I saw several electrical spools on the street waiting for disposal a few weeks ago, so I picked one up thinking it might be good for something. Sure enough, here’s a simple tutorial for turning an electrical spool into an ottoman. This is great technique for small tables you find at Goodwill, too.  Maybe they need refinishing or a bit of a facelift? A simple slipcover like this one can do just that.

Here’s what you’ll need:

-Electrical spool, or other cylindrical base (this can be done to with any Goodwill furniture, but clearly your pattern pieces will need to be adjusted to fit a different shape)

-Staple gun and 5/8’’ staples (or longer if you’re using heavy fabric)

-Fabric from Goodwill (roughly a yard) and thread

-Foam or other padding for the top of the ottoman (find at a fabric store, or upholstery store)

-Ruler

-Chalk or marking pen

-Cardboard

-X-Acto knife

To begin you’ll want to trace the top of your spool onto a piece of foam and cut it out. Next, use a staple gun to attach the foam to the top of your electrical spool.

Measure out a rectangle the height of your spool and the length of the circumference of the spool (just bend the cardboard around the spool to see if it will reach all the way around).  Next, cut even slashes in the cardboard (don’t cut all the way through the board) so that you can curve it around the outside of the spool.  Staple this to the top and bottom of your spool. 

Next, get out your fabric and cut a rectangle as tall as your spool +2’’, and as long as the circumference + 1’’. Trace the top of your spool (+ ½ in all the way around) onto your fabric and cut this out also. 

Place your fabric (with the wrong side showing) around the spool and pin the sides to the top so that you will have a snug fit. Sew around the top edge and down the side seam. Finally, turn the slipcover right side out and slip it over the spool. 

For a more finished feel, pull the fabric taught, and staple on the underside of your new ottoman (staple one side then the opposite side, and repeat, working your way around the circumference to make sure the fabric is stretched evenly.)

Now sweep up the scraps and have a cup of tea on your new, fun, goes-great-with-anything-décor ottoman.  Check Goodwill for other fun cushions, pillows, and furniture.  Maybe pick up a better teapot while you’re there too!