What You Need to Make an Ottoman Slipcover
An ottoman slipcover is a fitted fabric shell that wraps around your ottoman's base and sides. You sew it from a single piece of fabric, measuring and cutting as you go, then stitch the seams and add a closure so you can remove it for washing. The whole project takes a weekend if you have a sewing machine and basic supplies.
Start by gathering fabric (upholstery-weight cotton, linen, or canvas works well), thread that matches or contrasts with your fabric, a measuring tape, scissors, pins, and a sewing machine. You will also need a zipper or velcro strip for the opening — a 14-inch zipper is standard for most ottomans, though you can measure your own. If your ottoman has legs or a decorative base, you may want to leave the bottom open instead of closing it completely.
The fabric amount depends on your ottoman's size. A typical square ottoman 18 inches on each side and 16 inches tall needs roughly 2.5 to 3 yards of 54-inch-wide fabric. Measure your ottoman's length, width, and height, then add 1 inch for seam allowance on all sides before you buy.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your ottoman's length, width, and height, then add seam allowance before cutting a single large rectangle of fabric.
- Pin and sew the four corner seams first, then try the cover on your ottoman to check the fit before adding the closure.
- A centered zipper or velcro strip on one side makes the slipcover removable for washing without visible fasteners on the front.
- Topstitching around the top edge and bottom opening gives the cover a finished look and reinforces the seams.
Measuring and Cutting Your Fabric
Lay your ottoman on its side and measure from the floor on one side, up and over the top, and down to the floor on the opposite side. Write this number down — it is your total height measurement. Now measure the length and width of the ottoman's footprint. Add 1 inch to each of these three measurements for seam allowance.
Cut a single rectangle from your fabric using these adjusted measurements. For example, if your ottoman is 18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches tall, your total height is 16 + 18 + 16 = 50 inches. Cut a rectangle 19 inches wide by 50 inches long (adding 1 inch to each dimension). This single piece will wrap around all four sides and over the top.
If your fabric has a pattern or nap (like velvet), lay it in one direction before cutting so the pattern runs the same way on the finished cover. Mark the fabric with a pencil or tailor's chalk to show where the corners will be — this helps you align seams later.
Pinning and Sewing the Corner Seams
Place your cut rectangle on a flat surface, wrong side up. Fold it so that two adjacent edges meet, creating a corner. The fold should align with one corner of your ottoman's footprint. Pin the two raw edges together along the seam line (1/2 inch from the edge), then sew with a straight stitch using matching thread.
Repeat this step for all four corners. After sewing each corner, trim the excess fabric at the seam to reduce bulk, then press the seam open with an iron. This creates clean, flat corners that fit snugly around your ottoman.
Once all four corners are sewn, turn the cover right side out and slide it onto your ottoman. Check that it sits evenly on all sides and that the top edge is level. If one side is too loose or too tight, you can adjust the next time you make a cover — for now, mark where adjustments are needed with a pin.
Installing a Zipper or Velcro Closure
Decide which side of your ottoman will have the opening. The back or a less visible side is best. Measure the length of that side and choose a zipper or velcro strip slightly shorter — a 14-inch zipper works for most ottomans, but measure your own to be sure.
If using a zipper, mark the center of the opening side with a pencil. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward by 1/2 inch and press with an iron. Pin the zipper behind the fold so the teeth are hidden, then sew it in place using a zipper foot on your machine. Sew slowly and keep the stitches close to the zipper teeth for a neat finish.
If using velcro, cut two strips the length of your opening. Sew the hook side (the rough side) to one edge of the opening and the loop side (the soft side) to the other edge, using a straight stitch 1/4 inch from the edge. Velcro is easier to install than a zipper and allows the cover to stretch slightly, which some people prefer.
Finishing the Top and Bottom Edges
The top edge of your slipcover (where it meets the ottoman's surface) and the bottom edge (where it meets the floor) should be finished to prevent fraying and give a polished look. Fold each edge inward by 1/2 inch, press with an iron, and pin in place.
Topstitch around the entire top edge using a straight stitch and matching thread, sewing 1/4 inch from the fold. This reinforces the seam and creates a visible line that frames the ottoman. Repeat for the bottom edge. If your ottoman has legs or feet, you may leave the bottom edge raw and hidden, or cut notches in the fabric so it fits around the legs.
Press the entire cover with an iron on a low setting to remove wrinkles and set the stitches. If you used a zipper, open it fully before pressing so the fabric lies flat.
Troubleshooting Common Fit Problems
If the cover is too loose around the sides, the corner seams may be too far from the edges. Next time, sew the corners closer to the edge (3/8 inch instead of 1/2 inch). If the cover pulls tight at the top, your ottoman may be taller than you measured, or the fabric may have shrunk — add extra length the next time you cut.
Puckering at the corners usually means the fabric was stretched while sewing. Slow down your machine speed and let the presser foot feed the fabric at its own pace. If the zipper pulls hard or sticks, rub a pencil along the teeth to lubricate them, or switch to velcro for your next cover.
If the bottom edge gaps away from the floor, your ottoman may be slightly wider at the base than at the top. Measure the base separately and add extra width to your next cut. Some ottomans have a slight taper, and accounting for this makes a big difference in how the cover sits.
Caring for Your Finished Slipcover
Once your cover is complete, test the zipper or velcro several times to make sure it opens and closes smoothly. Wash the cover in cool water on a gentle cycle, then lay it flat or hang it to dry. Do not put it in the dryer, as heat can shrink the fabric and damage the zipper.
If the cover wrinkles after washing, press it on a low setting while it is still slightly damp. Store it in a clean, dry place when not in use. If you plan to make more slipcovers, keep the original ottoman as a reference for measurements — ottoman sizes vary, and having a baseline makes the next project faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a slipcover for an ottoman with a decorative base or legs?
Yes. Measure from the floor up to where the legs or base end, then continue measuring up and over the ottoman's top. When you sew the bottom edge, cut notches in the fabric to fit around each leg, or leave the bottom completely open if the base is decorative and you want it to show.
What fabric weight works best for an ottoman slipcover?
Upholstery-weight cotton, linen, or canvas holds its shape better than lightweight quilting cotton and resists pilling from daily use. Look for fabric labeled "home decor" or "upholstery" at fabric stores. Avoid stretchy knits unless you want the cover to cling tightly to the ottoman.
Do I have to use a zipper, or can I sew the opening closed?
You can sew it closed, but then you cannot remove the cover to wash it without cutting the stitches. A zipper or velcro strip takes extra time upfront but saves you from having to resew the cover every time you want to clean it.
How much fabric do I need for a round ottoman?
Measure the diameter of the ottoman and its height. Cut a rectangle with a width equal to the diameter plus the height plus 1 inch for seam allowance, and a length equal to the circumference (diameter times 3.14) plus 1 inch. Sew the short ends together to form a tube, then proceed as you would with a square ottoman.
What thread color should I use?
Matching thread blends into the seams and is the standard choice. Contrasting thread (like white on dark fabric) makes the seams a design feature. Choose a thread weight that matches your fabric — heavy upholstery thread for canvas, regular all-purpose thread for lighter fabrics.