How to Make an Ottoman From Recycled Cord

Cord Options

• Recycled corduroy can be found inexpensively at second hand stores, garage sales and flea markets. In these locations you most likely will come across corduroy clothing, such as jackets and pants. This fabric will work fine, but you will have to patch it or seam it together in a way that appeals to you. For instance, cut strips of cord to create a striped fabric or patch it together like a quilt. Otherwise, look to larger scale sources, such as old cord sofas, for the fabric.

Color Scheme

• Cord is found commonly in black, brown, khaki, beige, navy, gray and forest green. However, if you dig around you also can find it in a rainbow of colors, including red, baby blue, pink and purple. Consider how you want the end product to look. For instance, design a neutral ottoman you can use in more than one room by using recycled cord for the top and another fabric to cover the sides, or create a patchwork cord ottoman in shades of red, pink, purple and black.

Sew or No-Sew

• Build the ottoman from scratch or recover an old ottoman. For instance, build the ottoman from a plan you can find online or a reclaimed spool style ottoman made with spools found at the hardware store. Each project will be a little bit different and require a separate set of skills. Decide if you are comfortable with sewing the cord to add to the ottoman or if you would prefer a no-sew option.

Other Ideas

• Use one type of fabric in a graphic print for the top of the ottoman. Create a skirt to fit around the perimeter of the ottoman from an old corduroy skirt. Modify the skirt to fit and pin it in place. Alternatively, create piping for the ottoman from a different color of corduroy. For instance, if your design consists if a beige or khaki cord, add a chocolate brown trim to the edge of the ottoman.