Abstract: A washer (100) comprising wadding material and having an aperture (104) extending therethrough is disclosed. The wadding material is compressed at least around the periphery (102) of the aperture (104). The compressed wadding material is sufficiendy elastic such that, when fitted to upholstery together with a tuft, the dimensions of the aperture may increase sufficiently to accommodate a tufting needle and then return to its original dimensions after withdrawal of the needle so as to, prevent disengagement of the tuft.