I have a large square ottoman that is in perfect condition. However the fabric pattern no longer goes with my decor. I would like to have a slipcover made as it does not need to be reupholstered. I do not own a sewing machine nor do I know how to operate one. Can anyone offer me any suggestions on how to make a slipcover without using a sewing machine.
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I suggest you measure the ottoman accurately and allow for extra fabric on the top and overlapping sides and try and hand sew small stitches along the bottom and attach it to your other fabric.
Before you decide to buy expensive fabric, try covering it with a large piece of scrap fabric to see how it would work out.
It's just a suggestion.
Marge from NY
I saw this on HGTV and it wasn't actually that complicated.
www1.diynet.com/
Here is another site that you might like.
www.upholster.com/
could you "wrap" it around and staple it on the bottom?
For a non-sewing individual, the best way to upholster is using a staple gun. You need to buy a heavy-duty one that is meant for such tasks and not a desk top stapler.
Measure your ottoman from one side, across the top, down the other side, then add 6-8 inches. Go to any fabric shop that sells upholstery fabic and ask for help at the cutting counter to make sure you have a piece that is square and large enough to cover your ottoman plus extra to put underneath.
When you get home. fold the fabric in half and hand crease just enough to help you see the line, then fold in the opposite direction and hand crease. Now you should be able locate the center of your fabric. Measure your ottoman top across each way to also find the center. Lay your fabric cross-fold exactly on the center mark of your ottoman (A pin would be a great help here). Smooth the fabric down two opposite sides, fold the excess under and tape with masking or painting tape to hold. Turn your ottoman over and use that staple gun by putting one staple on each side center. Turn the ottoman right-side-up and check to see that the fabri is smooth. Now go back to the bottom and staple each side of the center on both sides, then a little further out until you've stapled almost to each corner. Now turn the ottoman over and fold your fabric corners in toward the two sides not yet covered.
If the fabric you purchase has edges that seem to ravel (come undone), ask the fabric store assistants for a product called Fray-Chek (There are also others just as good.). You can use it to seal the raw edges of your fabric before or after the re-upholstering job. It is a life saver for clothing and many househld items, so it's a great product to have around the house. You might want to use a steam iron or damp cloth and iron to press out any wrinkles made during the project.
Stand back and admire your new ottoman that now fits in with your other furnishings! This technique can be used to upholster bed headboards, sofas and benches. You don't need sewing knowledge to have a beautiful home.
Hello Carol, If you don't want to buy a heavy-duty staple gun then you might try following the other people's instructions but then just hot gluing the fabric from the bottom. I haven't done this before but I thougth of it as I was reading your message. Good luck
Have you considered making something removable out of polar fleece? It is a brilliant option when you don't want to sew. You could measure your ottoman and cut pieces to cover it, leaving a border of 15 centimetres or so. Regarding the pieces, you could cut a strip that goes right over the middle, covering two sides in the process, and then two separate squares for the remaining two sides.
Here's a link to a project using this technique: www.craftbits.com.au/
This project is for pillows but it's the same technique. You could use this project to make some pillows to match your newly covered ottoman. (-:
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