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How to make a pouf with upcycled materials

diy pouf

Don’t you think that extra seating is always welcome? Poufs and floor cushions are my favorites! They don’t take room and you can also use them as a footrest.

To make this pouf, I upcycled placemats and used old clothes for the filling, which is a cheap option and a good way to reuse used garments. If you don’t have old placemats to upcycle you can make it with fabric, upholstery fabric will work the best.

sewing pouf

Cut of placemats in the middle lengthwise. Or if you choose to use fabric, cut 8 rectangles of 6′ x 17′. Serger or zigzag the edges to avoid the fabric to fray.

sew a pouf

making a pouf

Sew all the long sides together, and make a cylinder. The placemats I used didn’t fray. But you may have to serge the edges before sewing. It will depend on the kind of fabric you are working with.

top and bottom of the pouf

 

sew ottoman

Cut two circles of 15′ diameter in another fabric. Pin them with the fabric cylinder (wrong side out). Don’t forget to leave a gap without sewing in the bottom circle to put the filling.

filling pouf cushion

Start filling the pouf. First, use some filling foam to have a soft finish on the seating area. Then keep filling with old clothes and scrap fabric. I will recommend to cut them in straps for uniform filling. Tamp out the fabrics for the ottoman to have enough rigidity. When you are done filling, sew the opening with a few hand stitches.

making tassels

Make 8 tassels in a matching color yarn. Here is the tutorial Who to make tassels? 
Attach them with a stitch and a knot on the side of the pouf.

diy upcycled pouf

And done! Enjoy your new pouf! My kids love it, and of course, fight to seat on it. Not because of the nice design and pattern but because the one who has it can sit closer to the TV!

Most of the cushion on the couch and homemade, here are the links to the tutorials: The cat pillow and the star cushion.

make an ottoman

Looking for more sewing ideas?

You will find all the tutorials featured in this video on my Best off-page.

homemade floor pouf

diy upcycled pouf

Have fun sewing!

Amaryllis

Kathy

Thursday 2nd of December 2021

Great pouf...can't wait to try it. Also, where did you get your yellow and white rug underneath the pouf?? It's adorable and I've been trying to find one like that.

amaryllis

Thursday 9th of December 2021

Thanks Kathy! I bought the rug at Ikea a few years ago...I donĀ“t know if they still sell it!

Janene

Saturday 23rd of June 2018

It looks great. I made something similar using recycled denim and stuffed it with recycled plastic bags and clothes.

amaryllis

Monday 25th of June 2018

Thanks Janene! What a great idea to fill it with plastic bag!

Marlene Wetch

Monday 14th of May 2018

I have no idea how I landed on your page but I am in love with your work!

amaryllis

Wednesday 16th of May 2018

Thanks for your sweet comment Marlene, you make my day <3

Becks

Wednesday 14th of September 2016

What do you stuff your pouf with?

Love, Love it...you did a great job!!

Ama Ohoh blog

Saturday 15th of October 2016

Thanks <3

Anwen G

Wednesday 7th of October 2015

ooo I love this!

May I ask where you got the chair in the background? I found a pair in my town, but couldn't locate the owners to inquire about them.

Ama Ryllis

Wednesday 7th of October 2015

Hi, It's an Acapulco chair. Those chairs were designed in the 1950-60, inspired by a hammock. You can found it easily in Mexico. I bought mine in front of my kid's school, a guy was selling them on the sidewalk. You can have a look at this article for more info about the Acapulco chair https://goo.gl/c3vCa6