DIY Slip Covered Ottoman

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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.

Make a removable slip cover for an ottoman

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:

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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 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.