A pouf is a stuffed fabric cube or cylinder you can make at home with basic sewing skills
A pouf is a soft, cushioned footrest or seat that you construct from fabric panels, sew together, stuff with filling, and close. You can make one in a weekend with a sewing machine, needle and thread, fabric, and polyester fiberfill. The basic shape is a cube or cylinder, though you can adapt the pattern to other forms. Most poufs are 12 to 18 inches across and take about two to three hours of active sewing time.
The process involves cutting fabric pieces to size, sewing them into a shape, leaving an opening for stuffing, filling it firmly, and hand-stitching the opening closed. No special techniques are required—straight seams and basic stitching are enough. The hardest part is usually stuffing it evenly so it holds its shape.
Key Takeaways
- A cube pouf needs six square fabric panels cut to the same size, sewn together on five sides, then stuffed and closed.
- Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance throughout so your finished pouf is the size you intended.
- Polyester fiberfill is the standard filling and costs a few dollars per pound at fabric stores.
- Stuff the pouf firmly so it keeps its shape and doesn't go flat after a few weeks of use.
- A ladder stitch (also called a slip stitch) closes the opening invisibly and is easier than it sounds.
Measure and cut six equal fabric panels
Decide how large you want your finished pouf. A 14-inch cube is a good starting size. Add 1 inch to that measurement for seam allowance (1/2 inch on each side), so you will cut six squares that are 15 inches by 15 inches each.
Lay your fabric on a flat surface and use a ruler and fabric pencil or chalk to mark the squares. Cut them out with sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter. All six pieces should be exactly the same size so the pouf sits level and the seams line up evenly.
Sew five sides of the cube together
Place two fabric squares with the right sides facing each other (the pretty sides touching). Pin along one edge, then sew a straight seam 1/2 inch from the edge using a sewing machine set to a medium stitch length. Backstitch at the beginning and end to lock the seam.
Open the two pieces and lay them flat. Take a third square, place its right side against the right side of one of the attached squares, pin, and sew. Continue adding squares one at a time, sewing each new square to the edge of the growing shape. You are building a cross pattern that will fold into a cube. After five squares are sewn together, you will have one open side where the sixth square will go—this is your stuffing opening.
Press all seams flat with an iron as you go. This makes the finished pouf look neater and makes it easier to sew the final seams straight.
Attach the sixth panel and leave a gap for stuffing
Place the sixth square right side down on top of the open side of your cube shape. Pin three full sides and part of the fourth side, leaving a 4 to 6 inch gap in one corner. This gap is where you will push the fiberfill through.
Sew along all the pinned edges with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the start and end of each seam, and backstitch on both sides of the gap so the stitches don't unravel when you stuff. Turn the entire pouf right side out through the gap, pushing the corners out gently with a blunt tool like a chopstick so they are sharp and square.
Stuff the pouf firmly and evenly
Open a bag of polyester fiberfill. Grab small handfuls and push them through the gap, working them into all four corners first. Use a chopstick or wooden spoon handle to poke the filling into the corners so they stay square and don't collapse. Fill the pouf until it is quite firm—it should feel solid when you squeeze it, not squishy.
Most 14-inch poufs need about 2 to 3 pounds of fiberfill. Overstuffing slightly is better than understuffing, because the pouf will compress over time as you sit on it. If you stuff it loosely, it will flatten out within a few weeks.
Close the opening with a ladder stitch
Thread a needle with thread that matches your fabric. Tie a knot at the end. Fold the raw edges of the gap inward 1/2 inch and pin them closed. The folded edges should meet in the middle of the gap.
Bring the needle up through the fold on one side of the gap, then slide it horizontally inside the fold for about 1/2 inch and come back out. Cross over to the opposite side of the gap and repeat—slide the needle inside the fold, travel 1/2 inch, and come back out. Keep alternating sides, pulling the thread snug every few stitches. The thread will pull the two folded edges together and close the gap invisibly. When you reach the end, tie off the thread inside the pouf and trim it.
Add optional handles or trim
A finished pouf works as is, but you can add fabric handles to the top so it is easier to move. Cut two strips of fabric 2 inches wide and 8 inches long, fold them in half lengthwise with right sides together, sew along the long edge, turn right side out, and press flat. Hand-stitch the ends to opposite corners of the top of the pouf.
You can also sew decorative trim, ribbon, or piping along the seams where the panels meet. Sew it on by hand after the pouf is complete, or attach it to the fabric panels before you sew them together. Either way works, though attaching it beforehand is faster if you are making multiple poufs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric works best for a pouf?
Cotton canvas, linen, upholstery fabric, and denim are all durable choices that hold their shape well. Avoid very stretchy fabrics like jersey knit, which will sag over time. Medium-weight fabric is easier to sew than very thick upholstery, especially if you are new to sewing.
Can I use a different shape instead of a cube?
Yes. A cylinder pouf uses two circular end panels and one rectangular side panel. A rectangular box uses the same method as a cube but with different panel sizes. The sewing steps are identical—only the panel shapes change. Sketch the shape you want and measure carefully before you cut.
How much fiberfill do I need?
A 14-inch cube needs about 2 to 3 pounds. A 12-inch cube needs about 1.5 pounds. Fiberfill is sold by weight at fabric stores, usually in 1-pound or 2-pound bags. It is inexpensive, so buy a little extra in case you need to add more to make the pouf firmer.
What if my seams are crooked or uneven?
Crooked seams will still hold the pouf together and are invisible once it is stuffed. If a seam is very off and the panels don't line up, you can carefully cut the stitches with a seam ripper, re-pin, and sew again. Practice on scrap fabric first if you are worried about mistakes.
Can I wash a pouf after I make it?
Most poufs can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth. If your fabric is machine-washable, you can remove the fiberfill, wash the cover, dry it, and restuff it. Alternatively, use a fabric protector spray before the pouf gets heavy use to make cleaning easier later.