Frequently Asked Questions
Tuffets even make great additions to children’s rooms!
Q: What is a tuffet?
No matter what you call them: tuffets (defined as “low seat”), ottomans (defined as “low piece of furniture with a soft top”) poufs (defined as “a rounded ottoman”), or even upholstered foot stool (defined as “a low stool used to support the feet”), they bring a touch of whimsy into your home.
Q: How Hard is it to make a Tuffet?
A: The use of our tuffet form kit simplifies your steps when making a tuffet. You no longer have to locate plywood, foam, batting, drills, bits, saws and other cumbersome tools and material. We have taken the work out of it for you, so you can focus on the creative and fun part! Instructions included with your kit were developed from the teaching curriculum that Sharyn uses in her classes.
Q: What is the difference between the 18″ Original Pieced Tuffet Pattern and the new Tuffet In A Day Pattern?
A: The Original Pieced 18” Tuffet Fusible Foundation Pattern guides you through the process of creating a pieced, fitted tuffet cover that fits tightly over an 18” tuffet form. You get to select up to 64 strips of fabric that are arranged and sewn into 8 panels and then sewn together to make your beautiful custom tuffet cover.
The 18” Tuffet In A Day Fusible Foundation Pattern guides you through the process of creating a tube-shaped tuffet cover that fits over an 18” tuffet form and is then gathered both top and bottom. The Tuffet in a Day Fusible Foundation Pattern includes the required unique 4” button to be covered with the fabric of your choice. The pattern and instructions will guide you through the process of creating your choice of three beautiful tuffet designs; they include the Pieced Tube Tuffet; the Whole Cloth Tube Tuffet or the Shirred Tube Tuffet.
Q: I don’t understand the different pattern and foundation options.
Tuffet Source has two different patterns:
1. The Original 18” Pieced Tuffet
2. 18” Tuffet In A Day
The instruction booklets for these two patterns are quite different and the look of the finished tuffet is different. The shape and size is the same but the fabric cover is different.
If you want the “Original 18” Pieced Tuffet”, there are two foundation options:
1. Fabric Foundation
2. Fusible Interfacing Foundation
The instruction booklet included in these two options is the same. The fusible option has an extra step of ironing the fusible interfacing onto muslin.
For any Tuffet Source pattern, there are two options:
1. Instruction Book Included
2. Instruction Booklet NOT included (refill)
When you make your first Tuffet Source tuffet, you will need the instruction booklet, but when you make additional tuffets of the same type, then you only need option 2 (refill) in order to make additional tuffets. You don’t need to purchase extra copies of the instruction booklet.
Q: What is included with the kit?
A: Please see the products section and click on the tuffet kit detail for more information.
Q: Is there anything else I need to finish my tuffet?
A: You need an “Add-A-Quarter” ruler; rotary cutter and mat, sewing machine and sewing supplies, 12” upholstery needle, staple gun and staples (I prefer using a pneumatic staple gun or a commercial electric stapler).
Q: What products do I need to make a tuffet?
A: You need one foundation pattern and one kit. For your first tuffet you need a pattern with instructions but subsequent tuffets only require the pattern. Two types of patterns are available: the Fusible Interfacing pattern is ironed onto muslin providing the foundation and the Printed Foundation Pattern is foundation fabric with the pattern printed on it. The Printed Foundation Pattern costs more but requires one fewer step in construction.
Q: What if I want a different size tuffet?
A: Our readymade kits are only for 18” tuffets.
Q: Are all tuffet kits the same?
A: Only high-quality, furniture-grade components are used in Tuffet Source™ kits. You can expect your tuffet to keep its shape just like quality furniture. The foam and batting are furniture-grade components and will maintain their shape with reasonable use. There is cheaper foam available that will not hold its shape and there are other battings that do not have the strength and integrity of furniture grade batting.
