DIY Removable Slip Covered Ottoman
See how to make a removable slip cover for an ottoman and how easy it is to remove when we need to wash it!
I'm one of those people that take the long way home through my neighborhood hoping I'll see someone's old junk out front with a "free" sign on it. And when I do, I brake!
This washable slip covered ottoman would not have been possible without one of those detours!
That's right, I got this ottoman for free! Clearly it needed a bit of help, but it's so perfect in our loft space where our kids run free and get Ca-Razy because we don't have to worry about bonking heads on corners and such.
How I Took This Old Ottoman From Bad to Rad!
I think it's made of some sort of fake leather that is flaking off… not cool.
But when something is free I don't pass it up. I had a vision right away!
In order to function the way I need it to it had to be both good lookin' and washable - not necessary for the ottoman I recovered over at my mom's. This is real life. And in real life things get dirty, spilled on, colored on (hopefully by accident) and occasionally even snotted on.
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Supplies for an ottoman slipcover:
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- Fabric: I recommend home decor fabric for this project since it's a bit thicker and perfect for upholstery. The amount you need will depend on the dimensions of your ottoman and the width that the fabric comes in. See measurement instructions below.
- Coordinating thread
- Hook and loop: You'll need enough to go around the perimeter of the bottom of your ottoman
- Sewing machine: This is my go to sewing machine because it's simple to use and works well with thicker home decor fabrics.
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue for fabric
How To Recover An Ottoman…
I bought this chevron fabric online at Fabric.com. I love them because they offer free shipping on orders over $49 and suggest coordinating fabrics for you too!
Buying fabric online has become one of my favorite things because it saves time and the selection is amazing! Click here to see my favorite places to buy fabric online!
Step 1: Take measurements and cut your fabric
- Measure each side of your ottoman (4 sides) and add ½ inch for seam allowance on each side and 2 inches for the bottom to tuck under the ottoman.
- Cut out each piece.
- Measure the top of your ottoman and add 1 inch to each measurement to allow for a ½ inch at each seam.
Tip: If you’re using a stripe like I am, cut one piece and then use it to guide where you cut your second piece so that the pattern lines up at the seam.
Step 2: Sew your side pieces together
Sew the 4 sides together making sure to line up the stripes. You end up with a giant inside out ring.
Step 3: Sew your top piece
Carefully pin the top piece into place and sew it on.
Step 4: Sew your bottom edge and attach hook and loop (Velcro)
Fold the bottom of each panel under 1 inch and pin the soft or loop side of a strip of Velcro in place.
I also folded my corners in to allow for the very short peg legs on my ottoman. (See picture).
Sew the Velcro in place.
Step 5: Attach hook and loop to the ottoman
Cut a strip of the loop side of the Velcro the length of each side of your ottoman and attach it using hot glue.
Once the hot glue dries completely, put your slip cover on and fold each panel under and join the Velcro.
This is what the bottom of my ottoman looks like when I'm done.
The Final Result!
The tray makes the perfect place to put my coffee or for us to enjoy a treat while watching a movie together!
You can make this for a storage ottoman too!
Do the top and bottom separate and on the inside of the lid still do the velcro around the edge so that it holds tight but can be removed. Then you can still lift the lid. The bottom part can be folded over the top edge and have the velcro attached there and at the bottom so you can slide it off to wash it.
Frequently Asked Questions - DIY Slip-covered Ottoman
How many yards of fabric do I need?
That depends on how wide your fabric is, the shape/style of your ottoman and its dimensions. If you need help measuring, do an internet search for instruction.
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