For the past 8 months or so, I have wanted to make one of those pouf ottomans from vintage grain, coffee, or sugar sacks. However, I quickly learned in searching flea markets and vintage shops that many of the grain sacks are smelly, stained, or all of the above.
My sister knew I had been on the search for these sacks for a while (I may have sent her searching for pristine sacks at her out-of-state barn sales), and decided to get me some grain sack-like fabric for the holidays so that I could reproduce the look I wanted.
How to Make Your Own Vintage-Inspired Grain Sack Pouf
1. Cut 12 squares in the size desired for your pouf (6 sides times 2 for a double layer).
2. Pin squares together in a double layer.
3. Pin one set of layered squares to another set with about a half inch left on the edge for the border. Stitch onto the front on the fabric (so the seams stick out and are not hidden inside).
4. Repeat until you have 4 sets of layered squares sewn in a horizontal line (with edges out). Sew the far two ends together, with the frayed seam out.
5. Sew on the top and bottom squares using this same method, leaving a 4 inch gap on the back bottom corner to stuff the pouf.
6. Slide a piece of cardboard inside the pouf so paint does not seep through. Paint your design with fabric paint (I used Tulip brand) or a fabric medium mixed with regular paint. I decided on a misspelling of the word “sugar” as a cheeky reminder that my sacks were total knock offs. I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut a stencil for the lettering, but any kind of stencil would work.
6. Stuff pouf with pillow filler, and use crumpled newspaper in the middle to help the pouf hold its shape.
7. Hand sew the opening closed. Use a pin to help you remove extra threads for a more distressed fraying of the edges.
There you have it! A do it yourself grain sack pouf that has the style of the vintage finds without the musty smell and high price tag.
That is so cute! It would be perfect for our outdoor room. I bet it’s not too hard to weatherproof, easier. Great idea 🙂
Jeannette recently posted…Mango Madness
I love this!! Thank you for the easy tutorial! I want to try it.
Erica @ Spoonful of Imagination recently posted…The Rug That Captured My heart
This looks great! Love the font!
kim @ DESIGN + LIFE + KIDS recently posted…FASHION. petitePARADE 2013
I love this so much.. I had to pin it!! the est. family date is great. Can you paint before asembly .. Also I wonder it you can get a small foam block to stuff with, in combo with the polyfil?
Sherry Aikens (@Babypop) recently posted…Pancake Art Ideas: Kid Food
Thanks! I am certain you can paint before assembly. I am “new” at sewing and figured I would probably sew it crooked if I painted beforehand!!! Great idea for the foam block…I hadn’t thought of that…I imagine as long as you combine something a bit sturdy (foam/newspaper/etc.) with the polyfil, you would be ok for helping it keep its shape.
Oh my gosh, I love that! We saw a pouf at Crate and Barrel yesterday and my son was all over it… this would be a great way to make a kid-friendly one for sure.
Carrie recently posted…Healthy Essentials Giveaway from J&J!
Great little accent piece for anyone’s living room!
Becky recently posted…Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for Meal Planning
New follower from Not JUST A Housewife linky party. Really like how the pouf turned out. Can’t wait to see what else you create! Thanks for sharing.
That came out AWESOME. I want one just like it!
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles recently posted…Why I Won’t Be Leaning In
How clever! I’ve never smelled a grain sack (lol) but it looks just lovely using material. For what it’s worth. 🙂
What a great idea! I love it. 🙂 Found you through the winthrop chronicles.
Megan recently posted…Buckets of Fun
very cute!
Lisa recently posted…{Tech and Toy Tuesday} using iPads in the classroom-innovative technology for children
Thanks! And be thankful you have never smelled a musty, moldy grain sack.
Thanks, Jessica!
I could see having a few smaller ones to lounge on for tv viewing…
This is such a great idea! I am going to make some of these with washable covers for the children to sit on in the family room! Thanks for the inspiration.
Janeane Davis recently posted…A to Z Challenge H = Healthy, Use Your Technology to Get Healthy
I love this!! What a fabulous idea, I think I need to try it even though my last attempt at sewing anything more than a simple envelope pillow ended up in a rumpled discarded heap on the floor in my craft room. Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial, I am going to pin it:)
Krista @thehappyhousie
Krista @thehappyhousie recently posted…A Very Revealing Look at Our Laundry Mud Room Revamp
This one was pretty easy and allows room for mistakes – I thought the envelope pillow was harder, so you are not alone!
This looks fabulous! I’m loving the navy and yellow together! Thanks so much for coming out to the party at Clean and Scentsible. I will be featuring this tomorrow. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Jenn 🙂
Awesome – thanks so much!!! C&S was one of the first blogs I started following…what a treat!
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