Friday, September 20, 2013

No Sew Ottoman Cover

Recover a Storage Ottoman With Skirts

I am the first to admit, I like to have an idea and immediately see it turned into reality. And, while sewing has it's place, it does get in the way of my instant gratification. So, if you are like me and like things accomplished quickly, check out my trick for covering a storage ottoman in less than 30 minutes.
This works best in rooms with a bohemian or shabby chic style - think Anthropologie!

What you need:
1 storage ottoman (round, square or oval)
2 skirts (yes, the kind you wear)
1 staple gun
An old white sheet or large piece of white cotton fabric 
Adornment: ribbon, buttons, etc. (optional)


  #1  Purchase a simple storage ottoman at Target or Walmart (often  between $19.99-39.99)
Oval Storage Ottoman Stool Pewter Grey Blue

 #2  Head to the thrift store and pick out 2 skirts in coordinating fabrics, preferably long, full skirts, sizes large and x-large work best.  Wash and iron the skirts.
I am covering an old storage ottoman for my teenage daughter's room. So I chose two different bright pink skirts.

#3   Remove the lid from your ottoman and lay it top-side down on the sheet. Place it close to one of the edges of the sheet and begin stapling, gathering and pulling the fabric taunt as you go.


#4   As you staple around, cut away much of the excess fabric (you don't need to be neat about this). After you finish stapling cut the remaining excess fabric off, close to the line of staples.


#5   Next, cut away the elastic from the skirt you are going to cover the ottoman lid with. Then cut the skirt in half, near the seam, creating a flat piece of fabric that is hemmed on one end. Lay the newly covered lid on the fabric.

#6   Begin to staple the skirt fabric to the ottoman lid (just as you did the sheet), gathering and pulling the fabric taunt as you go.

#7   Now place the second skirt over the base of the ottoman. Adjust the skirt so that it is even all the way around and staple - make sure the "gathers" are even as well.

#8   Now cut the excess fabric from inside the ottoman. You can hot glue flat braid over all of the staples for a more finished look on the inside.

VOILA! You now have a bohemian style storage ottoman.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can pull out the needle and thread and add a few beads or hot glue some ribbon. 


1 comment:

Comments and questions are always welcomed!