Make your own diamond tufted headboard

Ideas Magazine asked me to make this headboard for their gorgeous July/August issue, and when you get the chance to make something beautiful, you have to grab the opportunity! This is not my first headboard, and it’s certainly not my last! I love headboards. Aside from providing a beautiful focal point in your room, they are super practical – especially if you like reading in bed. This one looks fantastic and costs much less than the store-bought version. And don’t be afraid to tackle this project – it is surprisingly easy to make!

Remember to get your copy of Ideas!

Here’s how to make your very own diamond tufted headboard!

To make a ¾ bed headboard, you will need:

Wooden base for the headboard – we used 1mx1mx19mm strand board
5m fabric (we used charcoal linen)
1m batting
18x 22m coverable buttons
Thick thread (we used crochet thread)
Mattress needle
Staple gun & staples
Spray adhesive
1mx1mx75mm thick foam
1x Pine PAR 22x44mm x 2.4m batten, cut into 2x 1.2m lengths
4x 3mmx32mm chipboard screws
1m cotton lining

You will also need:

Headboard Template
Carpenter’s Pencil
Marker
Jigsaw
22mm hole saw drill bit
Electric Carving Knife
Drill with 3mm wood drill bit
Scissors
Screwdriver
Measuring Tape
Straight Edge

STEP 1:

Use the template to cut the curve at the top of the wooden base. Then give the edges a quick sanding to make sure that there aren’t any rough areas.

STEP 2:

Draw a grid of 10x20cm on both the foam and the wooden base. Then carefully mark the position of the buttons using the marker.

STEP 3:

Use the hole saw drill bit to cut the holes into the foam only. Place a piece of sacrificial wood underneath to protect your work surface!

STEP 4:

Fix the foam to the wooden base using the spray adhesive. Ensure that everything is perfectly straight and allow to dry.

STEP 5:

Using the curved edge of the wooden base as a guide, cut the foam to the same shape with the electric carving knife.

STEP 6:

Placing the 3mm drill in the middle of each foam hole, drill a hole through the wooden base. This is where each button will be threaded through.

STEP 7:

Cover the foam with the batting, securing it at the back with the staple gun. Then cut away any excess batting afterwards.

STEP 8:

Cut a small cross into the batting where it covers each foam hole. You should be able to easily see the small hole in the wood once you’ve done this.

STEP 9:

Lay the fabric over the batting, making sure that the centre of the fabric is in the centre of the headboard.

STEP 10:

Cover the buttons with fabric and attach a 40cm piece of thread to each button. Make a double knot at the back to make sure that they’re secure. A 2-litre milk bottle cap makes the perfect fabric template for a 22mm button!

STEP 11:

Using the mattress needle, thread the buttons through the fabric, batting, foam and wood. It is easiest to do this if you place the headboard upright on the floor so that you can catch the needle at the back.

STEP 12:

Wind the thread at the back around a screwdriver and pull until you’re happy with the depth of the button on the front of the headboard. Then use the staple gun to secure the thread by stapling it to the wood in a zig-zag pattern.

STEP 13:

Tuck the pleats between the buttons as you go, making sure that they’re all facing in the same direction. Once all the buttons are in place, use the staple gun to secure the edges of the fabric at the back.

STEP 14:

Measure the height of the bed and secure the legs to the back of the headboard accordingly. Ideally, the lower edge of the upholstery should sit just above the top of the mattress.