"Pasha" is done, complete, on the bench

Here is the bench, waiting for a top.

I finished my paisley about a week ago and just needed to put it on this extremely sturdy bench.   My goal for today was to finish this project, get these two pieces together, no more waiting. 

If you are working on a footstool or a bench here are some things I learned along the way that may help you.  Measure the bench, measure the board that goes under the cushion, use a thick dense cushion so you don't feel the board underneath, take lots of notes.  If you want a square boxy top like mine you need to not hook the corners (see second picture) so when you put those edges together you get a nice sharp corner, which is the effect I wanted.  Measure the height of the cushion and hook enough border to cover that height.  I needed to hook a couple extra inches because my cushion was so thick.

Once the hooking is complete pin the corners and make sure it fits over the cushion and board - and stays the shape you want, boxy like mine, or pulled over so the corners are rounded.  Your choice.  

At the edge of my hooking I used hand-dyed yarn to match my brown background to make a chain stitch.  Using the chain stitch will hide the thin edge of  backing when it is folded under.  You can also use a purchased braid or even whip over cording, but the chain stitch is so easy and extremely fast to do.

I used a staple gun to attach the hooking to the base board, stapling between rows 2 and 3 of hooking.  Be careful to not catch the loops in the staples.

Take pictures along the way to keep track of the steps.

If, at the corners, the loops do separate a little bit, use matching upholstery thread and gently lace the loops together.  Very easy gap closer trick for corners, remember this for your next hooked bag.

This was a fun project.  I have a round footstool waiting for a hooked top.  Round might be more of a challange.  I will keep you posted.