How to Skirt an Ottoman

Ottomans, commonly known as footstools, have been called such since the 1800s, because, according to Visiondecor, “Footstools were typically used in a reclined position with legs up on the stool. This position was associated with the East according to European history, and the word was derived from Balkan influence, which was still under Ottoman rule at the time.” Adding a skirt to your ottoman gives it a new look and, with moderate sewing skills, can be done in an afternoon.

Tape measure
Straight pins
Fabric to match ottoman or coordinating solid/pattern, double the circumference measurement
Scissors
2 safety pins
Elastic, ½-inch wide and ¾ the length of the ottoman's circumference
Sewing machine
Staple gun and staples
Glue gun and glue sticks
Gimp braid

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the circumference of the ottoman. Multiply the measurement by two. Decide where on the ottoman you want your skirt attached, marking with straight pins. Measure the desired drop of the skirt from the pins to the floor. Add 3 inches to this measurement.
- 2
  Cut the long rectangle of fabric according to your measurements. Choose which side of the rectangle will be “the bottom.”
- 3
  Fold the edge of the bottom over twice, against the wrong side of the fabric, forming a 1-inch hem. Pin.
- 4
  Sew, on the sewing machine, with a straight stitch and a half-inch seam allowance, along the edge. Remove pins.
- 5
  Fold the rectangle vertically in half, so the two ends are together, right sides of the fabric touching, and pin to form a 1-inch wide seam. Sew, with a straight stitch, using a half-inch seam allowance. Remove pins. You have a loop with a hemmed bottom.
- 6
  Fold the top edge over a half inch against the wrong side of the fabric. Pin. Sew with a straight stitch, using quarter-inch seam allowance. Remove pins.
- 7
  Fold the hemmed top edge over again to form a one-inch wide casing for the elastic against the wrong side of the fabric. Pin. Sew leaving a 4-inch opening through which to thread the elastic. Remove pins.
- 8
  Insert a safety pin through one elastic end. Insert the other safety pin into the casing fabric and into the other elastic end. This is so you won’t lose your elastic in the casing.
- 9
  Thread the safety pin/elastic through the 4-inch opening in the casing until it emerges from the other end. Sew elastic together the casing opening closed.
- 10
  Stretch the skirt around the ottoman in the desired position. Staple, with the staple gun, through the fabric and into the wood under the ottoman’s fabric covering/padding. Keep the staples in a straight line.
- 11
  Measure and cut a piece of gimp braid according to the measurements around the ottoman plus 2 inches.
- 12
  Glue, using the glue gun, the gimp braid over the row of staples, folding the braid end under and gluing it to the braid beneath.

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