Ottoman Adoration (Volume 2 of 3)

The ottoman framework I showed you yesterday was seriously kicking butt. I had already been testing the set of three out for a day or two while writing and editing photos while clearing out the DVR, and I knew they were just the perfect proportion for the living room couch based on how my legs and back felt after 2 hours in the same position.

The next step involved prepping the surface with batting. Not sure what to expect when I ventured into JoAnn’s, I opted for a package of king-size quilt batting that came rolled up like a burrito. The specs of batting are totally foreign to me still (I’ve never quilted), but when comparing across brands, varieties, and purposes, the 100% polyester product was least expensive, the thickness of it was defined as allowing for more cushy stitching, and the quality (upon poking my untrained finger into an open end of the plastic bag) didn’t feel much unlike some of the pricier varieties.

Unfolded, it measured 120″x120″, which happily ended up being enough to wrap each of the ottomans. Priced at just under $25, it was on sale for $14.50, which equates to $4.83/each. About the same cost as a venti mocha, so, not bad.

Bonus happiness: Manufactured in Buffalo. Supporting local economy. 

I busted open the burrito when I got home, and spread the whole king size piece flat to get a sense for how best to cut it to the dimensions of my ottomans. What worked best was this:

Happily, but not planned, when the entire circumference of the ottoman was wrapped with one of the strips of batting, I still had about 3.5′ leftover. Fold that in half, and it fit perfectly on top of the ottoman for a cushy, four-layer-thick surface.

If you’re curious, when I wrapped the batting around the circumfrence of the ottoman, I didn’t staple or pin it into place; instead, I taped it together with basic clear packing tape. May seem odd, but seemed easy enough. I didn’t want to risk having little dimples in the polyester.

The batting seemed adequate – I had still been considering doing an extra layer of high-density foam, but it didn’t seem necessary. I decided to proceed with a test slipcover using fabric that I had on hand (because I figured it’s best to figure out this whole thing before I actually involve my checking account in the whole ordeal). I had picked up a few yards of fabric from IKEA at the beginning of the year, but never used it. The print, which I don’t recall the product name of but know is credited to Linda Svensson, is abundant with the gold/green color that spills through my whole house. I knew whether it was transformed into pillowcases, curtains, or anything else, that it would feel like it belonged.

My first test-ottoman slip cover felt like a good time to put this fabric to the test. After all, it’s a tougher fabric: a canvas. The material naturally withstands wear and tear. Also, it wasn’t pure white, and I thought the pattern would really help any accidental stains or dirt that ended up on the fabric over time (because we’re not always careful, and that’s ok, because I don’t want a house where I have to take off my shoes and have a living room I’m not allowed to live comfortably in).

I started by cutting myself 5 pieces of fabric, each 20″x20″, a generous size for each panel to account for extra wiggle room in the sewing process.

I sewed three of them together so that it would drape nicely over the batting (and give me a good idea of how it would appear when wrapped snuggly.

I added the other two sides edge by edge, customizing how much extra seam was tucked within the slipcover to make sure that the end piece would be taut. I found that as I was slowly finalizing it, that even being very taut and tightly wrapped, it still slid off and on easily because of how cushy the batting was. The 20″x20″ panels had allowed for .5″-1.5″ allowance all around.

Once it was fitted, I flipped the entire piece over to make the slipcover a little more snug.

Extra overhang allowed me to wrap it securely on the bottom of the frame. Another instance when the staple gun might have been useful, I avoided it because I was hoping to keep the slipcover something that was easily removable for washing. I started with simple uncushioned furniture sliders (that are kind of like big tacks) and secured down the folded corners while also making for a solid surface for the ottoman to rest on.

I reinforced the extra fabric into place around the edges with pushpins. Pink.

The resulting effect was pretty cool. And lined up with the other two ottomans (one wrapped in batting, one still plain), the overall size and positioning of them in front of the couch was appealing.

You like?

Here’s where I need some help.

I’ve been shopping for fabrics in stores and on Etsy. Naturally, I’m indecisive as can be. I’ll need 2 yards of whatever fabric I decide on, but i’m hoping your weigh-in will help me decide on the final designs.

In addition to some plain canvas and natural fiber options, these are just some I’ve narrowed down to.

Psst: you can click on the image to go straight to the shop listing, BTW:

If you come across any other interesting prints in your browsing today, please share! (And remember that these ottomans won’t be permanently in the living room, I hope they’ll be nomadic as needed, so they don’t need to look strictly like a family).