Upholstering the top frame of the stool was a trickier business than it initially appeared: Normally when upholstering a seat frame, the various layers of linen are tacked to the sides of the frame and the calico and outer case are then discretely tacked to the underside. However, with this type of gout stool, the adjoining frame faces must remain free of anything that might strain the hinges, prevent the frames from closing neatly together, or be visible when the top frame is positioned at an angle – which presented somewhat of a challenge.
I tacked the inner cases to the sides of the frame as high as I dared (bearing in mind the frame is only 7/8″ [22mm] thick) and trimmed off the surplus. The outer case (made from silk brocade salvaged from the back of a Gainsborough chair) was then stretched over the squab and tacked to the sides of the frame – as low as I dared. I trimmed the surplus, leaving around 3/8″ (9.5mm) which I then folded back on itself, forming a neat un-cut hem around the lower periphery of the frame.
I had initially thought of close-nailing the outer cover, but I was worried that threads from the raw, upturned edge would eventually make themselves apparent, so I opted for gimp instead which I secured with brass gimp pins.
The finished gout stool.
I think I’ll go and put my feet up now.
Pegs and 'Tails 