How to Make a Fabric Pouf Ottoman

A multipurpose decor item, this fabric pouf can be used as an ottoman, extra seating for guests or as a coffee table with a tray on top. Use a fun, patterned fabric that matches the other decor in your dorm room.

Original_Michelle-Edgemont-Fabric-Pouf-Beauty1_v

Materials Needed:

  • sewing machine
  • 2 yards of cotton fabric
  • scissors
  • iron
  • thread to match fabric

Download + Print Pattern

Cut out all pieces included in downloadable pouf pattern (Image 2). Follow instructions on pattern and tape it together (Images 3-5).

Cut Pattern Out of Fabric

Lay fabric out on a smooth surface, then lay pattern on top (Image 1). Pin pattern to fabric, then cut pattern out of fabric (Image 2). Cut out eight of the same pattern pieces, creating four identical pairs (Image 3).

Sew Pattern Pieces Together

Lay two of the pattern pieces on top of each other with right sides together and pin together along one side (Images 1-2). Sew pieces together along one long side, using a 1/4-inch hem allowance (Image 3). Press seam open and sew together remaining three pairs of pattern pieces. You now have four fabric pieces. Split these into two pairs and sew each pair together along one long side. Press seams open (Image 4). You are creating two halves of the fabric pouf.

Sew Corner Pieces

You should now have two large fabric pieces, each made out of four original pattern pieces. Place one fabric piece inside the other with the right sides together (Image 1). Adjust the pieces so the corners and edges match (Image 2). Pin along the whole edge (Image 3). Match the seams on both corners. Mark a 4-inch opening along one corner to not sew so you can turn the pouf right-side out (Image 4). Sew the pieces together with a 1/4-inch hem allowance, remembering to leave the 4-inch corner opening (Image 5).

Stuff Pouf

Turn pouf right-side out (Image 1). Gather old towels, old sheets and old fabric from around the house to use as stuffing. Start stuffing the pouf (Image 2-3). It will look bumpy, but we'll smooth it out with polyfill. When the pouf is almost full, start to add polyfill (Image 4). Take a handful and stuff it down along the sides of the pouf. This will give your pouf a nice, smooth appearance. Keep adding polyfill until your pouf is smooth and completely full (Image 5). The fabric should be taut.

Hand-Stitch Opening Closed

Hand-stitch the opening closed with an overhand stitch. Hold the opening closed, then thread a needle through both layers of fabric (Image 1). Bring the needle over the seam and thread it again through both layers of fabric (Image 2). Keep overhand-stitching the opening until it's closed. Knot the end of the thread to finish (Image 3).

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