Mastering the Round: Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing an Ottoman Cover

Transforming a plain ottoman into a stylish and inviting addition to your space is a rewarding DIY project. Sewing a round ottoman cover not only gives your furniture a fresh look but also protects it from wear and tear. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect round ottoman cover.

Before you start, gather your materials: fabric of your choice, scissors, measuring tape, pins, sewing machine, thread that matches your fabric, and an ottoman with a round top. Let's dive into the process.

Preparation and Measurement

Accurate measurement is key to a well-fitting cover. Start by measuring the diameter of your ottoman's top. This will be the width of your cover. Next, measure the height of the ottoman from the floor to the top. This will determine the length of your cover's sides.

Add seam allowances to your measurements. A standard seam allowance is ½ inch, but you can adjust this depending on your fabric's thickness and your sewing machine's capabilities. For example, if you're using a thick fabric, you might want to increase the seam allowance to ¾ inch.

Cutting the Fabric

Based on your measurements, cut your fabric. You'll need one piece for the top (round) and four pieces for the sides. The top piece should be a circle with a diameter equal to your ottoman's top. The side pieces should be rectangles with a width equal to the height of your ottoman and a length equal to half the circumference of the ottoman's top.

To create the circular top piece, you can use a compass or a large plate to draw a circle on your fabric. Then, cut along the line. For the side pieces, simply measure and cut your fabric into the required rectangles.

Sewing the Sides

Start by sewing two of the side pieces together along their short edges. This will create a long, continuous piece that will wrap around the ottoman. Remember to leave the top edges unsewn - this is where you'll attach the top piece.

Press your seams open to prevent bulk. This will also make it easier to fit the cover onto your ottoman. Repeat this process with the remaining two side pieces. You should now have two long, continuous pieces of fabric that will form the sides of your cover.

Attaching the Top Piece

Now it's time to attach the top piece to the sides. With right sides facing, pin the top edge of one of the side pieces to the edge of the top piece. The top piece should be centered on the side piece. Sew along this edge, leaving the other edges unsewn.

Repeat this process with the other side piece. You should now have a semi-circular piece of fabric that will form the top and one side of your cover. Press your seam allowance towards the top piece.

Finishing the Cover

To finish the cover, you'll need to sew the remaining edges. With right sides facing, pin the raw edges of the side pieces together. Sew along these edges, leaving the top edge unsewn. This will create an opening for your ottoman to slide through.

Press your seams open. Try on your cover - it should fit snugly around your ottoman. If it's too tight, you might need to trim some of the seam allowances. If it's too loose, you might need to add some pleats or gathers.

Adding Finishing Touches

If you'd like, you can add a few finishing touches to your cover. For example, you could add a border of contrasting fabric around the top edge. Or, you could add some piping to the edges for a more polished look.

Once you're satisfied with your cover, give it a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles. Then, slide it onto your ottoman and enjoy your new, stylish piece of furniture!

Sewing a round ottoman cover is a great way to update your space and show off your sewing skills. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a cover that's both functional and beautiful. Happy sewing!