Friday, February 6, 2009

Instructions

Because I know that sometimes projects that look good on TV or in magazines are actually difficult to do on your own, I wanted to share the instructions on how we made our headboard because it actually was much easier than it looks.

Tools you will need:
  • Staple Gun and staples
  • Table Saw
  • Drill
  • 5 pieces of 2 inch by 1 inch wood in 6 foot planks
  • 4 L brackets
  • 2 T brackets
  • Upholstery Fabric
  • Cotton Batting
  • optional: buttons, which also require an upholstery needle and thread

Step 1: Measure the size you want your headboard to be, the height and length are completely up to you!

Step 2: Mark and cut 2 pieces for the length of the headboard and 3 pieces for the height.

Step 3: Using the brackets, attach all the boards together like below.

Step 4: Now that the frame is built, it is time to pad it up! I used polyester batting, but you could use actual foam, or add more or less layers of batting depending on your preferences. I used 4 layers of batting, but to attach it, I just folded it over on itself 4 times so that I only had to staple the entire layer of batting once. The trick to stapling is to staple on the opposite side you attached the brackets on so that you don't have to worry about staples not going in, or working around the brackets. The first four staples will go in the order below, pulling each side tight before you staple.





Step 5: Once the first four staples have been attached, you can work towards the corners, in any order you like.
Step 6: Time to add the fabric! Do the first four staples the same way the batting was attached. It is really important to pull it VERY tight, and this may be where a second set of hands may be helpful. To keep the tightness and look consistant I put a staple every inch and a half or so.

Step 7 (Optional): If you would like to add buttons you will need to also add fabric to the back so you can sew them on. I just did a scrap piece of fabric pulled tight and roughly stapled every couple inches, no need to be tidy. I bought upholstery buttons that you cover in whatever fabric you choose, but you could use antique buttons or buttons you really like. You will need to attach them with upholstery thread and a long upholstery needle that is able to get through the layers of batting. You can add as many or as little as you like, in whatever pattern you want! Have fun~

And of course if you have any questions just ask! I would love to help~

6 comments:

Lucky Girl said...

Hello Holly, I've been thinking about trying this in our guest bedroom but am unsure of how to best attach the headboard to the wall. How did you do it?

Ann E. said...

Thank you so much! I have always wanted to make my own but it has always seemed a bit too daunting for me. This just might have to be my quick weekend project today!
Love your blog!

Unknown said...

Thanks so much Ann!

Amanda, We attached picture wire on both sides to hang it, but we used heavy duty anchors in the walls to be sure it doesn't fall!

AppleBtini said...

We did this in our bedroom and I wanted to add buttons, but I wasn't sure how to do it. Did you just sew the buttons on like you would on anything else??

AppleBtini said...

I love this! We custom made a headboard for our room with similar instructions. I wanted to put the buttons on, but I don't quite understand how. Did you sew the buttons on like you would sew a button on anything else? If so, how did you bring it back thru everything??? TIA!

Lovely Little Nest said...

You are amazing!! I love all of your DIY projects ~ truly inspirational! :)

 
Blogging tips