Mid-Century Modern Ottoman

I’m crazy about all things mid-century modern but I have extra special place in my heart for the illustrations of Alexander Girard! His clean lines and bold colors are as perfect today as they were in the middle of the last century. He’s such a favorite of mine that I decided to revisit my Girard-Inspired Floor Cushion tutorial that I made about 7 years ago, updating it with a Silhouette cut stencil, a foam pouf from Fairfield, and gorgeous fabric from Robert Kaufman. Let’s get started!

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Mid-Century Modern Ottoman

Materials:

Soft Support Foam Tuffet
Bright – Geo Pop Canvas 2
Natural Canvas
Free Silhouette Cutting File (see below)
Silhouette Machine
Plaid Fabric Paint (Blood Orange, Navy)
Freezer Paper
Spouncer
Dritz Sheer Press Cloth
Orange Piping
(4) Round Taper Legs
(4) Top Plate Hardware
18″ Wood Circle (the thicker the better!)
Sky Blue Oly-fun

Step One. First things first, you’re going to have to use my free file to cut the freezer paper modern face stencil with your Silhouette. I suggest using a 12″ x 24″ cutting mat and applying the freezer paper glossy side up. Use the basic printer paper setting for cutting.

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Step Two. Using the Cushion Foam to trace around plus an additional 3/4″ seam allowance, cut two circles of Natural fabric.

Step Three. Working one section at a time (Face first, then the cheeks), iron the freezer paper stencil in place and begin applying fabric ink with spouncer. Allow to dry and then carefully remove the stencil. Apply cheeks in same manner. When both paints have dried completely (24 hrs.), iron the fabric ink to set and sew two circles together. Sew orange piping around the inner seam.

Step Four. Cut a 56 2/3″ x 10″ strip of coordinating fabric. Sew ends together (1/4″ seam), pin around the sewn-together circle panels and sew in place. Take care with the piping!

Step Five. Turn ottoman cover right side out and pull over foam cushion. Position wood disc inside of cover and tightly staple the fabric in place.

Step Six. You can decide if you want to cover the bottom with a layer of Oly-fun or sandwich everything between another wood disc. If you do use Oly-fun, I would suggest going with a darker color so that you can’t see the fabric edges underneath.

Step Seven. Follow the manufacturers instructions for attaching the Top Plate Hardware and Round Taper Legs. Voilà! You have officially made your very own Mid-Century Modern Ottoman!

Mid-Century Love

My Mid-Century Modern Ottoman now has a permanent place as extra seating next to our lounger in the living room. Unfortunately, it’s also become my boy’s favorite place to argue over. Oh well, you win some, you lose some, right? Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and feel free to message me if you have any issues while making your own!