A fashionable and original way of finishing furniture and walls, which has recently become increasingly popular, is capitonné upholstery, also called “carriage screed.” It fits perfectly into any interior: bedrooms, living rooms, offices and gives the interior aristocracy and sophistication. Manufacturing do-it-yourself carriage screed according to step by step instructions given in this article will require some skill. Therefore, it is better to practice on an insignificant subject in advance.
If there is a desire, the necessary tools and materials, any master can master its technique.
The outer part is made of leather and its substitutes, as well as fabrics of dense textures. Using special nails with heads or furniture buttons, a convex pattern of different geometries is created on the upholstery.
Tools and materials
The basis is any sheet material: plywood, chipboard, MDF, OSB. It must be sanded and adjusted to the desired size.
The geometry of the stitch pattern can be different: in the form of rhombuses, squares, triangles. The template for the drawing is made of cardboard. Use a felt-tip pen to outline the design, then cut out holes in the place of future stitches.
Important. Upholstery material is purchased with a reserve - approximately 50 cm in width and 50 cm in length.
For an elastic gasket you will need foam rubber 5-8 cm thick and padding polyester. They are purchased taking into account a margin of 6-10 cm in length and width for folds. Threads and cords for pulling buttons are selected according to thickness and strength.
For gluing foam rubber and padding polyester, special furniture glue for foam rubber or rubber-based rubber glue are suitable.
Important. Under no circumstances should you use nitro glue, as it can corrode the material.
The drill will require a special attachment - a tsifenbor. When using it, you get neat holes with smooth edges.
You can use various devices with sharpened edges that are pressed and scrolled for the same purpose, but their manufacture requires some skill and dexterity. Holes in the substrate can also be cut with a stationery knife, but in this case the edges are sloppy and torn.
In addition to a drill with a special attachment, you will need a jigsaw, stapler, hammer, and tape measure.
Making a template
The success of the event as a whole will largely depend on the correctness of the pattern, so care and accuracy are important when making it.
For the template, take a sheet of cardboard that matches the dimensions of the finished product. The easiest way is to draw a square marking of standard sizes 10x10 cm.
To obtain such markings, you need to apply marks along the length and width every 10 cm using a marker and tape measure, then draw horizontal and vertical lines. When choosing the geometry and size of figures, it is important to maintain proportional compliance.
To obtain a geometric pattern in the form of a rhombus, you can use a surface marked into squares. In each square you need to draw its diagonals. The intersections of the diagonals of the squares and the vertices are marked with a felt-tip pen so that the required geometric figure is obtained. Trace the resulting diamonds with a marker or felt-tip pen. Holes are cut out at the tops of the diamonds through which buttons or furniture nails will be attached in the future.
Work order
- A sheet of foam rubber is glued onto the prepared base panel. The glue is applied in several layers both to the base and to the elastic lining. Usually, foam rubber sticks together quickly enough, but for the glue to dry completely, it is better to leave it for 5-6 hours. If several layers of lining are provided, each subsequent layer is glued only after the previous one has completely dried.
- After the foam sheet is completely glued, a cardboard template with a geometric pattern and holes is placed on the structure, and the holes on the template are drawn with a felt-tip pen or marker.
- Holes are cut in the marked places using a drill with a special Zifenbor attachment.
- On the plywood sheet, mark the points for the holes that coincide with those on the lining. This can be done using the same cardboard template. Holes are also made in the plywood sheet using a drill, but of a smaller diameter. It should allow you to insert a crochet hook. The diameter of such holes is comparable to the thickness of a match.
- After cutting the holes, a padding polyester lining is glued onto the foam sheet. Holes are also cut in it, coinciding with the previous layer.
- The resulting structure is covered with upholstery. It is attached to the plywood with a stapler along the outer edges on all sides. The upholstery is pulled smoothly and evenly so that it does not compress the foam-sintepon layer. It is important not to overtighten the fabric to avoid tearing it later.
- Hooks are inserted into all holes and their edges are brought out through small holes in the plywood sheet.
- After removing the hooks, cords (threads) of the required thickness are attached to them.
- On the front side of the structure, buttons are attached to each hook.
- The cords or threads are pulled from the wrong side, pressing in the upholstery fabric. You need to make sure that the buttons are set to the same depth and the upholstery is dented evenly. The folds are formed by hand.
- On the reverse side of the structure, the cords are secured with a stapler. For stable fastening, it is better to choose a zigzag option.
Important. The most labor-intensive and painstaking type of work is pulling hooks and sewing buttons. Modern technologies can significantly speed up the process. If possible, you can purchase a special air gun.
When using it, time and labor costs are reduced several times. The order of work, in this case, is as follows:
- A base is prepared from sheet material, given the desired shape and sanded.
- Foam rubber and padding polyester are glued to the base using high-quality glue.
- Holes are made in the foam-sintepon layer.
- Upholstery material is attached on one side.
- The attachment points are marked on it.
- Using a gun, holes are punched and buttons are inserted along with a holder securing them on the back side.
When working with an air gun, it is enough to choose the right consumables and follow the instructions for use.
Capitone with the use of special nails provides additional opportunities for decoration. Carnations with brass and bronze caps decorated with rhinestones will add originality and sophistication.
To finish capitonné using nails, you can choose the following work option:
- Prepare the base, glue foam rubber and padding polyester.
- Mark the nail locations using a template.
- To ensure durability of the fastening and to avoid tears in the fabric, stretchers are used between the nails of the same material as the upholstery.
- Mark the attachment points on the upholstery.
- Attach the upholstery cover.
- Carefully drive in the nails along with the stretch marks between them.
Some nuances
Decorating with carriage screed is an expensive type of finishing. Since it gives a luxurious look to the product and the interior, the covering fabric must meet the following criteria:
- dense texture;
- color harmonizing with the interior;
- discreet and not too bright design.
Important. To fasten the capitone structure to the wall, special holders are fixed on its inner side, and special hooks are attached to the supporting structure. For this purpose, you can also use screws that are screwed into the walls.
The colors for the upholstery are chosen according to your own taste, but the pattern should not attract attention to itself. Pronounced bright or contrasting patterns on the fabric in the finished design look sloppy. Plain, dense fabrics are considered the best option.
Thin fabrics such as taffeta and silk, although they look good, may not withstand the pressure of buttons or studs and ruin the appearance of the finished design.
Important. The thicker the elastic lining, the more prominent and luxurious the geometry of the pattern is and the more luxurious the design as a whole looks.
When choosing nails or buttons, the design concept of the interior and the volume of the room are taken into account: in large rooms, furniture buttons look more appropriate. If they are chosen, they are sheathed with the same material as the upholstery.
Fabric for decorative covering should not be chosen from low price categories, since the durability of the structure as a whole depends on its quality. Furniture nails with decorative coatings and decorations look original, as they can favorably emphasize the luxurious design of the structure. The carriage tie is not only beautiful, but practical:
- when applied to walls, it provides additional sound insulation to the room;
- the decorated surface is easy to clean;
- it is a complete design option and does not require the use of additional accessories and decorations.
To acquire the necessary skill, it is better to try decorating a small piece of furniture, an ottoman or a bench before work.
With a carriage screed, the surface is voluminous and soft; various patterns can be made on it using nails with decorative heads or buttons. Buttons are used to decorate large rooms. You can do the carriage screed yourself; you don’t need any special skills.
To finish the outside, natural dense fabric or artificial leather is used, and the color scheme can be varied.
Where is the carriage tie used?
Carriage screed is used to decorate walls, beds, armchairs, poufs and other various objects. It fits any modern design. It is not difficult to make such a screed yourself; nails or buttons press the foam rubber, forming various geometric patterns.
Before making a carriage screed on a wall or other object, it is necessary to carry out training work in order to learn from the layout and not spoil the main surface.
What materials and tools will be needed for the work?
To perform this work you will need the following materials and tools:
- chipboard or MDF plywood;
- textured fabric or artificial leather;
- nails with decorated heads or buttons;
- lace, wire or fishing line for decoration;
- foam rubber, synthetic winterizer;
- drill with a tsifenbor attachment;
- universal glue;
- jigsaw and hook;
- felt-tip pen and ruler
- stapler
First you need to sketch the planned surface and determine the required dimensions. Then they make a mock-up and apply it to the desired surface; if the pattern is suitable, then they begin the main work.
Step-by-step implementation of carriage screed
- First, you need to make a pattern; to do this, take cardboard and draw a diagram of the location of nails or buttons on it. A distance of ten centimeters must be maintained between horizontal and vertical lines. With this arrangement of nails, squares are obtained. To make a rhombus, you need to draw diagonals from the top points of the square, mark the place where the lines touch, and place a nail or button there.
- Chipboard or MDF plywood is used as a base; you can choose another material that will not lose shape or bend over time. The panel with carriage screed is made separately from the walls; first, the required dimensions are cut out, then foam rubber is glued to the material. For this, rubber-based glue is used; it will not corrode the material; it is applied in two layers to plywood and foam rubber. The second layer is applied when the first is completely dry, then the foam rubber is pressed tightly to the material. Marking is done after the foam has completely dried.
- After the foam rubber is glued, markings are made using the prepared pattern, it is laid on the surface, and the necessary places for the placement of nails are marked. Then, round holes up to 1.5 centimeters in size are made around the marked points using a drill.
- After preparing the necessary holes, the padding polyester is pulled on top. Holes are also made in this material in the places where they were made in the foam rubber.
- Then the entire structure is covered with the base material and secured from the inside with a stapler. The material must be stretched smoothly, without folds or distortions; compression is also not allowed because the desired pattern may not be obtained, and tears will appear on the fabric.
- In the places where buttons or nails will be located, make holes using a drill with the thinnest drill bit.
- Then buttons are sewn on or nails are inserted, prepared cords or wire are attached to each decorative element and pulled out onto the inside of the panel. Here the cord is fixed using a stapler.
- Fastenings are made on the inside of the panel; hooks or special holders are used for this. They are placed a little further from the edge of the panel so that they are not visible when fastening.
Proper execution of decor
At the end of the carriage screed, all the holes made are found and marks are made with a pencil. Using a drill, shallow holes are made in these places. The diameter of the drill and hook must match to ensure smooth fastening.
Then a hook is inserted from the inside of the panel, and its edge is brought out. This procedure is performed in each hole, after which cords are attached to the hooks, and buttons are placed on their ends.
After this, the cords are pulled from the inside so that the buttons are pressed into the material with the same depth.
As holders on the back side of the panel, you can use special screws that are fixed into the wall.
Features of carriage screed
The fabric for the carriage tie must be dense; thin material is not suitable for such work, since it will tear at the place where the nails are fastened. Also, the material must be without a pattern, otherwise after fastening it will have an untidy appearance.
To make the wall look more beautiful, you can use special decorative nails with rhinestones or patterns in place of the buttons.
To make the pattern more prominent, polyurethane foam is used instead of foam rubber, and synthetic padding is laid on top, and the wall will have an original appearance due to the elasticity of the layer.
When attaching buttons or nails, the fabric must be smoothed by hand in a diagonal direction.
Rules for performing carriage screed
- First, it is necessary to carry out training work so as not to damage the main surface. You also need to immediately prepare all the materials to perform the carriage screed.
- It is necessary to make a suitable layout, attach it to the surface, if the pattern and texture are suitable, then proceed to further work.
- The holes are made after the foam has completely dried. Apply the adhesive composition in two layers, on plywood and foam rubber.
- The material chosen as the base must be durable so that it does not subsequently deform or lose its shape.
- Separately, you need to make a pattern on the cardboard; this will help to make all the holes evenly on the foam rubber.
- To attach the foam rubber, rubber-based glue is used; it is the one that does not corrode the material.
- The fabric should be dense, it should be stretched evenly so that there are no folds or distortions. If the material is overtightened, it may cause tearing where the nails or buttons are attached. It is necessary to monitor the tension of the fabric.
- If buttons were chosen instead of nails, then they can be sheathed with fabric to match the main color of the wall.
- With a thick elastic lining, the pattern will be more prominent. To get a beautiful pattern, the folds are straightened with your hands in a diagonal direction.
- It is better to choose screw holders; they are more securely attached to the wall.
- All buttons and nails must be immersed in the material to the same depth, otherwise the geometry of the pattern will deteriorate and it will look uneven.
- Cords or fishing lines must be strong so that they do not break when pulled.
- If independent training does not bring the desired result, then it is better to use the services of a specialist.
Advantages of carriage screed
- Carriage screed gives the interior an unusual, original look; it can be used on walls, ceilings and furniture.
- Such decor helps to divide the room into zones or emphasize a certain part of the wall, and with the help of such work you can make the furniture original.
- The carriage screed has increased sound and thermal insulation.
- To carry out the work, you do not need to perfectly prepare the surface of the walls.
- This type of finishing does not require constant maintenance.
Also, small panels can be finished with carriage screed; their advantage is that if damaged, individual sections of the wall can be easily replaced.
Types of carriage screed
Panels can be made from solid material or in separate parts with a variety of shapes. This type of panel can have different sizes; the shape of individual parts can be square, rectangular, or diamond-shaped. That is, the shape of the pattern will depend on the placement of buttons or nails.
When using a large panel, you can create an unusual pattern; to make a carriage screed, they usually use a plain fabric to get a clear relief pattern.
Leather, suede, thick fabric or velor are used as the main material, but the latter fabric is demanding in care. Upholstery materials can be either natural or artificial; the color scheme is chosen in accordance with the interior.
Buttons or nails can be pressed to the maximum depth or slightly recessed in several places of the pattern element, this depends on the selected relief and pattern.
Thus, you can independently upholster furniture or decorate the required section of a wall or ceiling. If you follow all the instructions for making a carriage screed, you will get an original and unusual surface that does not contain any flaws. The material and its color can be varied and selected in accordance with the interior of the room. To choose the right design, first make a model and apply it to the wall, and then begin the main work.
Beautiful furniture can decorate any interior and create a cozy atmosphere even with simple wall decoration. In the bedroom, a bed with a carriage frame looks chic and emphasizes the sophistication of the chosen style. Considering the rather high cost of the finished product, a volumetric headboard can be made independently at home. The bed will become a real highlight of the room; it will look cozy, rich and elegant.
The carriage screed has been known for quite some time. Back in the mid-19th century, expensive carriages were decorated in this way. The screed symbolized prosperity and luxury. This decoration method was used mainly for royal luxury items. Capiton (as carriage screed is also called) has also found application in the design of walls and upholstered furniture. The most famous example made using this technique is the classic Chesterfield sofa or Karelia bed 160x200.
After some time, capitone lost its popularity. However, recently such decor has come back into fashion. Modern apartments are decorated using this technique. These can be walls, chairs, headboards, and many other interior items. Furniture with a carriage frame looks elegant and cozy. Some people believe that such beds can only be suitable for classic style. But products made using this technique will fit perfectly into modern, pop art, kitsch and modern room design.
You can choose a bed with a carriage frame in a furniture showroom, or you can decorate the headboard of the bed yourself. This does not require special knowledge; a novice master can do it. A little effort and patience will do the trick. The bed will be transformed and will look elegant. Before starting work, you need to decide which type of capitonné decor is suitable.
There are several types of carriage screed:
- Diamond-shaped;
- Square;
- Complex, with changing geometry.
Expensive, beautiful material, as well as buttons, rhinestones, crystals, and LEDs give the furniture a special chic and elegance.
Style Features
Beds with a carriage frame in the interior have the following features:
- The characteristic folds are the most important difference between capitonnes. They are formed between the buttons, forming diamonds or squares of different depths and sizes, which depend on the thickness of the foam;
- Buttons, carnations - come in a wide variety of designs and are also a distinctive feature of the carriage tie;
- Sophistication and elegance - the capitonné technique transforms pieces of furniture due to spectacular folds, expensive material and original buttons. In one room, using a carriage tie, you can arrange several armchairs, chairs and sofas. You can independently choose the material and color of the upholstery that suits the overall design of the room;
- Durability, reliability - such furniture is not difficult to care for, it is durable. Dust can be swept away with a special brush or removed with a vacuum cleaner. If necessary, voluminous upholstery is replaced with new one.
DIY headboard decoration
A carriage bed is a great addition to any style bedroom. Creating a beautiful headboard yourself is quite possible; for this you need to prepare all some tools and materials. Upholstery fabric, fittings, and other elements are always available and can be easily found in hardware stores.
Material
The first step is to decide on the type of fabric and its shade. When choosing a material, it is recommended to pay attention to the following points:
- The fabric must be strong enough. Thin upholstery material may not withstand the load and after a while begin to tear;
- It is recommended to give preference to plain fabrics. The fact is that a floral print or any other ornament will be partially hidden in the folds characteristic of the capitonné technique. Plain material will look more harmonious and sophisticated;
- You cannot skimp on furniture upholstery material. To make the headboard of the bed truly reliable and last for many years, you will need high-quality fabric. Genuine leather or eco-leather, furniture velvet or other durable luxury material are used;
- To make a headboard using the capitonné technique, you can choose one of the following types of fabrics:
- Jacquard - looks rich, is perfect for folds, holds its shape, has a large pattern;
- Chenille is a natural material characterized by wear resistance;
- Flock - a huge selection of colors, fabric with a small pile;
- Genuine leather is durable and looks luxurious;
- Eco-leather – holds its shape perfectly in folds, is quite soft, wear-resistant;
- Sheet foam rubber with a thickness of at least 5 cm is used as a backing.
Genuine Leather
Buttons
Buttons for the carriage screed are selected depending on the design of the room and the style of the piece of furniture itself. A variety of carnations with colored rhinestones or caps decorated with carvings look beautiful. You can even install LEDs, it will be unusual and very impressive.
It is not always possible to match buttons to the color or style of furniture. In this case, you can make them yourself. As an option, cover the buttons with fabric that is similar in tone and texture to the headboard upholstery material.
Buttons come in different types and may differ in color, shape, and size. It is important that they have a metal loop. Such buttons can withstand loads and do not break. Plastic loops are less durable and are not suitable for carriage ties.
Stages of work
To make the process of making a bed with a carriage screed faster, it is recommended to first prepare all the necessary materials and tools.
You will need:
- Plywood - acts as a base from which the headboard of the chosen shape is cut out;
- Foam rubber - its thickness should be at least 5 cm. Foam rubber needs the same shape as plywood;
- Fabric - it should be 0.5 cm wider than plywood, and also 30 cm longer. The remainder will be used to cover buttons;
- Glue – necessary for attaching foam rubber to the headboard;
- Buttons - the most durable and durable of them - have metal loops;
- Sintepon - it is needed to cover the foam rubber on top.
- Drill;
- Drill;
- Furniture stapler;
- Button cord;
- Crochet hook;
Materials
Tools
For people who do not have experience in this type of work, it is recommended to use step-by-step instructions and diagrams. In this case, the carriage screed will be more neat, even and will transform the furniture beyond recognition. In order to cover the head of the bed using the carriage screed technique, you must complete the following steps:
- The first step is to make a sketch. On paper they draw different options for what the upholstered surface of the headboard might look like;
- After choosing the most suitable option, they begin the pattern. To do this, cut out a fragment of the required size from a sheet of cardboard. It should match the headboard;
- Draw vertically and horizontally directed parallel lines. A distance of 10 cm is maintained between them. In this case, squares are obtained with a given side;
- At the points where the lines intersect, mark the places where nails or buttons will be installed in the future. Next, connect them with lines. If everything is done correctly, you get diamonds (squares);
- Holes for buttons are made in the tops;
- Next, begin assembling the base. Take a sheet of plywood and cut out the desired shape corresponding to the size of the furniture;
- Foam rubber of the same shape is glued to the plywood, wait until the glue is completely dry;
- Next, make the markings using a pattern. Using a felt-tip pen, pencil or marker, trace the contours of the holes made in the cardboard;
- Using a drill, holes are drilled using the existing marks. Their diameter should be 1-1.5 cm;
- The synthetic winterizer is placed on top of the foam rubber and the same holes are made on it;
- Cover the headboard with fabric.
The secret of a beautiful and elegant bed with a carriage frame is the correct upholstery technique. Under no circumstances should the fabric be allowed to warp or tighten. In this case, the upholstery will turn out uneven.
Next, proceed to installing buttons (studs, rhinestones). To do this, you need to find holes through the stretched material and make small holes in their place. A drill with a thin drill bit will help with this. Cords are then attached to the rhinestone buttons or studs. From the wrong side they need to be pulled out using a hook or needle and secured firmly with a furniture stapler. If decorative nails are used, then they are carefully driven into the base. Both should be at the same depth in the upholstery fabric. After the work is done, all that remains is to carefully align all the folds with a stick or crochet hook.
The final stage will be the installation of the fasteners necessary to firmly install the headboard on the furniture. Hooks or brackets are made on the wrong side. Next, they are used to attach the headboard to the bed frame. If you want to update old wooden furniture in this way, you can use the “original” headboard. The main condition will be the absence of decorative carvings and other relief decor.
Making your own bed with a carriage tie should not take much time. The materials used in the work process are available. All the nuances can always be seen in master classes that explain how to make a smooth headboard using the capitonné technique. You can upholster other furniture in this way. For example, a pouf, an armchair, a banquette or a sofa. Spectacular interior items will complement the design of the room, making its image more complete and elegant.
Apply glue to plywood
We adjust the foam to size
We glue the padding polyester
Applying the pattern
Creating holes
We secure the threads with a stapler
Finished work
Photo
Carriage screed, or “capitone”, is a type of furniture finishing, including the interior of almost any room. With the help of voluminous diamonds and squares, which are covered with expensive fabric in combination with rhinestones or magnificent buttons, you can significantly transform the atmosphere of any room. Anyone who wants to know how to make a carriage screed with their own hands will find the information below useful.
Where did it all start?
According to sources, the history of quilting began in France in the 18th century. At that time, the affairs of state were managed by Emperor Napoleon III. Initially, such decoration could be found in carriages, but, again, not in all, but, as they say, of the elite class.
But over time, this finish began to be used to decorate the interiors of bedrooms, living rooms, children's rooms and other rooms. This type of decoration is called “capitonné” in Western countries, but in our country it is simply called a carriage screed due to its original use.
In those days, such decoration personified luxury and chic; therefore, not everyone could surround themselves with such an environment. The unique finishing technique has gained popularity among all European countries in a fairly short time.
What about today?
Currently, the popularity of the “capitone”, or carriage tie, has not lost any of its relevance. The well-known Chesterfield sofa with its design continues to captivate lovers of luxury and chic, which only speaks of its growing demand. Therefore, there are only more people wanting to know how to make a bed with a carriage frame themselves.
The area of application of the capitone technique is the decoration of wall panels and furniture elements. Also, this design looks great on materials used to decorate wall surfaces, including decorative items. A distinctive feature lies in the use of soft upholstery, which is tightened with buttons. Moreover, this is done in such a way that folds are formed, forming a pattern of the finished product. Usually these are squares or diamonds.
The upholstery material is high-quality, wear-resistant fabrics with a dense texture. In particular, we are talking about this variety:
- leather (artificial or natural);
- suede;
- velvet;
- velours;
- flock
Tight buttons and furniture nails are used as tie elements. And since we are talking about luxury, then they should preferably be with rhinestones or pearls.
Obvious Features
It is simply impossible to confuse the capitone technique (or carriage tie) with any other finish - even an amateur can discern the obvious differences. And all thanks to the main feature, which is also a business card - the carriage tie has a symmetrical repeating pattern. That is, the buttons used, which are connected to each other by folds, are recessed not in a chaotic manner, but in a certain sequence. The size and depth of the pattern is influenced by the thickness of the foam filler.
Just keep in mind that the carriage screed is created using a single piece of fabric, and the work itself is done by hand. Unfortunately, on the market you can find unscrupulous craftsmen who sew or glue small flaps, after which they pass off such a “masterpiece” as a full-fledged “Capitone” style. Fortunately, true connoisseurs of such objects of art (and, in fact, that’s what they are) are able to distinguish a fake.
Many who are interested in how to make a carriage screed (headboard or ottoman) are wondering: is it necessary to use buttons? This is a common belief, but other items can be used contrary to it. At the same time, the classic style is created using buttons.
In addition, regardless of the complexity of the design, even if it is a complex geometry, the correct shapes can be seen at the first glance.
DIY carriage screed
A carriage screed can significantly update the appearance of any piece of furniture (mainly a bed), which has already become rather boring over a long period of use. This can be done by making a headboard using the capitone technique. Moreover, you can do this yourself, just follow the instructions. You can, of course, purchase ready-made products, but for those who want to make a bed with their own hands in the style of a carriage screed, or at least a headboard, you should familiarize yourself with some of the advantages of such work:
- Firstly, you can make your wishes come true by creating a custom bed design in full accordance with your personal needs.
- Secondly, products can be created in any shape and any size.
- Thirdly, there are opportunities for independent selection of the shade, texture and quality of the upholstery material, including fittings.
- Fourthly, significant savings are achieved in comparison with finished products, especially when it comes to special orders.
Perhaps such work will seem difficult for some, especially for those who are encountering a carriage screed for the first time. Of course, it is necessary to make some efforts and sometimes considerable ones. At the same time, the result is worth the resources spent.
And if you don’t make a carriage screed with your own hands, the step-by-step instructions given below will in any case allow you to get what you are looking for. It is advisable to practice a little to gain some skills. As an example, let's look at how you can make a headboard with the already familiar carriage technology. And let’s start, perhaps, with the selection of material.
Material selection
You should not choose thin fabric for upholstery, as it may not withstand the pressure created by the buttons. In addition, it is important to choose the optimal thickness of the lining, since this will determine how correct the pattern will be.
As for the buttons themselves, the use of furniture elements is relevant for large rooms. If the room is small, then you should use carnations. The main thing is that the decor fits harmoniously into the interior environment.
How correct or incorrect the carriage screed will turn out largely depends on the material used for upholstering the frame. The better quality it is, the more durable the structure itself will be, be it a headboard or an ottoman. You can pay attention to the following options:
- Chenille is one of the varieties of fabric of natural origin, which is characterized by good resistance.
- Jacquard - this material has large patterns, and it is able to hold folds in a given shape.
- Genuine leather or eco-leather is the most durable material, which, among other things, is resistant to wear.
- Flock - this fabric has a wide range of colors and has a fleecy structure.
- Velor - with this material you can create deep folds.
It is better to purchase cheap fabric to gain experience and acquire relevant skills. Otherwise, it is necessary to give preference to more expensive, but at the same time affordable fabrics.
In addition to the fabric, you will also need to make a frame for the structure. To make your own headboard for a bed with a carriage frame, a sheet of plywood, chipboard, or MDF can be used.
Sketching
Now you need to decide which pattern is preferable - diamonds or squares. Why is it better to first draw up on paper a diagram of how the pattern will be placed on the headboard.
In addition, it is worth thinking about the design of the future product and its shape. Regarding the upholstery material, everything is already clear: the main thing is that it can withstand high loads throughout the entire period of operation. Thin fabric can tear even when pulled by buttons.
As for the choice of shade, it all depends on personal preferences, but it is still recommended to purchase a plain fabric. Large patterns and designs will inevitably be deformed when reupholstered, and as a result, the appearance of the entire structure will be spoiled.
Preparation of materials and tools
Directly materials that will be needed:
- Fabric for upholstery with a large margin, since a lot of it will go away when folds are formed.
- Carnations with decorated caps or furniture buttons.
- Foam rubber or padding polyester with a thickness of at least 50 mm.
- Plywood sheet, chipboard, MDF, depending on choice.
- Glue.
But how to make a carriage tie with your own hands without tools? Of course - no way. For such work you simply cannot do without the help of the following set:
- furniture stapler;
- drills;
- scissors;
- lace, fishing line, thin wire or strong thread;
- needles (preferably 2 pcs.)
- jigsaw;
- stationery knife;
- hook.
In addition, you will need a felt-tip pen or pencil with a ruler. When choosing foam rubber, you need to pay attention to the density of the material and its elasticity. This will determine how long the manufactured headboard will last.
The choice of glue also deserves attention, and there are a number of requirements for it. First of all, it must be safe not only for humans, but also for the environment, and the resulting seam must be sufficiently strong. In addition to elasticity, other necessary qualities are also important - non-flammability and moisture resistance.
It is highly recommended not to use formulations that contain toxic and flammable components (trichloroethane and toluene). Not only do these substances cause harm to the human body, but also the quality of gluing leaves much to be desired. It is better to give preference to adhesives based on polyurethane, neoprene, butadiene styrene.
The instructions for the carriage tie of the bed, or rather its headboard, will be divided into several main stages, each of which has its own subtitle.
Frame making
First, you need to draw a schematic image of the upcoming carriage screed on a sheet of foam rubber. The easiest way is to make one diamond or square template and mark the entire surface of the soft material according to it. In this case, the vertices of the quadrangles will correspond to the tension points of the buttons or nails.
Holes are made in the places marked on the foam rubber. To do this, you should use a special nozzle - a tsifenbor, but in the absence of one, you can use a metal tube of a suitable diameter with a sharp edge. As for the size of the holes, you can limit yourself to 8-10 mm in diameter. You can, of course, arm yourself with a stationery knife, but then it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to make straight edges. At the same time, this will in no way affect the appearance of the product.
After all the slots are made in accordance with the do-it-yourself drawing (or diagram) of the carriage screed, you should mark their location on the sheet of the selected solid material. To do this, foam rubber is placed on a sheet of plywood, chipboard or MDF, and marks are made according to the location of the holes. The sheet itself should be the same size as the foam rubber.
It is better to carry out drilling on a good support, and the best option is wooden sawhorses. Only the upper crossbars should be wrapped with fabric. After the holes are made in the sheet, foam rubber should be glued to it, and you need to make sure that they coincide with each other. In some cases, you will have to wait a certain amount of time (the relevant information is indicated on the glue label).
When the composition has dried, it is necessary to cover the foam rubber with padding polyester, and secure its edges with a stapler on the back side of a sheet of plywood, chipboard or MDF. Once this work is completed, you can move on to the next stage.
Fabric covering procedure
How to make a carriage tie with your own hands now? You should start covering the finished frame with fabric from the extreme point of the headboard, gradually moving towards the opposite side. Two needles with threaded threads should be inserted into each hole, which come out from the back of the base. The fabric should be stretched to the required limit, and only after that the thread is secured with a stapler in the form of a zigzag (from 3 to 5 times).
As the material is laid, folds will form between the tension points according to the intended pattern (diamonds or squares). When the drawing is completed, the edges of the fabric should be folded onto the wrong side of the base and firmly fastened with a stapler along the entire perimeter.
A worthy conclusion
At the last stage, you can decorate the headboard. To do this, buttons are sewn into the recesses or they are attached as described above. Of course, for those who want not only to know how to make a carriage tie with their own hands, but also to do everything quickly, the folds can be immediately secured with buttons. However, there is a risk that they will come off during operation, and then the pattern will be damaged.
After the front side is finally finished, you can move on to the final touch - decorating the back side of the frame. For this purpose, it is carefully covered with some technical fabric of your choice: spunbond or calico.
Alternatively, the headboard can be decorated with a carved baguette or used without it. In addition, the finished product can be mounted on the wall, and then the bed can be moved, or mounted on its frame. Here everything depends on personal desire, imagination and possibilities.
Bottom line
By showing dexterity and maximum care, combined with a creative approach to work, you can get a decent result and praise yourself for putting in the effort. And looking at the fruit of your labors, you involuntarily ask yourself: was it really difficult to do such work?! Efforts were made, of course, but as the lesson progressed, if it really captivated you, you didn’t even think about it.
Carriage screed is one of the popular techniques for decorating interior walls. The result is a three-dimensional surface with a variety of patterns, made from special buttons or nails with decorative heads.
Buttons look more voluminous, but what to choose depends rather on personal ideas about the harmonious design of the room. The outer part of the carriage screed can be made of thick fabric, genuine leather, synthetic leather. Moreover, the color can be very different.
I’ll say right away that making a carriage tie is a task that requires a certain skill and skill in using tools and materials. If you are not confident in your own abilities, it is better not to take on this job. If you already have some experience in interior decoration and furniture repair, then go for it. In principle, a carriage screed can be made with your own hands.
The panel, which will then be attached to the wall, is made separately. The panel can be based on any sheet material that does not bend. This can be a sheet of MDF, a sheet of chipboard, a sheet of thick plywood.
A sheet of foam rubber is glued onto a panel cut to size. It is not recommended to use nitro adhesives, as they will corrode the foam rubber. It is better to use rubber-based rubber adhesive. The glue is applied to the panel and the foam. The first layer must dry, and then the second layer is applied. As soon as the glue dries a little, a sheet of foam rubber is glued to the panel.
The next step: after the glue has polymerized (which takes approximately 4-6 hours), a design template made of thick paper is applied to the surface of the foam rubber. The template has holes located according to the picture. The holes are outlined with a pencil on the surface of the foam rubber. Using a special cutter, holes are drilled in the foam rubber.
The next stage is covering the outside of the panel with padding polyester. This material is attached to the back of the panel using a stapler. In places where there are holes in the foam rubber, we cut holes in the padding polyester covering.
After this, we cover the surface with the base material, the edges of which are attached to the back side of the panel using a stapler. The material should be stretched evenly without folds or distortions. But there’s no point in over-tightening; the foam shouldn’t shrink.
After this, by touch we find the holes that are located under the outer material. If the material is dense and the holes cannot be felt, apply a template and mark the centers of the holes. Use a thin drill to drill through all the layers at the marked points.
The diameter of the drill must be such that a mounting hook (a regular hook used for knitting) can be inserted into the hole. The hook is inserted into the holes from the inside and its edge is brought out. The edge of the cord is fixed on the hook and pulled in the opposite direction. A piece of cord remains on the outside to which the decorative button will be tied. When all the buttons are tied, you need to pull each cord in turn, pressing the button into the outer covering. The cords on the back side are tied or secured using a stapler. It is important that the tension on all cords is the same. The material under the decorative buttons should be dented equally.
After this, brackets for hanging on the wall are attached to the inside of the resulting panel. These are usually brackets where the screws on the wall fit flush into the base of the panel.
This is roughly how you do a carriage tie with your own hands. I welcome comments and questions from readers.
The author's advice about drilling holes using a thin drill is impossible, since in this case the foam rubber will be screwed onto the drill and nothing will happen. To make holes, use a drill with a Zifenbor attachment.
Zinaida
Messages: 4
Answer #2 date: 01/30/2013 at 14:45:15