Arched Velvet Headboard

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Velvet Fabric: 6 yds (use measurement steps to determine final amount needed)
• 8 Pool Noodles
• Density Foam: 2" high
• Hot Glue Gun & Glue Gun Sticks
• Spray Upholstery Foam Adhesive
• Kraft Paper Roll or Wrapping Paper
• Scissors
• Plywood Sheet: 3/8"
• Jigsaw (for cutting plywood)
• Serrated Knife

DIRECTIONS:

1. Create Pattern for Headboard:
• Determine the desired finished width and height of the headboard.
• Divide width into equal amounts for the widths of each arch.
• If varying the height of the arches, reduce the height of each pair of arches out from the center by the diameter of the pool noodle.
• If there are more than 3 arches, continue reducing the remaining arches by 1 diameter to create a stepped effect.
• From the paper roll, cut rectangles for the measurements determined above.
• Draw out shape of the arch at the top of each rectangle using a pencil and string or round object with a diameter the width of the rectangle.
• Before continuing, tape paper pieces onto wall where headboard will be to confirm the size and shape.
• From each arch, cut away the space that will be the pool noodles - mark into the arch the diameter of both noodles from the sides and top rounded edge.
• Do not take away from the bottom.
• The smaller arch should measure the same as the original arch when the pool noodles are wrapped around the top and bottom.


2. Make the Arch Centers:
• From plywood and foam, cut out the center arches.
• Glue foam to plywood using the spray adhesive.
• Center the arches foam side down on the wrong side of the velvet fabric.
• Trim fabric to be a few inches larger on all sides, enough to comfortably wrap to the back side of the arch and staple in place.
• Wrap fabric edges to the back of the arches and staple in place.
• Work from the center out and going side to side to keep the tension even across the surface.
• To archive a smooth arch, sew a running stitch along the curve of the fabric using embroidery floss.
• Pull the ends of the floss to gather the fabric, pulling it toward the back of the arch.
• Evenly disburse the gathers and then staple in place.


3. Prepare Pool Noodles:
• Wrap pool noodles around the finished interior arches and cut to length.
• For longer lengths, use duct tape to connect pool noodle pieces.
• Tape can also be used to hold pool noodles in place as you measure.
• From the velvet, cut bias strips of fabric [pool noodle diameter + 1"x length of pool noodles.
• Sew strips together on an angle if longer pieces are needed.
• Wrap pool noodles in the fabric.
• Glue fabric together where they overlap using hot glue.
• Do not glue directly to the pool noodle.
• Try to pull the fabric as smooth and taut around the pool noodle as possible.
• Straight pins can be helpful with this step.


4. Assembly:
• Wrap fabric covered pool noodles around the interior arches with the fabric seam toward the back.
• Pull and manipulate the fabric covers to get the fabric to lay evenly as the pool noodle curves over the arch.
• Use hot glue to attach the pieces together.
• Repeat for all pool noodles and arches.
• Trim pool noodles if needed.
• Excess fabric can be tucked into the center of the pool noodle.
• Finished arches can be left and installed as separate panels or a second piece of plywood can be cut slightly smaller than the total shape of the headboard.
• Paint the plywood to match fabric color or wrap in a piece of velvet.
• Use construction adhesive and screws to attach the back panel to the individual arch panels.
• Headboard installation will vary based on the location and bed frame type.
• Use your judgment to determine the right option for your circumstances.