DIY Network

Ottomans Create unique Victorian ottomans. From "Weekend Decorating" episode WDC-302

Finished ottoman.

Which would you prefer: spending a gazillion dollars for a custom-made ottoman, or making one yourself? If you'd rather save the money by doing it yourself, here's how Nancy Golden made the pair of whimsical ottomans in the Victorian bedroom. There are a couple of different ways to go about this project: If you like to sew, buy several coordinating fabrics and make multiple slipcovers and pillow shams of varying lengths for each ottoman. If your sewing skills are underwhelming -- or if you just want to really save time -- go ahead and buy ready-made slipcovers and pillow shams to use. (One thing to keep in mind if you're making your own slipcovers and shams: Be sure to buy all your fabric at the same time. Fabrics are dyed in lots, and if you have to go back to buy more fabric, the lots might not match.)

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Project time: 3 hours.

Materials
Three (3) thin pillows for each ottoman or enough 1" batting to make each pillow three layers thick
Slipcover and pillow-sham patterns and fabric or ready-made slipcovers and shams
Wooden ottoman base
Extra-long tufting needle
Heavy-duty thread
Eight large fabric-covered buttons
Eight 1/2" clear acrylic buttons

Figure A

Steps

1. If the ottoman frame isn't already predrilled, drill it so that you can create a tufted effect.

2. Layer two small slipcovers in different lengths to the ottoman frame (figure A).

3. After the slipcovers are positioned correctly, staple layers to the frame to secure the fabric and prevent the material from shifting. (Be sure to use staples that are long enough for this task: ours were 1/2".)

4. Layer each pillow in the desired order and place on top of the ottoman, being careful to cover all the corners evenly.

5. Use the 1/2" clear buttons, the tufting needle and the thread to attach the cushions to the bottom of the ottoman frame.

• Thread the needle with a double thickness of thread and tie at the end to create a large knot.

• Working from underneath the ottoman and thread the needle through the small button, up through the frame and all the layers of cushions.

• Tie off the thread to the upholstered button.

• Repeat this for the rest of the button to complete the tufted effect.

Tip: For an extra-fancy look, hot-glue decorative fringe around the edge of the ottoman.

Time spent so far: 7 hours.

RESOURCES :

Tomboy Tools
Tomboy Tools, Inc.
Website: www.tomboys.com

Mattress and box springs
Verlo Mattress Factory Stores
Website: verlo.com

GUESTS :

Donna Babylon
Author / Designer / Owner, Windsor Oak Publishing
Toll-free: 888-919-8227
Fax: 410-848-3293
E-mail: Donna@WindsorOak.com

Jan Haag
Design professional

Kari Openshaw
Allied ASID Designer