Pool Noodle Ottoman DIY

This DIY pool noodle ottoman uses Dollar Tree pool noodles and simple materials to create a cozy, lightweight pouf. Covered in faux fur or fleece, it works well as extra seating, a footrest, or a soft accent in a kid’s room or living space.

The faux fur used here measures 58 x 36 inches, and it was just enough fabric. All the details below.

Supplies

• 1-yard faux fur, a fleece throw (or fabric you choose-about 58″x 36″)
• 15-20 Pool noodles (I used 20 from the Dollar Store)
• Upholstery Batting (30-inches x 10-feet)
• Clear packing tape
• Hot glue
• A measuring tape/ruler
• Scissors
• A precision knife
• Sewing machine

How to Make a Pool Noodle Ottoman

STEP 1:

Use scissors to cut pool noodles to about 15 inches in length. I was able to get three 15-inch pieces from one Dollar Tree pool noodle.

Note: If you’re making a pouf for a small child’s reading nook or toddler’s room, you might want to cut the pool noodles shorter. This will also cut down on the number needed!

STEP 2:

Use packing tape to tape a cluster of 6 or 7 pool noodles together. I used a shoelace to hold them together just to get started, and taped the sides at the top, middle, and bottom.

Repeat the process taping two or three noodles at a time to build up your ottoman to a nice round shape.

STEP 3:

Hot glue cushiony wrap (upholstery batting) around the pouf and on the top. Here, I folded the batting in half to make two layers for the sides and hot-glued both layers together before gluing them to the sides.

I also added two layers of batting to the top. If you have extra batting, add more to the top. You can’t have too much cushion there!

STEP 4:

Tips For Cutting And Sewing Faux Fur:

1. Use the pouf as a cutting guide, leaving a 2-inch seam allowance and a few extra inches in length so the fabric can tuck under the base.
2. Pay attention to the fur direction—the grain on the sides should run downward toward the floor.
3. Sew with the wrong sides of the fabric together. If working with limited yardage, piece the sides together first, then attach the top.
4. A standard presser foot works well; set your machine to a wider stitch and sew slowly to ensure both layers are caught.
5. Faux fur can be messy—shake out pieces outdoors and, if possible, cut the fabric outside to minimize cleanup.

Photo of the Bottom of My Ottoman

I had planned to use canvas fabric to cover the bottom, but in the end, I found that I really didn’t need to. The fabric was stretchy and fit much like a slipcover, naturally tucking under the bottom of the pouf.