ANDREA FORD OF RE:STYLE STUDIO SHOWS US HOW TO MAKE A PATCHWORK OTTOMAN CUBE COVER

I love hearing from Andrea Ford over at RE:Style Studio in Toronto as she offers us lessons and inspiration in a “branch” of sewing that not many of us are very familiar with. Today she shares how to make a Patchwork Ottoman cube cover.

Andrea has a studio in Toronto specializing in Custom Home furnishings and upholstery as well as offering workshops to people interested in learning how to do these types of projects. Andrea is one of our Janome Canada Artisans, uses our Janome 1600P machines in her workshop and classroom and contributes regularly to janomelife blog. Thank you, Andrea.

PATCHWORK OTTOMAN CUBE COVER

We all need more storage in our lives. And some vessels available in big box stores that do double duty for storage and seating – a collapsible storage ottoman – are so versatile. However, these little cubes often only come in a few colours. Skip the blah and add a bit of softness with our patchwork storage ottoman cover project. You’ll still have great access to what’s stuffed inside and can even launder it if you have kids or pets making a mess of nice things.

Supplies needed: 

15”wide x 15” deep x 15” high

– 4 different prints/solid fabrics cut into a total of 38pc x 8”x 8” squares

– Coordinating thread

– Scissors/rotary cutter

• Ruler
• Cutting mat

– Measuring tape

– Chalk

– 15x15x15” storage ottoman cube available at Walmart, KitchenStuffPlus, etc. Dimensions can be adjusted based on the ottoman box you have.

THE PROCESS:

1. Cut all pieces in 8×8” squares, allowing for 1/4” seam allowance on all seams. We allowed for an even distribution of prints on the main cover (3 of each print) and distributed the skirt evenly.

2. Lay out squares, alternating prints to plan patch placement.

3. With wrong sides together, sew 2 chains of 4 squares with 1/4” seam allowance. Sew these 2 chains together for a 2×4 piece panel, matching corners carefully. Press seams.

4. Sew 4 pieces of 2 squares together. Repeat for opposite side. Attach to the 2×4 centre panel. Press seams.

5. With wrong sides together, sew corner squares together to create a cube shape. Press seams.

6. With wrong sides together, sew a chain of 25 squares together to create the skirt.

 

7. Press vertical seams.
8. Sew a narrow roll hem on bottom edge of band.

9. Mark centre point of band. Change stitch length on machine to the longest stitch. With extra long bobbin and spool thread, sew a basting stitch along top 1/2” of band. Stop at centre point, cut thread with long tails. Extend bobbin and spool thread and start basting stitch to end.

10. Join ends of skirt band. Press seam. Gently pull at bobbin thread of basting seam to gather skirt band. Tie ends.

11. Ease gathered skirt to match seams on opposite sides of cube top. Wrong sides together, pin skirt to raw bottom edge of cube top.

12. Change machine stitch length to standard stitch. Sew gathered skirt to cube top.
13. Press gathered seam down. Turn right side out. Top stitch or stitch in the ditch along top of gathered edge to secure skirt. Press.

Good information from our Janome Artisan, Andrea Ford of RE:Style Studio.

What piece of household furniture do you need to cover?