the fabric strips and wrap the fabric around the cardboard tack strip.

Step 13: Trim Excess Fabric

After tack strips are covered, trim off excess fabric for a clean edge.

Step 14: Glue on Flat Welt

Use a hot glue gun to attach the flat welting.

Step 15: Join Ends of Flat Welt

Carefully work the two ends so that they overlap each other. Hot glue the ends in place.

Step 16: Look Underneath

You can tell this is OLD by checking out the under side.

Step 17: Enjoy!

Wow! This little, colorful stool is fresh and clean.