Scavenger Chic

Cow Cube Ottoman DIY

• By Joan
• June 3, 2018
• 4 Comments

I stop in thrift stores periodically to see if anything is calling my name, anything in desperate need of a makeover. I can usually be in and out in about 5 minutes with the furniture aisle coming first then I’ll swing around to wood and metal decor.

On this visit I didn’t even have to venture very far, the cube was waiting for me at the door.  Since I haven’t covered a cube before, he came home with me.

If you find an ottoman that is already covered it will save you some money.  Just take off the fabric and use the padding already in place or slipcover right over the old fabric.

Now, I’m going to show you all my steps but if you want some really great expertise advice I’d refer you over to Youtube, How to recover an Ottoman.  I admit, it’s much better than my few pictures, but you’ll get an idea of what you’re up against here.

I needed something to staple my fabric to when I recover this thing and there wasn’t much of a bottom.

Four pieces of scrap wood screwed in from the sides creates just enough of a bottom to attach my fabric to.  The other two pieces, not shown, were screwed in from the sides and glued to the above 2×4’s.

Cover with 1 inch foam stapling at the corners to hold it in place.  I used 2 pieces on top for a cushier seat.

The foam is followed with a layer of quilt batting.  Again, secure with staples.

I originally found this suede cow fabric at Spoonflower.  I sent away for a swatch and absolutely loved the weight and the softness of the fabric.  I knew I had to use it in a future project.  What I didn’t love was the cost, the faux suede was $34 a yard.

After a little search I found the same fabric on Etsy from Fabric Empire for $15.90 a yard.   It was so easy to work with, didn’t stretch and it even comes in pink (if you’re into pink cows).

Don’t be surprised if you see another cow project from me since I ordered 2 yards while I was there.

Cut two lengths equal to the width of two sides plus a couple inches, and the height of the ottoman plus a few inches. These will be your sides.

With right sides together sew one side seam.

Fold the seam to one side and top stitch that seam down close to the original stitching.

I do my ottoman just a little different than the video that I referenced above,  but she explains the steps so much better than I do.  With that being said….

With the wrong side out, wrap your ottoman, centering the seam you just made on one of the corners.

Pull tight and pin the opposite corner exactly where you need to sew.

Using your pins as a guideline, sew that seam in the same manner as you sewed the first seam.

I’m trying my cow cover on for size.  Whenever I sew, I always seem to be ripping something out so I was pretty excited to see it fit on the first try.

Cut the square top one inch wider and taller than your cube.

Use a pin to mark where the corners are on the side piece and pin the square top to the sides with right sides together and matching corners.

Because I cut the top piece one inch longer and wider than the ottoman I’m using a  half inch seam allowance to sew the pieces together.

Clip the corners and turn right side out.  Pull back over the ottoman.

Staple the fabric on the bottom working out from the center, pulling tight and rotating sides as you go.

The only black piece of fabric I had was a piece of burlap, so I’m using that to hide the hole and all the edges.  Staple in place.

I didn’t want the ottoman’s fabric sitting directly on the floor so I gave him some feet.  From my pile of junk I pulled out these four wooden pieces, painted black, screwed on then covered with some felt furniture protectors.

A few days later, I found these furniture glides at Walmart.  Whatever works for you.   😉

The cow print pairs nicely with my  chicken coop coffee table.  Talk about farmhouse style.

Have a great week, stay inspired.

Shared at Wow us Wednesday, Talk of the Town,

Metamorphosis Monday,

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