How to Fix a Burnt Ottoman

Repair Small Burn

• 1

  Cut around the small burn with embroidery scissors to remove the damaged fabric. This type of scissors has a narrow head that will allow you to maneuver the scissors carefully and cut just the parts you need to cut.

• 2

  Open the underside of the ottoman using pliers and a screwdriver. Usually the underside is covered with cambric, a black upholstery fabric. Pull this back and try to harvest the original fabric in a size larger than your damaged hole.

• 3

  Cut iron-on patch material twice the size of the damaged area. Fold the patch and insert it into the damaged hole. Unfold it, adhesive-side up. Center the patch under the hole. Cut your repair fabric slightly larger than the damaged spot.

• 4

  Position the repair fabric over the spot so that the entire damaged area is covered. Iron the fabric and patch area to activate the adhesive on the patch. Make sure your replacement fabric is strongly attached. Use the embroidery scissors to trim away any excess fabric. Staple the cambric over the bottom of the ottoman.

Replace Large Top Cover

• 5

  Turn the ottoman upside down, and use pliers and a screwdriver to remove the top cover. Pull the cover off. Open the seam between the top and sides using a seam ripper.

• 6

  Place the cover over your replacement fabric. Cut out your new cover.

• 7

  Position the new cover right side up on the table. Turn the sides of the original cover inside out. Align the corners. Pin the sides to the top cover with right sides together. Sew a seam following the old seam on the side panels. Turn the cover right side out.

• 8

  Place the cover on the ottoman. Pull it snug. Turn the ottoman upside down and pull the cover to the back, starting at the top center. Staple 2 inches from the edge. Pull on the bottom center and staple, followed by the left and then right sides. Work from the center toward the corners, stapling every inch. Fold and tuck your corners to finish. Staple the factory black cambric fabric back in place to hide your work.