By Julie of Seams To Be

Click on a small image for a larger one.

1. Pad frame 2. Pad frame 3. Match pattern 4. Base tack 5. Tack corners 6. Back view 7. Sew welt 8. Line up welt


1. Using a clear spray adhesive apply cornice padding. (I use Rowley's) The clear adhesive I get from Albany Upholstery Supply in New York.

2. Trim excess padding.

3. 4. 5. A method to help decide how to place the pattern. Which one would you pick? I sorta liked the first one also, but preferred and knew the customer would prefer the motif centered in the middle.

6. Staple not too far from edge. Clip where you need to and fold in at corners.

7. Cut bias strips, about 3 1/4", depends on your fabric.

8. Line up welt with edge and put in just a few staples to hold.

9. Add cardboard strip10. Fold back 11. Follow same steps A 12. Follow same steps B 13. Follow same steps C 14. Blackout lining 15. Smoothe lining


9. Put on your cardboard strip.

10. Fold back other side of bias and staple.

11. 12. 13. Follow the same steps for the bottom of the cornice.

14. Using blackout lining which doesn't fray. Spray on glue and adhere the lining to the top.

15. Don't know how well this can be seen, but smooth the lining on the back then pressing along the edge make a crease.

16. Spray back17. Use glue gun.18. Press pieces 19. Staple edge 20. Rowley fringe adhesive 21. Rowley adhesive 22. Glue down


16. Using the crease as a guide cut 1/2" in from it. Then spray the back of the cornice and lining and finish adhering it.

17. Use a glue gun to make sure all the edges of the lining are secure.

18. Make and press pieces to fit on the inside of the returns.

19. Staple outer edge on with cardboard tape.

20. Use spray glue to hold in place and glue gun around all the edges to secure down.

21. 22. I've changed to using Rowley's fringe adhesive for the gimp. Gives me more time to play with the gimp and dries clear.

23. Finished back 24. Finished cornice board.


23. 24. All done! Front and back view for you.


This How-to is Credited to:
Seams To Be
343 Central Street, Franklin, NH 03235
http://www.seamstobe.com/ Julie@seamstobe.com

See the hand tools pro upholsterers use. Or buy at our upholstery tool kits page.
Supplement your professional tools with these items which you may already have or can get at a hardware store: wire cutters for pulling out staples (an old dull pair is good because it won't cut the staples), a framer's square for getting straight cuts on fabric, a 45" or 60" ruler (most upholstery weight fabric is US is 54" wide) and a utility knife for stripping off old fabric.




This video can help you decide whether to buy air or electric, 3/8 or 1/2" crown.
Buy staple guns here: UPHOLSTERY STAPLER Electric guns from hardware stores shoot too thick of a staple and aren't powerful enough for furniture hardwoods.