FOOTSTOOL.—A stool which makes a very interesting problem for simple upholstery is shown in Fig. 20. This is typical of that class of structures on which the coverings completely hide the rails, leaving only the legs exposed. The rails should be placed ⅜ inch below the rounded part of the legs, and be at least ⅞ inch thick. Inside arrises of the rails should be rounded with a rasp to prevent the webbing from eventually being cut thru. The framework of such a structure is shown in Fig. 21. Attach the corner blocks as shown in Fig. 22; then properly stretch the webbing and tack it in place. The webbing is the ground work of upholstering, and the durability of the work depends to a considerable degree upon its quality and proper application. Use the original roll of webbing. This enables the worker to use the webbing stretcher without waste. Both ends should be used. This permits the utilization of the two free ends, and allows freer work. Fig. 23 illustrates the method of using the webbing stretcher.

PROCEDURE.—Fold the end of the webbing over about 1 inch and tack with five 10-oz. tacks as near the middle of the rail as possible. This is illustrated in Fig. 24. The ends of the webbing should be folded over and not under, as suggested before. The tacks will hold better. The middle length of webbing should be placed first to facilitate equal spacing between strands. The other free end of the bolt of webbing should be tacked on the opposite side in like manner to assure proper spacing. Fig. 24 shows the ends tacked and stretched from the same side, but in tacking them from the opposite sides it tends to prevent splitting, for the last ends are to be secured with seven tacks. After the first end is secured with five tacks use the webbing stretcher and pull the webbing across, extremely taut, and fasten with four tacks while thus stretched. Do likewise with the second strand. Cut each piece about an inch from the tacks; then fold over and tack with three tacks. Before tacking the two long strands they should be woven thru the shorter strands as illustrated in Fig. 24. The openings between strands should not exceed 2 inches.

Cover the webbing with burlap. The edges of this should project slightly beyond the ends of the webbing, as illustrated in Fig. 25.

It is desirable, in fact essential, in all upholstery to keep the cover away from the wood as much as possible. This prevents the cover from becoming worn or cut, and avoids a hard, uncomfortable edge for the occupant of the upholstered structure.

A simple expedient to avoid this contact with wood is to attach a hard edge all around the top of the rail. This edge is made by tacking strips of burlap on in such a manner that tow may be rolled in them. They are then retacked behind the roll. The first row of tacks should be placed so that the heads run flush with the outer edge of the rail. The strip of burlap on the farther side of the stool shown in Fig. 26 is fastened in this way. The roll on the near side is complete. On the left end the burlap is shown partly rolled back to reveal the tow in place. The tow must be thoroly worked in with the finger to produce an even, smooth edge, and the burlap drawn tight to make it firm.

Fig. 27 shows all four rolls in place ready for the corner or upholstery blocks, providing the first form of corner blocks illustrated in Fig. 22 have not been attached. The first form of block is preferred by most workmen. In Fig. 26 is shown the second form of corner block in place. This is fitted behind the rolls, and is cut in a manner to avoid short grain, which has a tendency to split. Corner blocks are required when gimp is run continuous around the edge of the cover. These are secured with several brads, against both posts and rails. Take tow and pick it over thoroly; then place it upon the stool making a rounded heap from the top edges of the rolls. Pack and work into place very thoroly to secure an even seat. The hands easily detect uneven areas, and may be more readily depended upon than the eyes.

Now stretch and tack the muslin in place. Fig. 28 shows the processes completed. Slip-tack it in the centers of four sides with two or three tacks to a side. Slit the muslin diagonally from the corners to a point immediately inside the legs. Fold the edges under; work from the center toward the corners, and tack the muslin permanently. Keep the muslin smooth and drawn tightly.

The covering is placed practically in the same manner as the muslin. Great care must be exercised to avoid cutting too far at the corners, to have the material fit snugly, and to have the whole job firm and smooth. If, after the gimp has been placed, portions of the covering show below, these may be trimmed easily with a sharp knife or chisel.

The method of fastening gimp has been explained. Fig. 29 illustrates the scheme of tacking, folding and nailing. In Fig. 30 are shown different treatments in the placing of gimp. The right-hand stool requires no roll, inasmuch as the gimp is fastened on the top of the rails.

MATERIALS.—The following materials are required for upholstering a stool such as illustrated in Fig. 20:

ORDER OF PROCEDURE.—The following order of processes in upholstering may be considered standard:

•  1. Rasp inside arrises of rails.
•  2. Apply webbing.
•  3. Fasten burlap.
•  4. Secure rolls on top edges.
•  5. Fasten corner blocks.
•  6. Pack with tow.
•  7. Place muslin.
•  8. Place the covering.
•  9. Tack gimp in place.
• 10. Place nails.

DIFFERENT METHODS.—This type of footstool may be treated in a variety of ways. Webbing may be omitted as a base for the upholstery and a board substituted, preferably some thin stock. Instead of bringing the cover down to the lower edge of the rails as in Fig. 20, a shallow rabbet may be run and the upholstery brought to the edge of this as shown in Fig. 31. Or it may be treated in the manner shown on the footstool illustrated in Fig. 30. In this instance it would be similar to a pad seat. The rails of the stool should here be placed even with the chamfer on the legs. The stool may also be upholstered with a welt edge. This method is very desirable when the worker is limited to small pieces of tapestry or leather. Welt-edged work will be described in a chapter on spring-edge work.