If you have an old ottoman hanging around your house, you know how useful an ottoman can be. Sadly, it may be looking outdated or dingy if you have had it for a while. Whether updating your ottoman to go with your current decor, or add some texture or color, you can give your old ottoman new life with an easy and inexpensive slip cover!
- To determine how much fabric you will need, take a tape measure and place it on the bottom of the ottoman at the floor.
- Keeping that side of the tape measure in place, run the tape measure up the ottoman side and over the top, down the other side to the floor.
- Then repeat this process in the opposite direction, even if your ottoman appears to be square. Add one inch to each total measurement (width and length). You will need to get a large square or rectangle of fabric, using these measurements.
- Next, you will want to decide on a trim. To know how much you will need, take a measurement all the way around the lower edge of the ottoman, then add an extra two inches. Take a look at your options while at the fabric store. There are fabulous fringes, fun braids and beading available.
- The supplies you will need for the project include: approximately 2 yards (see your measurements to be exact) of upholstery fabric, approximately 3 yards (see your measurement) of decorative trim, measuring tape, iron and ironing board, sharp scissors, sewing machine, straight pins, heavy duty thread to match fabric and trim.
- Here are the steps to make your slipcover. Iron all of your fabrics, using the appropriate setting for the fabric type.
- Lay the fabric piece over the ottoman evenly, with the right side facing down. With straight pins, create four flaps of fabric by pinning the sides together at each corner.
- Trim the excess fabric, with your scissors, at each corner, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance.
- Take your fabric off of the ottoman carefully. Sew along the line of pins at each corner, remove pins as you sew.
- Turn cover right side out, check fit on ottoman. Pin the bottom edge of the ottoman under ½ inch to form a hem and sew.
- Add decorative trim by pinning and sewing in place.
- Slip the new cover on your ottoman and enjoy your newly refurbished ottoman!
