How to Make a Decorative Pouf

A pouf is a fun piece of furniture that adds seating, and it can also serve as an ottoman or a table. If you’re handy with sewing, you can make one yourself. Learn how to make a decorative pouf in this Better Homes and Gardens video:

Create Pouf Halves

1. Print and cut out patterns (you can find downloadable pouf patterns online).

2. Tape together where indicated on pattern.

3. Pin pattern onto thick fabric.

4. Cut around pattern and repeat for 8 side pieces.

5. Fold fabric in half and pin octagon pattern.

6. Cut octagon pieces for top and bottom.

7. Lay two side pieces of fabric together, right sides facing one another. Pin together along one side. Repeat process to create four sets.

8. Sew along pinned side of one set. Use straight stitch and 1/2 inch seam allowance. Remove pins as you work.

9. Open each pair and iron along seams.

10. Lay one pair on top of another, face-to-face, and pin.

11. Sew along one edge, unpin, and iron.

12. Repeat steps 8-11 with the other two sets.

Attach Pouf Halves

1. Lay one half inside the other with right sides together. Pin around edges. Match and pin corners first.

2. On each edge where seams meet, mark 5 inches from center on each side.

3. From one 5-inch mark, stitch around outside edge. Stop at 5-inch mark on the other side. Leave a 10-inch opening to allow for stuffing.

Stuff Pouf

1. Turn pouf right side out with opening at top.

2. Stuff with heavy pieces of scrap fabric at bottom center.

3. Add lighter fabric scraps around outside edge.

4. When pouf is 2/3 stuffed, add fiberfill along sides to smooth the shape. The tighter the pouf is stuffed, the better it will hold its shape.

Sew Up Seam

1. Use upholstery thread and a needle to hand-sew the seam.

2. Add fusible-web tape to edges of octagons.

3. Fold in all edges 1/2 inch and iron to secure.

4. Line up corners of octagon with top pouf seams. Pin straight down at the seams.

5. Hand-stitch 1-inch inside edges of octagon to temporarily secure to pouf.
Repeat on opposite side.

6. Fold under end of piping for a finished edge.

7. Continue decorative stitch down side seams if desirec.

8. Remove temporary stitches from octagons.