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!
What, you think I’m crazy?
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 cause we don’t have to worry about bonking heads on corners and such.
So today’s all about 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.
Supplies:
- 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 I recovered this 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!
Step 1: take measurements and cut your fabric
- I measured each side of my ottoman (4 sides) and added 1/2 inch for seam allowance on each side and 2 inches for the bottom to tuck under the ottoman.
- Then I cut out each piece.
- 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.
- Then I measured the top of my ottoman and added 1 inch to each measurement to allow for a 1/2 inch at each seam.
Step 2: Sew your side pieces together
- I sewed 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
- I carefully pinned the top piece into place and sewed it on.
Step 4: Sew your bottom edge and attach 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 velcro 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 has dried 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!
Product Sources: green and white chevron fabric
Tracey says
Hi Corey, I have that exact same flaking ottoman Lol Can you please tell me how many yds of fabric I need?
Connie Robertson says
Great project! I’d like to make a slipcover for my ottoman (peeling like yours! ugh!)… but my ottoman is a storage ottoman. It has a top lid that opens. Any suggestions? I don’t want to upholster it because I want to be able to wash it. Thanks for any advice. -Connie
Corey says
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. Hope that helps!
Heather says
Hi Corey, a quick query. Did you stop stitching the side seams 2in from the bottom in order to be able to turn them up and fold the corners to allow for the legs?
Many thanks, Heather
Corey says
Yes. That was the only way they would lay nicely without looking all bunched up when I folded it under. It also gives it a little bit of wiggle room when you are taking it on and off to wash it.
jojo says
I need this!!!!!!! I have the same one.
Corey W. says
Ha! I think soooo many people have this ottoman and it peels (but it is certainly not appealing) Ha! Get it? I’d love to see the outcome if you recover yours!
Lynn says
Love this !!! I have been on a serious search for a large ottoman like this to recover. I like your slip cover much better. Again we have lots of animals & kids so things usually have to be washed frequently :).
Vicky says
I love the tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing. I was wondering if you know how can I make one of this but putting elastics in the corners for my box spring mattress. Thanks again.
Corey W. says
Hmmm… That is a great idea! I think you would just make the slip cover the same way but sew elastic diagonally at each corner so that it would end up on the bottom of the box spring. Does that makes sense?
Lauren says
I love how your ottoman came out. I am thinking of moving a leather storage ottoman from the family room to the bedroom, so I’d love to slipcover it. This is a great idea!
Corey W. says
Thanks Lauren! Any time you can add a new fabric to a space it is a fun project and so worth it!
jackie says
this was exactly what I was looking for! I got the same ottoman and the fake stuff is definitely not kid friendly… so I got upholstery fabric for cheap at JoAnn fabrics and going to make this tomorrow~ thanks!!
Corey W. says
I’d love to see photos of how it turns out! I am sitting on an office chair made of the same stuff and it is flaking all over the floor! Not cool. Good luck on the project Jackie!
carole says
Somebody was really rough on that ottoman! It’s bycast leather, but still, for it to look like that….wow. I’ve been considering making covers for our two, not because they’re in bad shape, but simply for a change. We’ve already turned ours into extra storage (couldn’t stand that wasted space lol), but covers would be nice as well. Thanks for sharing this. 🙂
Krista @ the happy housie says
Hi Corey! I love this fabulous transformation so much that I am featuring it today at the Get Your DIY On Challenge! Come by at 7pm EST to grab your button and bring along a holiday sign project if you have one to share! Hope your weekend has been awesome:)
~Krista
Kathleen says
I LOVE it!
Jenifer Tong says
Love! We have a rec room in our basement and I really want an ottoman, but didn’t want to spend the money. Love your fabric choice!
Heidi@OneCreativeMommy.com says
Your ottoman turned out so cute! I love the fabric you chose. This is my first time to your site. I came over from theNYMelroseFamily. Maybe I’ll try this in my playroom. Pinned!
thepaintedapron.com says
I have an ottoman that is suffering from the same disease! I currently have a bright fabric piece “artistically” draped over the worst part, but I need to just make a whole cover. Yours turned out great, I am impressed you could match that pattern!
Jenna
Kathi says
Love how you made your slipcover washable. 😀 The velcro is ingenious! Thanks for sharing your tutorial!
Huckleberry Love says
This is so cute, and what a transformation! I may also be a big fan of chevron 😉 Thank you so much for linking up to Much Ado About Monday! You are my feature for the week! Please come back and grab a button, it’s like an internet high-five!
Have a great weekend!
Karla
www.huckleberrylove.com
mouseinyourhouseblog.com says
So cute! Chevron is addicting. 😉
Melanie Diana says
This is such a fun ottoman after the makeover! Great job! You are featured at The Inspiration Network today!
http://theinspiration-network.com/removable-slip-covered-ottoman-from-tiny-sidekick/
Smiles,
Melanie & Diana
The Inspiration Network Girls
Robin Buster says
I love that the slip cover is removable. I have three messy boys and things don’t tend to stay clean for very long in my home. I’m so happy that you came by to party with us at Fluster Buster’s Creative Muster. Now that you found us I hope that you continue to join the party.
Robin @ Fluster Buster
Jennifer West says
This looks AMAZING!! I love the way his turned out, very pretty!! Thanks so much for linking this up at the DIY Sunday Showcase! PINNED!!
Leslie Stewart says
Love your awesome slip cover! Thanks for sharing it at my Twirl & take a Bow party. Stop by House on the Way tomorrow to see it featured! Grab a “featured” button if you want.
Leslie
Christine says
LOVE IT Corey!!! It’s turned out perfect!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality last week! Looking forward to partying with you again tomorrow evening!
Miranda @ Someday Crafts says
This is such a good idea!! I’ve never seen anything like this before! We’ll be featuring it over at Someday Crafts tomorrow 🙂
Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says
Featured you tonight at MOnday Funday! 😉
Julie Fagundes says
Super cute!! I am your newest follower! I have my rocker and ottoman in our nursery…that needs a pick me up as soon as I get the girls’ room going. This is a great idea…thanks!
BeBetsy says
Love the fabric and how easy it is to keep clean. I have an beat-up ottoman that I have wanted to cover but haven’t taken the time to do so. YIKES! Yours turned out so cute!
Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says
Oh ..what a rescue! Perfect for your space and love the fabric! Thanks for sharing at MOnday Funday!
Amy says
This is so very cool!!! What a huge change! Just love the fabric you used! Thanks so much for sharing at GIve Me the Goods Monday Link Party!
So inspiring!!!
Amy @ www.commona-myhouse.blogspot.com
Dawna Motz says
What a great transformation! Love the bright color and that it has a whole new life!! Stopping by from Tonya’s 🙂
Virginia Megin Gallagher says
I love this! I have a smaller cube that my cat loves to scratch and it needs a new cover. I love how you used Velcro to hold it down.
Abby Lawson says
It looks so beautiful! Perfect fabric choice, too! I popped over from The DIY Dreamer–thanks for sharing!
~Abby =)
Katie Vyktoriah Carpenter says
This is so awesome! I have a chair and ottomon I bought at a garage sale that I’ve been meaning to make slipcovers for. This totally reignites my excitement! Thanks for linking up to Pin It Tuesday!
Katie @ http://herpretty.com
Chaney @ May Richer Fuller Be says
Wow, this is great! So smart and so well done.
– Chaney (coming over from Rain on a Tin Roof!)
Krista @thehappyhousie says
I love it!! That fabric is fabulous… and I even have that same big blue floral pillow that I see on your couch. Isn’t it gorgeous!! We have two in our bedroom:)
Great tutorial!
Krista
ritajoy says
I’m just discovering your beautiful blog today through the Monday Funday party at CRAFT. I love this slipcover project. It turned out beautiful…and I love the practical velcro feature as well.
Kathryn Ferrie says
I love the fabric you chose! Very cool!