A while back I had a client ask me to create a round ottoman for her family area. Her boys are young so we wanted no sharp edges, able to handle play but still look good.
So, I started with a pre-cut 36″ round piece of pine. You could start with plywood, but I wanted something super sturdy.
Added 2 – 2″ layers of foam and two sheets of upholstery filler (I purchased at a local upholstery shop, but it honestly looked like really thick quilt batting).
It looks like a really bad sandwich! You keep working with the filler until it is smooth {note: I had never used this or made an ottoman from scratch. I don’t know that in the future I would do it this way again – the guy at the shop told me it was easy to use, but I felt like I spent forever trying to make it perfect.}.
You flip it over {oh, and don’t flip it towards yourself. You might or might not hit your nose and have a bump, scratch and bruise for the next 2 weeks. I am just guessing at this outcome 
} and pull a layer of batting over the whole thing. You will need to turn it over a few times to make sure you are keeping it level and not over pulling in any areas.
Next, you need to mark for your tufting holes. You *could* do this first. But, if you didn’t, now is the time.
I used my 15″ quilting square because it was the perfect fit. You mark each corner and each mid-point. The corner is to pre-drill for the feet and the mid-points are for the tufting. My board had the center pre-marked and I lined up from there and also pre-drilled.
Repeat with upholstery weight fabric. I used pliers to really help me grip and pull the fabric tight. There is a tool that you can buy for this, but since I don’t do this often, pliers work well.
Now it is time to tuft.
You will need a really long upholstery needle and upholstery thread or coated jute for the button. I used a washer under my board to make sure my thread didn’t slip through the hole.
I used a button cover kit and made all of my buttons match by fussy cutting the fabric.
To tuft, I use 4 strands of thread in my needle and tie it to the washer. Then insert into pre-drilled hole. This part takes a little work, but you push down on the fabric and the needle will pop through. *WATCH YOUR FINGERS*
Then thread through button and pull to desired tautness. Now, you wrap the thread around the base of the button about 8 times to secure. Snip and tuck the ends under the button.
These feet were purchased online because of the pretty casters they have to add after we paint them. I used an empty case and poked the screws through to secure the feet.
Then I painted with the leftover Chateau Grey from this same clients gorgeous columns and pantry door project.
Once assembled, I added some pretty trim and the casters.
It turned out to be a perfect fit in her family room.
Have a great weekend!
Love ya,
Bev
Great job, Bev. I’ve never made an ottoman from scratch but I’ve sure considered it a few times. Thanks for the tips on tufting and using the washer!
I can only imagine the gorgeous ruffles on yours!
Sweet. Gives me ideas. I have trying to find a round ottoman that I like and can afford. no luck. Might have to try this.
It was really easy. The feet were expensive because of the rolling casters, but you could easily sub in some from a hardware store. After I finished, I thought of about 10 things I could have done different
Bev! It’s adorable! I LOVE it! I’m going to feature it in this week’s DIY Show Off highlights!
Thank you so much for sharing your creativity! Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much!
I have wanted to make an ottoman forever – now all I to do is follow your tutorial. No more excuses. I love the fabric you used!
Have a wonderful weekend.
I am so glad to hear you are going to go for it! The fabric came from Calico Home
XO, Bev
I love this ottoman, and you make it look easy. I will definitely have to try this! Where did you get the casters–all of the ones I have found are chunky and not at all pretty.
I love this project…thinking about making it for my family room, could you please tell me where you purchased the legs and casters?
Thanks so much!
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