Finishing a Needlepoint Footstool
...or other furniture upholstery as a true beginner. Also covered: building a log cabin inset
I recently finished a needlepoint footstool as a beginner with very little upholstery experience. This is an achievable self-finish project for beginners and the principles can be applied to similar projects like ottomans or chairs.
In this tutorial, I also cover the log cabin method of creating a fabric inset, which is common in pillow finishing. So even if you don’t have plans for a footstool, give this one a watch as we’ll be referencing the log cabin method in future tutorials.
This article contains
Overview of common inset methods
Recommended tutorial pairings from the library
Full materials list
Detailed process tutorial (for members)
Written step-by-step instructions with photos (for members)
What is an inset in needlepoint finishing?
The term inset means that there’s a fabric frame around your needlepoint. You’ll commonly see it on pillows or upholstery projects as a way to extend the design to a bigger form, or make the needlepoint stand out more from the edges of a pillow.
What are the three inset styles?
No inset or frame: The needlepoint extends to the edge of the item (pillow/footstool)
Mitered corner inset: The needlepoint is framed in fabric with a 45 degree angle join at each corner
Log cabin inset: the needlepoint is framed with horizontal joining
What other projects would this tutorial work for?
Use this tutorial for footstools, ottomans, or chair seat covers.
You can use the log cabin inset method on pillows, too.
What other tutorials could this pair well with?
Add some custom matching self-welt around the base with the self-welt hanging sign tutorial.
Finishing a Needlepoint Footstool
Difficulty: 3/5 🪡🪡🪡
Prerequisites
If you’re adding an inset, you’ll need some level of comfort with using your sewing machine
You’ll need some level of comfort with hand tools
Materials
Needlepoint, stitched and blocked
Footstool (this one was vintage via an estate sale). You could also make your own with legs, plywood, and foam before covering
Staple gun and staples OR cut tacks and hammer
If adding inset or welt to your needlepoint
Recommend an upholstery weight fabric designed for high traffic areas
Sewing machine, matching thread, and appropriate needle. I used heavy duty needles and a zipper foot
Wood rejuvenator in clear and soft cloth
Screwdriver (for removing the base from the top)
Pliers, screwdriver, or staple remover (something to remove tacks with)
Iron
Teflon iron protection sheet (optional)
For a full list of my recommended supplies with links, check out my article What finishing products do you recommend?