Few homeowners set out to buy a piece of furniture with the intention of doing some upholstering to it. Yet sometimes, you’ll find the perfect ottoman, end table, or armchair, but it’s upholstery has seen better days. If you feel like a DIY challenge can breathe new life into your furniture, tackling the project of how to reupholster an ottoman could be the solution you need. Learn step-by-step, from gathering supplies for upholstery all the way through to the finishing touches for your reupholstered piece, how to upholster an ottoman and make it look like you bought it from a furniture store.
How to Reupholster an Ottoman
Reupholstering an ottoman can be a fun and creative way to pep up the look of any room, and an ottoman can be reupholstered and personalized to fit any home décor. The process is surprisingly simple and requires only some basic materials and a bit of patience! In the following sections, you’ll learn how to break down and reupholster an ottoman from start to finish. From gathering the necessary supplies, to preparing the ottoman and attaching the new cushion, you’ll have everything you need to create your own unique and stylish ottoman.
Gathering Supplies for Upholstering an Ottoman
Before you begin your project to upholster an ottoman, it’s important to make sure that you have all the necessary supplies. This will ensure that you have everything that you need in order to successfully complete the task. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
- Fabric of Your Choice
- Needle and Thread
- Scissors
- Staple Gun and Staples
- Fabric Glue
- Buttons, or Other Embellishments (optional)
- Foam Padding or Fiberfill (for cushion)
- Rubber Mallet (optional)
When shopping for fabric, make sure you buy enough material to upholster both the top and the sides of your ottoman. You’ll also want to ensure you select a fabric that’s durable enough to handle everyday wear and tear. Depending on what type of ottoman you’re upholstering, you may need additional supplies such as piping, decorative bands, tacks, or buttons. It’s also a good idea to have extra fabric on hand in case you need to make any patchwork or repairs.
Once you have everything you need, you can begin preparing the ottoman by removing any existing fabric from the frame. You’ll also want to make sure the frame of the ottoman is secure and tight. If it’s loose or wobbly, use a rubber mallet to tap the frame into place. That way, the frame will be ready for your upholstering.
Preparing Your Ottoman for Upholstering
Preparing your ottoman for upholstering is an important task when making an upholstered piece of furniture. It requires preparation, organization, some tools and materials, and a bit of know-how. Here’s how to prepare your ottoman for upholstering:
- Begin by removing the old fabric and batting from your ottoman. Remove all tack strips and staples.
- Next, inspect the ottoman frame for any loose or worn joints that may need to be tightened or reinforced. Use wood glue and wood screws to secure the frame and strengthen it.
- If it’s made of wood, sand the ottoman frame smooth and use a wood stain or paint of your choice to finish it.
- Use foam rubber or polyester batting to cushion the frame of the ottoman if needed. Cut the foam to size and secure it with staples.
- Finally, attach a new layer of muslin over the foam and staple it in place. The muslin serves as the base for the new fabric.
Remember to take your time and be patient as you prepare your ottoman for upholstering. Working with furniture can be tricky, and making sure your ottoman is properly prepared will ensure that you end up with a beautiful, professional-looking piece of furniture.
Upholstering the Ottoman with Fabric
Upholstering the ottoman with fabric is an important step in reupholstering the piece. The fabric can completely change the look and feel of the ottoman, and it is easy to customize a fabric that fits any theme or color scheme.
Before beginning the upholstery process, be sure to choose a high-quality upholstery-grade fabric that is suitable for the type of ottoman you are creating. When choosing the dimensions for your fabric, make sure to add a few extra inches for a professional tailored look.
When it comes to upholstering the ottoman, begin by measuring and cutting the fabric for the top of the ottoman. Cut two pieces of fabric the exact size of the top surface of the ottoman and mark the center point on both pieces. Place the pieces of fabric right side together and pin them together at the center. Sew the pieces together around the circumference, leaving at least one inch of fabric allowance at each end.
Next, place the fabric right side down on the ottoman and pull it taught. Tug on the corners to make sure the fabric is lying flat. Starting at the center, staple the fabric to the ottoman base. Work your way around the circumference, securing the fabric as tightly as possible. Cut off any excess fabric and secure with additional staples.
Once the top of the ottoman is completely covered with the fabric, use batting and/or foam to give it an extra layer of padding and support. This will add a more comfortable and luxurious feel to your upholstery project. Complete the upholstering process by trimming the fabric in your desired style and pairing it with any other accent pieces for a special finishing touch.
Measuring and Cutting Fabric for the Ottoman Top
Measuring and Cutting Fabric for the Ottoman Top:
Before cutting any fabric, it’s important to properly measure the area that the fabric will cover on the ottoman’s top. This means measuring both the length and width of the ottoman top surface and adding one inch to each measurement to ensure that the fabric will have enough slack to fasten securely. It’s a good idea to double-check that all measurements are correct before beginning any cutting.
When it’s time to cut the fabric, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the job easier:
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Measuring tape
- Fabric marker for tracing the shape of the ottoman top onto the fabric
Begin by taking your measurements and then using the fabric marker to trace the area to be cut from the fabric. Make sure the shape you trace is the same as the shape of the ottoman top. Be sure to cut precisely to avoid any visible mismatching shapes of fabric and ottoman. Once you’ve cut the piece of fabric to size, set it aside and move on to the next step.
Covering the Ottoman Top with Fabric
As you start to cover the ottoman top with fabric, there are a few key steps you need to take to ensure that the project is a success. Start by laying the fabric over the top of the ottoman and make sure it is oriented in the correct direction. Then, staple the fabric to the top of the ottoman, about an inch away from each edge. You should make sure not to skimp on staples to ensure that the fabric stays in place. Once the fabric has been stapled around the perimeter, use a pair of scissors to trim the excess fabric.
To avoid any sloppy edges, you can use a fabric pencil or marker to trace a seam allowance around the ottoman top. Then, use a seam ripper to carefully rip away the fabric in the seam allowance. You can now apply fabric glue around the ottoman top and press the edges of the fabric down with your fingers. This will help keep the fabric in place and make sure that it is secure.
Finally, to give the ottoman a finished look, use a staple gun to fold the fabric onto the bottom of the ottoman. You can also add decorative tacks if you desire to do so. Once the fabric is in place and secure, your ottoman will look brand new.
Making an Ottoman Cushion
Making an ottoman cushion is an important step in upholstering an ottoman. The cushion should be measured and cut according to the dimensions of the ottoman, and then stuffed and sewed to create a comfortable and attractive seating surface.
Measuring and Cutting Fabric for the Ottoman Cushion
First, measure your ottoman to determine the size of your cushion. Note that it’s important to allow some extra fabric around the edges of the cushion. It’s also important to use fabric that’s tough enough to last and comfortable enough to sit on. Next, cut the material according to your measurements.
Stuffing and Sewing the Cushion
Once the fabric is cut, it’s time to stuff and sew the cushion. There are a few components to this step:
- Adding Fiberfill to the Cushion
- Closing the Seam of the Ottoman Cushion
Adding Fiberfill to the Cushion
Adding fiberfill is one of the most important steps in making a cushion for an ottoman. First, place the cut fabric onto a flat surface. Then, add the fiberfill to the fabric, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and that the material is not too densely packed.
Closing the Seam of the Ottoman Cushion
After the fiberfill is added and evenly distributed, it’s time to close the seam of the cushion. Start by folding the edges of the fabric inward and pinning the fabric in place. Next, use an upholstery needle and thread to sew the seam closed. Be sure to reinforce the seam to ensure that the cushion stays secure and comfortable.
Once your cushion is stuffed, sewn, and reinforced, it’s ready to be attached to the ottoman. With these steps, you can easily make a cushion for an ottoman that is comfortable, attractive, and will last for years to come.
Measuring and Cutting Fabric for the Ottoman Cushion
Gathering the necessary materials and prepping the ottoman for upholstery is an important part of the process, but the most time-consuming step is accurately measuring and cutting the fabric for the cushion.
Knowing the measurements of the cushion is essential, as it will dictate exactly how much fabric you need. To get the measurements, it’s best to remove the cushion from the ottoman and measure it from every angle. It’s good to write down all of the measurements to ensure accuracy. Take into account the width and length, as well as the depth of the cushion.
Once you have the measurements, it’s time to cut the fabric. With the type of fabric you end up using, it will affect how you cut it. For woven fabrics, you will need to create sharp and crisp edges, while most polyesters and faux leathers don’t need to be cut as precisely.
To cut the fabric, begin by measuring the desired amount. Then, fold the fabric to the desired length and width and make the cuts. Be sure to use sharp fabric scissors and use a straight edge if needed. Follow the same process for any piping or trimmings you choose to use.
Things you’ll need to measure and cut the fabric:
- Fabric scissors
- Measuring tape
- Straight edge
- Fabric
- Trimmings or piping (optional)
Stuffing and Sewing the Cushion
Stuffing and sewing the cushion can be a bit of a tricky task, but it’s well worth it in the long run. Start off by measuring and cutting your fabric for the cushion according to the desired size of the ottoman. Once you have the right amount of fabric cut, you’ll need to stuff the cushion. To do this, you’ll need a good quality poly-fill or polyester-fiber filling. Measure the amount of polyfill you need based on the size of the cushion, then begin stuffing it. Once you’ve filled the cushion to your desired level, it’s time to sew the bottom and sides of the cushion shut. To do this, you’ll need a needle, thread, and a basic sewing knowledge. Start by turning down the edges of the fabric and creating a seam, then use the needle and thread to sew the seam by hand. Be sure to pull the thread tight and secure to ensure the cushion stays full and doesn’t shift. Once you’ve sewn the bottom and sides of the cushion, you’re ready to attach it to the ottoman.
Adding Fiberfill to the Cushion
When it comes to adding fiberfill to an ottoman cushion, you’ll need to prepare the fabric and batting first. Start by spreading the batting on a flat surface and then cover with the cut piece of fabric. Make sure to leave an extra 1-2 inches all around the edges of the fabric and batting. This will ensure a snug fit in your cushion.
Once the fabric and batting are ready, start by using a spoon to fill the cushion with the fiberfill. Take your time and fluff the fiberfill as you go, and make sure that it is spread out evenly throughout the cushion. You can use a ruler to push the fiberfill further away from the edges if necessary.
When all the fiberfill is in the cushion, carefully fold the outer edges of the fabric and batting onto the cushion, and secure the edges with staples. Make sure to use the proper safety gear when using staples.
Once the cushion is ready, you can move onto attaching it to the ottoman. Here’s a checklist of what you need before adding fiberfill to the cushion:
- Fabric
- Battung
- Fiberfill
- Stapler
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, face masks, etc)
Closing the Seam of the Ottoman Cushion
When it comes to closing the seam of the Ottoman cushion, you’ll need a few supplies before you get started. To ensure your Ottoman cushion is secure and fit properly, be sure to have the following supplies ready:
- Thread
- Yard or Meter measure
- Scissors or utility knife
- Rotary cutter
- Pins
- Sewing machine
Once you have the necessary supplies, it’s time to begin closing the seam of your Ottoman cushion. First, you’ll want to measure the sides of the cushion to determine how much fabric you need for each side of the cushion. Once you’ve determined how much fabric you need, cut the fabric using scissors or a utility knife.
Once the fabric is cut to size, fold the fabric over the batting along the raw edge and pin it in place. The batting should be between the fabric and some kind of stiffer backing material. Be sure to pin the fabric securely in place. Next, use a sewing machine to stitch together the seam along the sides of the cushion. Make sure to use a tight stitch to ensure the cushion is secure.
Once the seam is complete, you will want to trim any excess fabric and batting. You can use a rotary cutter or scissors to do this. Finally, give all the edges of the cushion a thorough inspection to make sure it looks neat and clear.
Now that you’ve completed stitching the Ottoman cushion, it’s time for the finishing touches. Continue on with the upholstering process until the Ottoman is finished to your satisfaction. Congratulations! You now have a beautiful upholstered Ottoman.
Attaching the Cushion to the Ottoman
Once you’ve created a cushion for your ottoman, it’s time to attach the cushion to the ottoman. This can be done in a few simple steps.
First, make sure the ottoman is flipped right-side up, with the cushion side facing down. Secure the cushion to the ottoman with staples, doing your best to evenly distribute them around the cushion.
Then, flip the ottoman back over and tie the fabric in place. Measure out equal lengths of twine or string, then thread them through the top of the cushion and tie them securely in notches on the underside of the ottoman. This will help keep the cushion in place during use.
Finally, attach velcro to the edges of the cushion and the ottoman fabric. This will make it easy to remove the cushion for cleaning and make sure the cushion is securely fastened in place. When attaching the velcro, use a lighter or iron to heat the adhesive on the back side to ensure a strong bond.
Following these steps should help you securely and safely attach a cushion to your ottoman. Make sure to take the time to use quality materials and follow these instructions carefully – a poorly attached cushion won’t stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
Finishing Touches for Your Reupholstered Ottoman
Once the Ottoman has been reupholstered, it’s time to add the finishing touches. To ensure that the new fabric on the ottoman is secured and won’t tear or fray, apply a thin layer of liquid stitch around the edges. This is a safe and non-toxic adhesive which will help the fabric and foam stay in place.
To keep the ottoman looking neat and to ensure the fabric won’t get snagged, add decorative tacks or buttons around the edges of the foam. If desired, felt tabs can also be added to the bottom of the ottoman to protect floors. When choosing tacks or buttons, make sure they coordinate with the fabric that was chosen and the overall look you are striving for.
For the final step, consider adding a few accent pieces to the ottoman. Accessories such as a throw blanket, throw pillows, or even a tray can help bring the look together and make the ottoman something special.
Now that your ottoman is finished, enjoy your newly reupholstered ottoman and the satisfaction of knowing it was all done by you!