You can cover a footstool with many materials.
Often the upholstery on a footstool, also known as an ottoman, wears out long before the sturdier inner frame. Many a useful footstool has been saved from taking up residency in a landfill by being recovered. Covering a footstool requires some sewing skills, a staple gun and sometimes a glue gun. Sew a removable cover if you don't have the time or skills to cover the footstool permanently or if you just wish to redecorate without altering the ottoman. Does this Spark an idea?
Fabric
Fabric or upholstery is often the easiest way to cover a footstool. Use a seam ripper to carefully take apart and remove the footstool's cover. You can use the removed pieces as a pattern to cut out the new fabric pieces. Take notes on how the fabric was sewn and attached so you can replicate the cover's construction. You can use gimp braid to conceal seams or staples by gluing it in place with a hot glue gun. Fringe and other trims can be used to conceal staples and seams as well. Natural fiber fabrics, such as cotton, are the best, most durable choice. Many upholsteries are treated so they are resistant to stains and make cleanup easy. Buy fabric from the bolt at fabric or craft stores.
Faux Fur
Faux fur is used in the same way as fabric when covering a footstool. The thickness of the fur you are using is important because thicker furs create excessive bulk requiring seams to be clipped close and the excess fur to be trimmed to the fabric backing. Faux fur pieces sewn on a sewing machine usually require the use of a heavy-duty denim or canvas sewing machine needle, such as size 70/10 to 110/18. Select a low-pile synthetic fur with a dense fabric backing. Gluing trim on fake fur can be a challenge due to the uneven fur, but you can do it successfully if the fur is cropped close to the backing along the area to be covered with the glue. Try an unusual color combination, such as zebra fur with neon green pom-pom trim, for a vibrant footstool.
Leather, Suede or Synthetic Leather
Leather and suede are difficult to work with for the novice seamstress. Both require a size 80/12 to 110/18 sewing machine needle intended for sewing leather. Leather needles have a wedge-shaped tip that eliminates tears in the leather. Leather is not forgiving when applied to curves on a stool, and the thickness results in excessive bulk to seams and overlapping sections. Synthetic leather, on the other hand, can be thin or realistically similar to genuine leather. Some synthetic leathers are made of PVC (polyvinylchloride). Other fake leathers are types of vinyl. Synthetic leather can be very stretchy and easier to work with than genuine leather. Many fake leathers are very much like fabric and sew easily on sewing machines. Synthetic leathers do break down over time and can take on a sticky surface, crack or have the top embossed "leather" surface peel or scuff away from the fabric backing.
Removable Footstool Covers
Removable footstool covers are handy if the footstool is not damaged or worn but you just want to redecorate. Choose polished cotton, cotton or upholstery fabric for the cover. Trace the top of the stool on tissue paper to create the top pattern piece. Measure the width and length of any skirt, and create a tissue paper pattern. If it is pleated, double the width around the stool. If it is gathered, tripling the width measurement will create a very full skirt, multiplying the width by 1 1/2 will create a less full skirt. Measure the width and length of any top cushion sides as well to create a pattern. You can make most footstool covers from 3 or less fabric pieces. Sew the side piece to the top fabric piece. Gather or pleat the skirt and sew it to the side or top piece. You can make some covers with just a top piece and a skirt.
Tags: cover footstool, fabric backing, sewing machine, create pattern, excessive bulk, fabric pieces