Upholster an Ottoman with A Vintage Plaid Skirt

For about $3.99 plus the cost of iron-on interfacing I reupholstered this oval ottoman (which I built and upholstered in the red fabric years ago) with a snazzy, big plaid pleated skirt from Goodwill.
After removing the waistband, the pleated skirt flattened out and became a huge piece of fabric.

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Step 1:

Find an ottoman you want to reupholster that isn't too complicated.

susanchen2011 says: Jun 30, 2012. 2:03 AM

so beautiful.

BriannaSchmall says: Mar 28, 2011. 6:39 PM

i love this!!! love the fabric too!

madzoe says: Apr 5, 2009. 6:42 AM

really nice!!!! ok, i'd probably choose another fabric pattern, but still, you did fantastic job.! i just love those ottomans!!

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to madzoeMay 29, 2009. 9:03 PM

It's mod, hip and really plaid. Plus its made from an old skirt from Goodwill-you gotta love it!! :)

emilygraceking in reply to modhomeecteacherFeb 11, 2010. 1:27 PM

I totally dig this! I love the chunky plaid and retro legs. Great instructions!

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to emilygracekingFeb 11, 2010. 3:10 PM

Thanks. I really love how it turned out. I sold it on Etsy to a lady who lives Salem, Mass. I need to make more.
shelly leer

emilygraceking in reply to modhomeecteacherFeb 11, 2010. 4:50 PM

Where did you purchase the tapered legs? I have such a hard time finding them!

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to emilygracekingFeb 11, 2010. 6:27 PM

I sell them.

emilygraceking in reply to modhomeecteacherFeb 11, 2010. 8:04 PM

Do you sell them online?

Weissensteinburg says: Feb 22, 2009. 7:38 AM

That turned out really well!

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to WeissensteinburgFeb 22, 2009. 8:18 AM

It's for sale!

FMBK in reply to modhomeecteacherMar 6, 2009. 11:57 PM

Hello. Nice job on your ottoman. I am making one as well. Different style and almost finished. I'm curious about the furniture legs you mentioned. Do you have 4" high "stocky" legs....something that would be about 2" wide (square?) If you do, could you send me a photo and cost? Many thanks. I'm having a difficult time getting legs that are reasonably priced.

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to FMBKMar 7, 2009. 3:44 AM

I don't think I have any 2" square in stock. I know they can be hard to find. I can get them if you really need them.

FMBK in reply to modhomeecteacherMar 7, 2009. 4:53 AM

Thanks for your response. They don't have to be 2" square. Just stocky as opposed to the ones (tapered) you put on your new ottoman. What are the legs like on your red ottoman? They look similar to what I am looking for but it's hard to tell from the photo.

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to FMBKMar 7, 2009. 6:29 AM

That's what I was thinking. Those are chunky wedge shapes. They come in all shapes and sizes. I'll see if I can scan some photos and email them to you if you send me your email through 'private message' .

FMBK in reply to modhomeecteacherMar 7, 2009. 4:27 PM

Hi. I sent you a note via "private message" earlier today with my email address. I hope you got it. Thanks again.

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to FMBKMar 7, 2009. 7:09 PM

Yes, thank you. I'll get some photos together tomorrow and scan and email them to you with some dimensions.

FMBK in reply to modhomeecteacherMar 10, 2009. 1:58 PM

Hi. I didn't receive any photos and just want to make sure you got my email address last time. Thank you.

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to FMBKMar 10, 2009. 2:16 PM

You are right. I am going to scan and copy in about an hour. I had to make sure it was o.k. to resell from my wholesaler. Thanks for being so patient. I'll send 4-5 different types.

ginbelle says: Feb 24, 2009. 8:51 PM

Which supplier did you use? Those legs are an exact match for on that is missing on a sideboard I have. I'd love to get the contact info for them. Thanks!

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to ginbelleFeb 25, 2009. 8:32 AM

Hi! I've got an account with the whoesale supplier, I can sell you one leg if you need it. I've got a supply of them. They are cut angled at the top and at the bottom. If you need a better photo, I can send you one.

artquilter says: Feb 23, 2009. 12:58 PM

Cool! I liked the first version too! You should do an instructable on how to make an ottoman. You should be able to get several different sorts of screw in legs at Menards or Home Depot. And different lengths.

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to artquilterFeb 23, 2009. 3:09 PM

Thanks for the comment. I have so many sets of legs in my basement that I've collected from suppliers, Lowes, Ace Hardware and I've even bought OOOGLY furniture with good legs from Goodwill to salvage the legs. I can sure do an ottoman. I have to build one for somebody really soon, I'll photograph it and post it.

ajs1313 says: Feb 22, 2009. 12:40 PM

Very nice job.

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to ajs1313Feb 22, 2009. 2:37 PM

Thanks!

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canida says: Feb 22, 2009. 8:18 AM

Looks great! Where does one find suitable ottoman legs? Or did you make them?

modhomeecteacher (author) in reply to canidaFeb 22, 2009. 8:28 AM

Hi! I order the legs from a supplier in California. They're great because the bottoms are angled AND they attach at the top at an angle. You get that MCM look just by attaching them. I'm thinking about doing a larger ottoman with 6 or 8 legs spread around.