DIY // How to tuft/button your IKEA Karlstad cushions
oh hey love!
A few years back I had an idea to give my Ikea sofa a makeover. By adding stained tapered legs, a wooden frame, and tufted cushions.
Let’s just say, I still love this sofa nine years later.
xo, betty
Revamp your living space with a simple yet stylish tufted sofa cushion makeover. This DIY How to tuft/button your IKEA Karlstad cushions project is an easy and affordable way to update the look of your sofa and add a touch of elegance to your home decor. With a few basic tools and materials, you can transform your old and tired sofa cushions into brand new ones that look just like the expensive designer versions.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to make your own tufted sofa cushions, including tips and tricks to make the project go smoothly. So, let’s get started and give your sofa a fresh new look!
Our living room is enormous, and we have struggled with the layout since we moved in back in 2012. But after we purchased a new sofa, it’s starting to feel like a place you want to hang out in. I am not sure if you noticed, but we had a different sofa cover (Sivik Dark Gray from the Ikea Karlstad Series), but it made the room very masculine and dark. So, right before I added the buttons to my cushions, we went to Ikea and purchased the Isunda Gray covers.
I’ve always dreamed of owning a tufted sofa, but I did not want to spend $1000’s of dollars!!! Well, I didn’t have to, and I promise you that after you’ve watched my little video, you’ll be heading to the stores to gather all supplies needed for your sofa/couch transformation!
But, before I get started, here are a few images of our sectional before the transformation. I also added some images from our sectional with a new cover from comfort works.
A tufted cushion sofa can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a living space. Additionally, adding new throw pillows or a coordinating blanket can also enhance the overall aesthetic. Another option is to paint or stain the wooden legs of the sofa to give it a fresh (How to taper Ikea Legs + Skirt tutorial), updated look. Overall, a tufted cushion sofa makeover can upgrade the feel and look of a living space by adding a new layer of visual interest and comfort.
Ok, let’s move on.
How to tuft/button your IKEA Karlstad cushions – SHOPPING LIST
- IKEA Karlstad Fabric covered buttons / 32Pack (Isunda Gray)
- Natural Hemp Twine
- Dritz 9021 Upholstery Needle, 4-Pack
- Scissor
Step 1.
Measure your cushion, then add some pins to place the buttons. Measure again and again. I placed my outside buttons 6 inches away from the top and the side piping, and the following buttons were 6-8 inches apart, depending on the size of the pillow.
Step 2.
Get everything ready; cut 84-twine strands approx. each 24 inches long.
Step 3.
Put on your favorite music, and let’s transform a sofa… (now, you may watch the video)
Be nice to me; it’s my first video (where I am talking) and far from perfect.
Enjoy, and please share your finished project on IG (tag @oheverythinghandmade) or Facebook.
I have the same exact sofa. I had thought about tuft buttons to ours, Great tutorial.
Hi Carmody, this sofa has become the most fun item in our house, our kids are all over it since we have changed the covers and tufted the cushions. It’s magical!!! Happy tufting if you decided to do it.
have you been able to wash the slipcover since the tufting? That makes me nervous, with our chaos we’re washing our covers at least twice a month!
Eryka, no we have our kids on it all the time and haven’t washed the covers yet. But, like I mentioned in a previous comment, you can simply cut the twine off behind the covers and retuft the cushions after washing. The buttons will be reusable no matter how often you take them off.
I also use the stain remover from the honest company as soon as I see something on the cushions. Works pretty good!
Hello,
Great idea! My question, is, where did you get the extra fabric for the buttons? was there extra fabric on the sofa when it arrived or did you have to purchase more fabric?
Thanks
Oh yes! Where did you get the extra fabric? Is it just a match from the fabric store?
Yes, we work with the original fabric as seen at IKEA.
This is absolutely brilliant!! Looks amazing.
Hi Megan, I am so glad you like it.
wow, those buttons have huge impact!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow that links to your tutorial:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/video-tutorial-tuft-your-couch-cushions/2014/08/31/
–Anne
Thanks for sharing the tutorial with your readers.
What a pretty change to an Ikea sofa. I have camper cushions I need to re-tuft, how exactly did you tie the knot that you slid down to tighten the button in place?
Karen please watch the video it will show you exactly how I tied the knot.
I had a difficult time seeing exactly how you tied the knot in the video. Is there a knot name I can google?
I am pretty sure there is a name for the know, unfortunately I don’t know the name of it. Sorry I wasn’t able to help!
getting ready to re tuft a cushion for rocker glider use a slip knot d for fishing lures.
If you google “upholstery slip not” you will find some video instructions!
Oops I meant “upholstery slip knot” haha
Your living room is beautiful. Where did you get your curtains?
Hi Jen, glad to hear you think so! The curtains I got from JcPenny while they had a sale last year.
And absolutely love the rug! Where is this from?
Hi Amy, the rug is from overstock.com (indoor/outdoor rug)
ISo inspirational, am finely going to tuft my sofa. Thanks so much for posting this tutorial. BTW, I could not find your rug on Overstock, : ( Lots of great geometrics, but not this one. You don’t happen to remember the name of it do you?
Hi Barbara, did you order our buttons? Thanks!!!
Here is the link for the rug, they have it in lots of sizes. We love ours, it’s so easy to clean.
Overstock rug
Bettina, have you checked Antique Revival in Grapevine? Awhile ago, they had a table that sound similar to what you’re looking for. I don’t know if they still have it, but it might be worth a shot.
Hi Liz, no I have not been there yet, but I will make sure to go there tomorrow. Thank you so much for sharing!
They’re on Main Street; I’m sorry, I don’t have the phone # handy…I was going to post it in case you wanted to call first and save a drive over. Anyhow, loved the tutorial, and hope you find your table!
That’s sweet of you, thank you! I will make sure to call them before I head out!
Took a sometime sloppy look to tailored. GREAT JOB!
I know how sloppy looking those cushions can get, and this tutorial will transform them, you won’t believe your eyes! And it is affordable!!! Glad you like the new look Rhonda.
This looks lovely! A game changer for this couch. Thoughts on not being able to wash the covers now though?
Hi Nicole, glad you asked! I had a few other readers that were concerned about the same thing.
This is what I think about (opinion from a mom of two little monkeys that are constantly jumping on the couch) not being able to wash my covers;
• these covers are super easy to just clean with a damp rag
• if it’s anything that may have dried on, it can be brushed off with a soft brush (my kids love crackers, and its all over there hands – sometimes even on the couch)
• we had the couch nearly one year now, and only took one of the bottom cushions off.
• you can also just cut the twine that was used to apply the buttons, wash them, and add the buttons to the cushions again.
Its not permanent, you just have to be willing to do it!
This is great! Thank you.
Two questions- 1) you’ve washed the Islunda slip covers? Ikea indicates dry clean only. (I’ve washed plenty of prices of clothing that said dry clean only.) and 2) your buttons are the Islunda fabric? How do you get that? (I don’t want to make buttons; just curious.)
Brilliant woman. Thank you!
Kathleen, here are my answers.
1. Yes, I washed the covers before (cold and gentle setting), and let them air dry. Worked great!
2. We guarantee that each of our fabrics is the exact same you’ll receive at any Ikea store.
Wow! That makes such a difference! We’re currently building an extension so I am drowning in sofa catalogues – this is a great plan, You can’t beat Ikea on price but your tufts make your sofa look individual and much more interesting. Thanks for the idea!
We love our sofa sectional, its huge and super durable. Best purchase ever!
Did you cover your own buttons? If so, from where on the sofa did you cannibalize the fabric? Curious to know
Yes, we sell the fabric covered button ready in our shop. We did not cannibalize our sofa for this. We work with Ikea to be able to provide this to our customers.
You should change the legs now re. this tutorial http://theblissfulbee.com/ikea-hack-replacing-legs-on-an-ikea-couch/ as then it will look even more expensive! 🙂
Absolutely, I can only agree. We are working on that. Hope we can add them to the sofa after our vacation!
Another place to try for more hip or modern funky options, plus regular, is Pretty Pegs. com
It’s a European company. More pricey than Uncle Bob’s, but I found free shipping and a discount code. Also, it depends what look you are going for.
I cannot wait to try this!! Thank you!!!!
You are welcome, glad you enjoyed the tutorial!
Wow! That’s awesome! Thanks for the tutorial. Curious too, did you make your curtains? If so, can you point me in the direction of the fabric you used. Thanks. Very inspiring.
So happy to hear that you enjoyed the tutorial! The curtains are actually from JcPenny.
This is absolutely brilliant. You are really creative. Although I loved the sofa the way it was but it looks more elegant with the tuft buttons. 🙂
I want to do this! We have the beige karlstad sofa, and we are in the uk…. How might I get or make matching buttons?
Glad we were able to help you! And thanks for your order!
Hi Bettina, this looks great! I’ve heard the Karlstad cushions tend to sag and not hold up well…have you noticed a difference since tufting whether the cushions tend to look more full?
We had our sofa for 1 year now, and my kids always sit on the cushions while watching a show on TV. The tufting is helping to prevent the cushions from sagging. Hope this helped, let me know if you like to see a current image of our cushions.
I just finished my tufting project using your tutorial. It came out even better than I thought. I am so happy you shared this amazing project on your blog. Your home looks fantastic BTW.
Ahw, Thank you Barbara. I am so happy you gave it a try. I would love to see your finished sofa. If you could please share it with me on Facebook or Instagram by tagging me with @oheverythinghandmade.
Thank you
Hi! Good idea! Looks amazing! Can you also do it on the seat cushions? If so, and I have a 3 seat Karlstad – I need to order 6 (x8) right? I guess I wont need buttons on both sides of the seat cushions.
Hope you can reply when you have the time, so I can order 🙂
Hi Madeleine, sorry I wasn’t able to reply sooner.
You can absolutely add the buttons to the cushions, if you want to save some bucks use strong (metal buttons on the bottom). Let me know if you have any other questions.
It really is your choice of style how many buttons to add. I would place some quarters to your cushions to see what style you like!
Thank you! 🙂 Very helpful!
Haha – wrong conversation. Refering to the one under 😉
Is it possible to order in Korndal Dark Grey? Love it!
Hi Ashley, sorry but we only have the brown with that same texture available. If you like I can add you to my waiting list with your fabric request and as soon as we add the color to our inventory I can email you. Simple let me know, I can see your email on my end through the comment you left.
I was going to ask the same. Do you ship worldwide? If so, can you add me to the waiting list of Korndal Dark Grey as well?
Ane, I will add you to the list as well.
I would like to be added to the list as well for buttons in the Korndal dark gray fabric as well. Thank you!
Added you Michelle!
It worked!!! This is so awesome 🙂
Hi! I recently bought the Karlstad corner sofa with the goal of taking on this tufting project. One thing that has me stumped is that you list 84 fabric covered buttons in your post, but it appears as though you have 8 buttons front and back on the five regular cushions and 6 on the smaller corner cushion…wouldn’t that mean I’d need 92 buttons for the whole project (46, front and back)? I’m just trying to figure out how much twine to order, and those extra 8 buttons make a big difference :). Thanks so much for the inspiration, hope mine turns out as great!
Hi Amanda, I appreciate you asking about this.
I used 16 buttons on the long pillows (8 buttons on each side) = 48 so far, then is used 12 buttons on the small pillows (6 buttons on each side) = 36 buttons, all together 84 buttons.
This style is optional, you can also just tuft along the middle with 4 or 3 buttons.
Hope this helped you, and should you have any other questions, please post them here.
Thank you
Oh, I see now! Thanks for your quick reply. I’ve only had the sofa for a couple of days and I had forgotten that two of the back cushions are longer than the others. Mystery solved! Much appreciated.
where are you finding the KARLSTAD sofa for $300? The sofa pictured on Ikea’s website is over $1000.
Hi, I just wanted to ask where you got the matching buttons from? This looks great.
Hi,
I was wondering where I could order the grey buttons? I tried looking them up in your shop but the page is “Not Found” are you still selling them?
Thanks!
Yes, we are still selling the buttons! The page should work now.
Hi Bettina! Question for you…I have 2 different slip covers for this couch. If I tufted for one, and didn’t tuft for the other (the dar grey which I can’t get button covers for) would the pillows be misshapen from being tufted if I did not tuft again? Thank you!
The cushions are made of polyester fibers and should bounce back. This may not apply to cushions that are older than 5 years.
Omg this is so nice!
OMG, I am gushing over here! We just got the Karlstad and we are definitely going to do this…well actually I think I am going to pay an upholster to do it:) But I will be buying the buttons from you:) Thanks for sharing your tutorial!
Thanks for stopping by and ordering our buttons. We love our karlstad cushion hack, I haven’t had any issues with the buttons ever since I first applied them 1 year ago.
Hi Bettina,
I’m wondering if there were any noticeable marks from the needle or otherwise when you removed your button from the cushion, in case I ever wanted to go back to an unbuttoned style.
Thanks so much!
Hi Kamila, there will be marks, but once you wash the covers and fluff the pillows they should fade away.
Hope this helped!
Betty
Where did you find your coffee table? Love it!
I build it, you can find the tutorial here.
Pretty cool. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
We recently purchased a IKEA Kivik, and I may do this to it some day.
Would love to see the outcome, let me know if you need any guidance.
.
Hi, Nice article! I would like to purchase the pillow on the coach. Do you know where I can buy it?
This is a fantastic tip and the sofa really looks great! Congratulations on the great work! Thank you for sharing it with us. I can share some other IKEA hacks I’ve found as well: https://flatpackmates.co.uk/blog/12-diy-ikea-assembly-survival-do-and-donts/ I hope you and other readers find them helpful. : )
This is such a great idea! I would love to do this to give my sofa a little more style. Unfortunately, i do not have an Ikea sofa so i could not get the fabric covered button. Any idea what other button i could use? Thanks!
We also offer custom buttons, like linen covered buttons. Please email us if you are interested.
This looks amazing! I would like to do this to our couch. But when I clicked on your link to purchase the buttons off Amazon, they are no longer available. Are you still selling them?
We are currently taking a break from making buttons, due to the high volume we had over the past months. Once we start making them again we can send you an email. Thanks