Can you give your old ottoman a new look without stitching? Yes, you absolutely can! You can completely reupholster an ottoman no sew. This guide shows you an easy way to give your ottoman a fresh style just by using a staple gun and some fabric. You don’t need a sewing machine or fancy skills. This DIY ottoman makeover no sewing project is perfect for beginners and a great way to try upholstering furniture without sewing. Get ready to learn how to cover an ottoman with fabric staple gun methods!
Why Choose the No-Sew Way?
Fixing up furniture can seem hard. But using a staple gun instead of sewing makes it simple.
Speed and Simplicity
Sewing takes time and skill. With staples, you just pull the fabric tight and shoot the staple. It’s much faster and easier for most people. This is great for a quick fabric ottoman reupholstery without sewing machine.
Cost Savings
You save money by not needing sewing gear or paying someone else. All you need are simple tools and fabric.
Great for Beginners
If you’ve never redone furniture, this is a good start. It’s a simple way to learn about stretching fabric and making corners look nice. It’s a perfect introduction to no sew furniture upholstery ideas.
What You Need
Gather your supplies before you start. Having everything ready helps the job go smoothly.
Tools
- Staple Gun: A good quality electric or pneumatic staple gun is best. A manual one works too, but it’s more work.
- Staples: Make sure you have enough staples that fit your gun. Choose staples long enough to go through the fabric and into the ottoman’s base.
- Screwdriver or Drill: You’ll need this to take off the ottoman’s legs and sometimes old fabric.
- Pliers or Staple Remover: This helps you take out old staples or fix mistakes.
- Scissors: Sharp ones for cutting fabric.
- Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes, especially when using a staple gun.
- Gloves: These can help you grip better and protect your hands.
- Measuring Tape: To measure your ottoman and fabric.
- Marker or Chalk: For marking fabric.
Materials
- Your Ottoman: The footstool you want to make over.
- Fabric: Choose a strong fabric meant for furniture, like upholstery fabric. Make sure you get enough! A good rule is to measure the top and sides, then add extra for pulling and stapling. Add about 6-8 inches on all sides.
- Batting (Optional but Good): A soft layer that goes under the fabric. It makes the ottoman feel plush and hides small bumps. Polyester quilt batting is a common choice. Get enough to wrap around the top and sides with overlap.
- Trim (Optional): Like gimp trim or decorative cord. This hides the staples along the bottom edge.
- Fabric Glue or Hot Glue Gun: If you use trim, you’ll need glue to attach it.
- Tacks (Optional): For holding trim if you don’t use glue.
Table: Supplies Checklist
| Item | Type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Staple Gun | Tool | Attaching new fabric |
| Staples | Material | Fasteners for staple gun |
| Screwdriver | Tool | Removing legs, old fabric/staples |
| Pliers/Staple Remover | Tool | Removing old staples, fixing mistakes |
| Scissors | Tool | Cutting fabric and batting |
| Safety Glasses | Safety Gear | Eye protection |
| Gloves | Safety Gear | Hand protection, grip |
| Measuring Tape | Tool | Getting correct sizes |
| Marker/Chalk | Tool | Marking cuts on fabric |
| Ottoman | Project Item | The piece you are changing |
| Upholstery Fabric | Material | The new cover |
| Batting | Material (Optional) | Adds padding and shape |
| Trim | Material (Optional) | Hides staples at the bottom |
| Fabric Glue | Material (Optional) | Attaching trim |
| Hot Glue Gun | Tool (Optional) | Attaching trim |
| Tacks | Material (Optional) | Another way to attach trim |
Having these things ready makes your ottoman fabric replacement no sew project much easier.
Getting the Ottoman Ready
Before you put on the new fabric, you need to prepare the ottoman itself.
Take Off the Legs
Most ottomans have legs you can unscrew. Turn the ottoman over. Use your screwdriver or drill to remove them. Keep the screws and legs in a safe place. Taking off the legs lets you staple fabric neatly underneath the base.
Remove Old Fabric
This is important for a good result. Use your staple remover or pliers and screwdriver to pull out all the old staples holding the fabric. Slowly peel back the old fabric. Check for any extra layers or batting. If the old padding is good and you like it, you can leave it. But often, it’s best to take everything off down to the bare frame or deck. This lets you start fresh.
Be careful not to damage the ottoman’s frame. Pull out every staple. Loose staples can get in the way or poke through later. This step is key for a smooth footstool reupholstery no sew.
Clean the Base
Once the old fabric is off, look at the ottoman base. Clean off any dust or dirt. If the wood looks rough, you can lightly sand it. Make sure the surface where you will staple is clean and solid.
Preparing Your Fabric and Batting
Getting your fabric and batting cut to the right size is the next step.
Measure Your Ottoman
Measure the top of the ottoman. Then measure the sides. You need enough fabric to cover the top, go down the sides, and wrap underneath the base by at least 2-3 inches for stapling.
- For a Square or Rectangle: Measure the length and width of the top. Measure the height of the sides. Add the height of the sides twice to both the length and width measurements (once for each side). Then add another 6-8 inches to both numbers for wrapping and handling.
- Example: Top is 20×30 inches. Height is 15 inches.
- Fabric Width Needed: 20 + 15 + 15 + 8 = 58 inches
- Fabric Length Needed: 30 + 15 + 15 + 8 = 68 inches
- You need a piece of fabric at least 58×68 inches.
- For a Round Ottoman: Measure the distance across the top (diameter). Measure the height of the sides. Add the height twice to the diameter. Then add 8-10 inches. Cut a square piece this size. A square works fine for covering a round shape. You will trim the extra later.
- Example: Diameter is 24 inches. Height is 12 inches.
- Fabric Square Size Needed: 24 + 12 + 12 + 10 = 58 inches.
- You need a square piece of fabric at least 58×58 inches.
Always measure twice to be sure. It’s better to have too much fabric than not enough.
Cut Your Fabric
Lay your fabric out flat, wrong side up. Use your measurements to mark the cutting lines. Cut the fabric neatly with sharp scissors. If your fabric has a pattern, think about how you want it centered on the ottoman top.
Cut Your Batting (If Using)
Cut the batting in the same way you measured for the fabric. You want enough batting to wrap over the top and down the sides. You can use one or two layers depending on how plush you want it. Make sure the batting piece is slightly bigger than your ottoman top and sides so it can be pulled and stapled too.
Adding the Batting Layer
Adding batting gives your ottoman a soft, smooth look. It helps cover any bumps or unevenness in the frame.
Center the Ottoman
Place the cut batting flat on the floor or a large table. Center the ottoman, top down, on the batting.
Wrap and Staple Batting
Pull the batting up the sides of the ottoman. If your ottoman has a removable top cushion, you might be working on the base frame. If it’s a solid piece, wrap the batting over the top and down the sides.
Pull the batting firmly, but don’t stretch it too hard. Flip the ottoman over if needed to smooth the batting on top. Flip it back upside down. Pull the edges of the batting underneath the base. Use your staple gun to put a few staples in the center of each side underneath the base. This holds it in place.
Go around and add more staples, pulling the batting snug. Trim any extra batting that is too bulky. Make sure the batting is smooth on the top and sides.
Stapling the New Fabric: Step-by-Step
This is where your no sew ottoman cover comes to life. Take your time and pull the fabric tight as you go.
Step 1: Position the Fabric
Lay your cut fabric flat on the floor or table, wrong side up. If your fabric has a pattern, think about how you want it centered on the ottoman.
Place the ottoman, top down, directly in the center of your fabric. Make sure the fabric is centered evenly on all sides.
Step 2: Start the First Side
Choose one side to start. Pull the fabric up and over the edge of the ottoman base. Pull it underneath the base. Pull it firmly so the fabric is smooth on the top and side.
Put one staple in the center of this side, underneath the base. This holds the fabric in place.
Step 3: Move to the Opposite Side
Now, go directly across to the opposite side. Pull the fabric up and over the edge. Pull it underneath the base. Pull this side very firmly, making sure the fabric is tight across the top of the ottoman. Put one staple in the center of this side, underneath the base.
Checking between these two staples is how you make sure your fabric is straight and tight. If the fabric looks crooked or loose on top, take out the staples and try again.
Step 4: Staple the Remaining Sides
Go to the third side. Pull the fabric up, over, and underneath the base. Pull it firmly. Put one staple in the center underneath.
Go to the fourth side (the last one). Pull the fabric up, over, and underneath the base. Pull it firmly. Put one staple in the center underneath.
Now you have one staple on each of the four sides, holding the fabric centered and mostly tight. This is the basic setup for staple gun ottoman upholstery.
Step 5: Working Towards the Corners
Starting from your first staple on any side, add more staples working outwards towards the corners. Put a staple about an inch or two away from the first center staple. Then put one an inch or two from that one, moving towards the corner.
As you staple, keep pulling the fabric tight. You are aiming for a smooth, wrinkle-free surface on the top and sides. Stop stapling about 4-6 inches away from each corner. You will deal with corners next.
Repeat this on all four sides, working from the center staple outwards, stopping before the corners.
Step 6: Handling Corners
Corners are the trickiest part of how to cover an ottoman with fabric staple gun without sewing. You need to fold the fabric neatly.
For Square or Rectangle Corners:
- Stand at one corner. You will see extra fabric here.
- Pull the fabric on one side of the corner tight and staple it close to the corner edge, underneath the base.
- Take the fabric on the other side of the corner. Pull it tight and smooth it against the side. You will have a flap of fabric at the corner point.
- Fold this extra fabric into a neat pleat or fold, pulling it towards one side of the corner.
- Smooth the fold down the side of the ottoman. Pull the folded fabric firmly underneath the base.
- Staple the folded fabric underneath the base. Use several staples to hold the fold flat and secure.
- Check the corner from the top and side. It should look neat and smooth. If it’s messy, take out the staples and try refolding. There are a few ways to fold corners; practice on scrap fabric first if you are unsure. The goal is a flat, tidy result on the outside.
Repeat this process for all four corners.
For Round Ottoman Corners (Curved Edges):
Round shapes require a different approach. You won’t have sharp corners.
- After stapling the main fabric around the base, you will have gathers or pleats of fabric around the curved edge underneath the ottoman.
- Pull sections of the fabric underneath the base. Make small, neat folds (pleats or gathers) every few inches as you go around the curve.
- Staple each fold securely underneath the base. The goal is to distribute the extra fabric evenly around the curve underneath the ottoman.
- Keep pulling the fabric tight as you make these small folds. This makes the top and sides smooth.
Stapling around curves takes patience. Make small folds and staple often to keep it smooth. This method works well for a no sew ottoman cover on a round base.
Step 7: Final Stapling
Once the corners are done and the fabric is smooth everywhere, go back and add more staples around the entire edge underneath the base. Place staples every 1-2 inches. Make sure the fabric is pulled very tight as you do this. This adds strength and keeps the fabric from coming loose.
Trim away any large amounts of extra fabric underneath the staples. Be careful not to cut too close to the staples.
Adding Finishing Touches (Optional)
Adding trim gives your ottoman a polished, finished look. It also hides the staples underneath the edge.
Choose Your Trim
Gimp braid or decorative cord are common choices. Pick a color and style that matches your new fabric.
Measure and Cut Trim
Measure around the bottom edge of your ottoman where the fabric meets the base. Add an inch or two for overlap. Cut your trim to this length.
Attach the Trim
You can use fabric glue or a hot glue gun. Start at the back of the ottoman where it’s less visible. Put a line of glue along the edge where you want the trim to go. Press the trim into the glue. Continue gluing and pressing the trim all the way around the ottoman. When you reach the start, overlap the trim ends neatly and glue them down.
If using tacks, you can gently hammer small decorative tacks through the trim into the ottoman frame along the bottom edge. Space them evenly.
Let the glue dry completely before moving the ottoman.
Reattaching the Legs
Turn the ottoman back over carefully. Screw the legs back into their original spots.
Your ottoman fabric replacement no sew project is now complete!
Care for Your Upholstered Ottoman
Now that your ottoman looks new, take care of it.
- Cleaning: Check your fabric’s cleaning instructions. Most upholstery fabric can be spot cleaned with a mild soap and water.
- Vacuuming: Use a brush attachment on your vacuum to clean off dust and dirt regularly.
- Protect from Sun: Keep the ottoman out of direct sunlight if possible, as it can fade fabric over time.
Other No-Sew Upholstery Ideas
This reupholster ottoman no sew method works for other furniture too! You can use the same steps for:
- Bench seats: Simple rectangle shape.
- Headboards: Flat boards covered with batting and fabric.
- Chair seats: Many chair seats just pop out and can be restapled.
- Cork boards or notice boards: Cover them with fabric for a nice look.
- This shows the power of upholstering furniture without sewing. It opens up many possibilities for quick home updates. Explore other no sew furniture upholstery ideas using similar staple gun methods.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Things don’t always go perfectly. Here are some fixes for common problems:
Problem: Fabric is wrinkled on top.
- Fix: You didn’t pull the fabric tight enough. Pull out some staples on the sides. Pull the fabric much tighter from the opposite side of the wrinkle. Restaple firmly, working outwards from the center.
Problem: Corners look messy.
- Fix: Your fabric folds weren’t neat. Pull out staples at the corner. Practice folding the fabric on a scrap piece first. Try different folding methods (a single pleat, two smaller pleats). The goal is a flat, tidy look on the outside. Smooth the folded fabric down and staple it securely underneath.
Problem: Staples won’t go in all the way.
- Fix: Your staple gun might not be strong enough, or your staples are too long for the wood. Try using shorter staples. If it’s a manual staple gun, try using more force or using an electric gun. Sometimes, the wood is very hard; an electric or air-powered gun works best on hard wood. Make sure the gun is sitting flat against the wood when you shoot the staple.
Problem: Fabric is fraying at the edges underneath.
- Fix: This is okay if it’s underneath and stapled well. The trim will cover it. If it bothers you, you can use a little fabric glue or fray check liquid on the raw edges before stapling, but it’s usually not needed for durability if the staples are secure and covered by trim.
Table: Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wrinkles on top | Fabric not pulled tight enough | Remove staples, pull fabric very tight, restaple. |
| Messy corners | Fabric folding not neat | Remove staples, practice corner folds, refold neatly, restaple securely. |
| Staples won’t sink fully | Gun not strong, staples too long | Use shorter staples, use electric/pneumatic gun, push gun flat. |
| Fabric fraying underneath edge | Raw edge of fabric | (Mostly okay if covered by trim) Apply fray check or fabric glue before stapling. |
Hints for a Great Result
- Choose the Right Fabric: Heavy duty upholstery fabric lasts longer and is easier to work with (it stretches less than thin fabric). Patterns hide minor imperfections better than solid colors.
- Practice with the Staple Gun: If you haven’t used one, staple into some scrap wood or cardboard first to get a feel for it.
- Pull Fabric Evenly: Try to pull the fabric with the same tension everywhere for a smooth look.
- Don’t Rush: Taking your time, especially on corners, leads to a better finish.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses when using a staple gun. Keep fingers away from the stapling area.
Summary of Steps
Here is a quick review of the steps for staple gun ottoman upholstery:
- Gather all tools and materials.
- Remove ottoman legs.
- Take off the old fabric completely.
- Clean the ottoman base.
- Measure ottoman for new fabric and batting.
- Cut fabric and batting to size.
- Wrap ottoman with batting (optional), securing with staples underneath.
- Center new fabric on the ottoman.
- Staple fabric underneath the base, starting with center staples on opposite sides, pulling fabric tight.
- Work outwards from center staples, stopping before corners.
- Fold and staple corners neatly underneath the base.
- Add more staples all around the edge underneath for strength.
- Trim excess fabric underneath.
- Add trim along the bottom edge with glue or tacks (optional).
- Reattach legs.
- Enjoy your newly covered ottoman!
This process shows that a professional-looking DIY ottoman makeover no sewing is totally possible with the right tools and steps.
FAQ
How much fabric do I need to cover a small ottoman?
Measure the top (length and width or diameter) and the height of the sides. Add twice the side height to your top measurements, plus 6-8 inches extra on all sides for pulling and stapling underneath. For a small ottoman (say, 2ft x 3ft x 1ft high), you might need a piece of fabric around 4ft x 5ft. Always measure your specific ottoman to be sure.
Can I use a regular desk stapler?
No, you need a powerful staple gun. Desk staplers are not strong enough to shoot staples into wood or particle board frames. An upholstery staple gun is required for this kind of project.
What kind of fabric is best for an ottoman?
Durable upholstery fabric is recommended. Look for fabrics made from polyester blends, cotton canvas, or even faux leather. Avoid very thin or stretchy fabrics, as they are harder to pull tightly and may not last as long.
Do I have to remove the old fabric?
It’s highly recommended to remove the old fabric. Leaving it can make the new fabric look lumpy or uneven. Removing it lets you see the frame, add new batting smoothly, and staple directly into the base for a strong hold.
How do I hide the staples at the bottom?
The easiest way is to use decorative trim like gimp braid or cord. Glue it along the edge where the new fabric is stapled underneath the ottoman base. You can also use decorative tacks or nailhead trim for a different look.
Can I reupholster a tufted ottoman without sewing?
Reupholstering a tufted ottoman without sewing is harder. The tufts are usually held with stitches that go through the cushion. You could cover over the old fabric, but you wouldn’t be able to recreate the tufts without sewing buttons through the layers. This no-sew method works best on ottomans with a flat or padded top without tufting.
Is this method good for a footstool reupholstery no sew project?
Yes, this method works perfectly for a footstool. A footstool is often just a smaller version of an ottoman, and the steps for removing old fabric, adding new, and stapling are the same.
How long does this project take?
For a first-timer, it might take 2-4 hours depending on the ottoman’s size and how easy it is to remove old staples. With practice, you can often do it in under 2 hours.
Can I put a no sew ottoman cover on top of the old fabric?
While possible, it’s not ideal. It can make the ottoman look bulky or uneven. It’s best to remove the old cover for the smoothest finish and strongest attachment of the new fabric.
You now have all the steps and tips needed for a successful DIY ottoman makeover no sewing. Grab your tools and give your ottoman a fresh new look!