How to Make Ottoman Slipcovers

This easy step-by-step guide will show you how to make slipcovers for the ottomans in your house.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric you like
• Pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Determine the amount of fabric you will need. To do this, measure from the ground to the top of the ottoman, across the ottoman and back down to the ground in both directions. If you have a 24" wide x 36" long x 12" high ottoman you will need a piece of fabric 12"+24"+12" by 12"+36"+12" or 48"x50". Most fabric is sold in 48" or 60" widths. For the ottoman in our example, I would recommend a yard and a half of 60" wide fabric or 54"x60", so that you have some room to play.

2. Next, lay the fabric UPSIDE DOWN on top of the ottoman, so that it covers it evenly. Make sure that the pattern (if there is one)is lined up in the direction you want it to stay.

3. Smooth the fabric along the top and two adjoining sides to that you end up with a triangle of fabric sticking out from the corner.

4. Pin the fabric along the vertical edge of the ottoman, so that it holds the fabric triangle out away from the edge.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 at the other three corners. The ottoman will now have an inside out slip cover, with excess fabric sticking off the corners in triangles.

6. Remove the fabric from the ottoman, and sew - still inside out - just to the outside of the pin line. Unpin.

7. Turn up a 5/8" hem around the bottom of the cover, and sew. Be sure to press this so you get a nice crisp edge.

8. Turn the cover right side out. Voila! You're done.

Resources

• An inexpensive Singer sewing machine - good for the beginner
• Learn how to do slip covers for more than just ottomans