How to Make an Ottoman Slipcover
After a few years any ottoman can begin to look a little worn down and old. This is especially the case if it is used frequently. But instead of buying an entirely new one, why not just make your own slipcover. It really is a lot easier than you may think. First you will need to measure your ottoman to determine how much fabric you need. You need to get the following materials; cording, upholstery fabric, heavy duty thread that matches your fabric, twill tape, hook and loop tape, tape measure, scissors, t pins and a sewing needle.
Once you have all of your materials you can begin to make your ottoman slipcover. First you will need to cut three pieces of fabric to cover your ottoman. There is a top, a skirt, and the band. Make sure that you use a 1/2 inch seam to sew the pieces together. When you cut your fabric for the top piece you want o make sure that you have enough for each side. In order to measure the band width you should measure the cushion depth and then add one inch to it. For the length measure the perimeter, and add six inches for an overlap.
In order to cut the fabric for the skirt you need to measure from the bottom of the cushion to the floor and add at least four inches for the hem and the seam. In order to get the length just double the perimeter of the ottoman. Once you have all of your pieces cut out you can then pin your pieces together so that you can sew them. You will want to hem the lower edge of the skirt. Next gather the upper edge using the heavy duty thread. Pull up the gathers so the skirt will fit with the band that you are going to make. Next you will need to make your piping.
Get about a 2 1/2 inch wide strip of fabric. It should equal about twice the perimeter of the ottoman. Use this to cover the cording, but leave a half inch flange beyond cording. Now sew the gathered edge of the skirt to the piped edge of the band. Make sure that you keep it as even as possible. Turn the openings under at least one inch, and put the top stitch in place. Fit your band on the ottoman and overlap the opening about an inch. Last but not least sew the hook and loop fasteners to the opening of the edges.
After reading all of the instructions above you may be thinking that this is a very long and time consuming process. While it can be quite time consuming you can try breaking this particular project into a several day project. No one says you have to finish it the same day you start. If you spend at least two hours for two days (this is for beginners) than you will be done. Making your own slipcover for your ottoman is a fun task especially for beginners. Every time you look at your finished product you will be proud of what you have accomplished.
