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How to Recover an Ottoman with Tufting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reupholstering an ottoman is not only a cost-effective way to breathe new life into your furniture but also an opportunity to express your personal style. Tufting adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, transforming a simple piece into a stunning focal point for your room. This article will guide you through the process of recovering an ottoman with tufting, ensuring that your project is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Materials and Tools You Will Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary materials and tools:

• Materials:

  • Upholstery fabric (enough to cover your ottoman)
  • Foam padding (if needed)
  • Batting (optional, for extra softness)
  • Upholstery thread
  • Buttons (preferably covered in your chosen fabric)
  • Duc tape or a staple gun for securing fabric
• Tools:
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand sewing)
  • Riveting tool (for buttons)
  • Screwdriver (for disassembling the ottoman, if necessary)
  • Hammer (if you need to flatten any staples)

Step 1: Prepare Your Ottoman

Start by assessing your ottoman. If it has a removable top, unscrew or detach it from the body. Carefully remove any existing upholstery using a staple remover or a flathead screwdriver. Take your time with this step, making sure to avoid damaging the frame of the ottoman. Once stripped down, inspect the foam padding. If it’s worn out or damaged, replace it with new foam, cutting it to fit the top of your ottoman.

Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Fabric

Using your measuring tape, measurements will vary based on the size of your ottoman, but generally, you’ll need enough fabric to cover the top and sides. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 5-10cm around the edges for tucking and stapling later. Lay your fabric flat and use scissors to cut it according to your measurements.

Step 3: Preparing for Tufting

The tufting process involves sewing buttons into the fabric to create a raised effect. Start by laying the fabric right side down and placing the foam pad on top. If you are adding batting, do so now for extra cushioning.

To make the tufting easier, mark the spots on the foam and fabric where you want your buttons to go. This can be done in a grid pattern, ensuring that the placement is even. Use a disappearing ink marker or tailor’s chalk for this.

Step 4: Sew the Tufted Buttons

Using your upholstery thread, start at one marked point and create a small hole through the foam and fabric. Use a button or a tufting needle to pull the thread through, securing it with a button on the underside. Repeat this process for all your marked points, pulling the fabric tight to create the tufted effect. Make sure the buttons are securely attached so they won’t come loose over time.

Step 5: Attaching the Fabric

Once all of your buttons are securely in place, it’s time to wrap the fabric around the frame of the ottoman. Starting with one edge, pull the fabric taut and staple it to the underside of the ottoman. Work your way around the piece, making sure the fabric is evenly stretched and avoiding any sags or wrinkles. Use the hammer to press down any staples.

For corners, gather the fabric neatly, folding it into a pleat and securing it with staples. This will ensure a clean and professional finish.

Step 6: Finish the Ottoman

The final step is to attach the top back onto the ottoman frame if it was removed. Secure any parts that need fastening, and give your piece a once-over to check for any loose edges or staples that may need attention.

If desired, you can add decorative elements, such as a trim or piping, to enhance the overall look of your newly tufted ottoman.

Conclusion

Recovering an ottoman with tufting may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right materials and a bit of patience, you can create a beautiful piece of furniture that reflects your style. Not only does this project allow you to customise your decor, but it’s also a satisfying way to engage in DIY home improvements. Enjoy your newly upholstered and tufted ottoman!