Click to enlarge diagram.

How To Build

1. To make an arched pattern as shown in the illustration opposite, use scissors to cut a 62x48-inch rectangle from kraft paper; fold it in half to measure 31x48 inches. Lay it on your work surface with the folded edge on one side. Use a pencil to draw a curved line that begins at the top of the folded edge and ends at the opposite side edge, about 12 inches down from the top edge. Cut along the penciled line through both layers of paper. Unfold the paper to reveal the complete headboard pattern. (To use an existing headboard, trace the headboard shape onto paper; cut out the pattern and skip to Step 4.)

2. To make the headboard, trace the paper pattern onto the plywood with a pencil; cut out with a jigsaw.

3. Determine the distance from the bottom of headboard to floor; add 32 inches. Use this measurement to cut two legs from pine 1x4s. Screw legs to back of headboard with drill.

4. Using a serrated kitchen knife and the paper pattern, cut foam in the shape of headboard, adding 2 inches along the sides and piecing as needed. Use spray adhesive to lightly tack foam to front of headboard; wrap excess foam around sides and secure it to back with staple gun.

5. Wrap batting completely around the headboard, covering the tops of the legs, and secure with spray adhesive.

 

Detail of cording.

6. Measure across the front of the padded headboard from side to side, being careful to not pull the tape measure too tight across the padding. Divide this measurement by 2; add 2 inches. Measure from the top to the bottom at center of headboard; add 4 inches. Using these measurements, cut two pieces from decorator fabric for front and back center pieces. Cut four pieces half the width of center pieces and the same length for front and back flanking pieces.

7. Using 1 1/2-inch seam allowances, sew a flanking piece to each long edge of the front and back center pieces to assemble the headboard front and headboard back. Press seam allowances open. With wrong sides together, lay the assembled headboard front and back on a flat surface. Position the paper pattern on the fabric layers with the top edge of the pattern 1 1/2 inch from the top edges of the assembled fabric pieces. Cut out, adding a 1 1/2-inch seam allowance to the side and top edges; do not trim any fabric from the bottom edges.

8. Determine the diameter of the cording; add 1 inch (for seam allowances) to find the width needed for the welting cover. Cut enough strips of decorator fabric that width to make 4 1/2 yards in length. Sew strips end to end to make one long welting cover strip. Press the seam allowances open. Place the strip facedown; lay the cord down the center of the strip. Fold the strip lengthwise in half over the cord. With a zipper foot on your sewing machine, baste right next to the cord. Sew welting to the right side of the headboard front with the raw edges aligned.

9. With right sides together and welting sandwiched between the layers, pin the headboard front to headboard back along the side and top edges. Sew together using 1 1/2-inch seam allowances to make the headboard cover. Turn the headboard cover right side out.

10. Slip the fabric headboard cover over the padded headboard. Staple the extra fabric at the bottom of the headboard to the wood on the back, neatly folding the corners.

11. Drill holes in the legs to correspond with holes in the metal bed frame. Attach the headboard to the frame using nuts, bolts, and washers.