An ottoman is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own — it works as a footrest, extra seating, a coffee table, and storage all in one. Making your own is a surprisingly satisfying project, and choosing the right fabric is half the fun. Here's a straightforward guide to sewing a basic upholstered ottoman from scratch.
Materials You'll Need
- 1–1.5 yards of upholstery-weight or heavy quilting cotton fabric
- Wooden box or MDF board cut to your desired dimensions
- 2–3 inches of high-density foam (cut to top size)
- Dacron batting or quilt batting (optional, for a softer finish)
- Staple gun and staples
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Measuring tape
- 4 furniture legs and screws (optional)
- Coordinating ribbon or trim (optional)
Step 1 — Choose Your Fabric
For an ottoman that will see regular use, choose a fabric with some weight and durability. Heavy quilting cotton, canvas, or a cotton-linen blend all work well. If you're going for a statement piece, a large-scale novelty or floral print can make the ottoman a focal point in the room. For a more subtle look, a solid or tone-on-tone texture keeps things classic.
Buy enough fabric to wrap all sides of the ottoman box plus at least 3 inches of overlap on every edge for stapling.
Step 2 — Prepare the Box
Sand any rough edges on your wooden box or MDF base. If you're adding legs, attach them to the underside of the box now — it's much easier before the fabric is attached. Paint or stain any exposed wood that won't be covered by fabric.
Step 3 — Cut and Attach the Foam
Cut your foam to match the top surface of the box exactly. If you want a softer, rounded look, wrap the foam in a layer of Dacron batting before attaching. Secure the foam to the top of the box using spray adhesive, pressing firmly and allowing it to dry completely.
Step 4 — Cut Your Fabric
Measure your ottoman box: height + top + 3 inches of overlap on all sides. Cut your fabric in one large piece if possible — this gives a clean, seamless look. If your print requires pattern matching, allow extra fabric accordingly.
Step 5 — Wrap and Staple
Place the fabric face-down on a flat surface. Set the ottoman upside down on top of it, centered. Pull one side of fabric up and over the edge, keeping it taut and straight, and staple it to the underside of the box. Work from the center of each side outward, then repeat on the opposite side before moving to the remaining two sides. Pull firmly as you go to avoid wrinkles.
For the corners, fold the fabric neatly — either in a mitered fold for a crisp look or a gathered fold for a softer finish — and staple securely.
Step 6 — Finish the Underside
Cut a piece of fabric or heavy-duty felt slightly smaller than the bottom of the ottoman. Staple or glue it in place to cover the raw edges and give the underside a clean, finished look. This also protects your floors from rough staples.
Step 7 — Add Trim (Optional)
For a polished, professional finish, hot-glue a length of ribbon, cord trim, or nailhead trim along the bottom edge of the ottoman where the fabric meets the leg or base. This hides the staple line and adds a decorative detail.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Always pull fabric taut as you staple — loose fabric leads to wrinkles that are hard to fix later
- Use a staple every 1–2 inches for a secure hold
- Pre-wash your fabric before upholstering to prevent future shrinkage
- If using a print, center the focal motif on the top of the ottoman before cutting
Shop Fabric for Your Ottoman at My Fabric Villa
Find the perfect fabric for your ottoman project at My Fabric Villa. We carry a wide selection of cotton fabrics, bold prints, and coordinating solids suitable for upholstery and home décor projects. Contact us if you need help choosing the right fabric weight or print for your project.
