DIY drum pouffes – easy home sewing pattern

‘Tis the season for your little drummer, and these exclusive-to-us drum pouffes by Leah Farquharson offer the all the fun without so much volume!

6 issues of Simply Sewing magazine for £14.99|Save 78%!

Published: December 11, 2020 at 9:52 am

These drum pouffes will make great talking points in your home this Christmas, but they’ll look just a fun displayed throughout the year. Little ones will have heaps of fun faux-drumming on the squishy fabric shapes (pom pom drum sticks optional), while the rest of the family can use them as footstools when you’ve got a full house!

If grubby feet are likely to end up on top of your DIY drum pouffes, use a chic grey or chestnut fabric instead so they won't show the dirt.

Looking for more Christmas sewing patterns? Check out our best Christmas sewing projects or look through our collection of quick gifts to sew.

Read on to learn how to sew a DIY drum pouffe with Leah's easy home sewing pattern.

You will need:

  • White cotton fabric (50x112cm (20x44in))
  • Six different coordinating printed fabrics (25x112cm (10x44in) each)
  • Polyester fibrefill (3 large bags)
  • Basic sewing kit

Making the rectangle-sided drum

Step 1

Trace the templates from the pattern sheet and cut them out.

Step 2

From the white fabric cut out two smaller circles.

Step 3

Cut six rectangles – two each of three different colours.

Step 4

With right sides (RS) together stitch the long edge of the rectangles for the sides, one at a time, alternating the three colours to make a row. You need to start and finish your line of stitching 5mm (¼in) away from the ends.

DIY drum pouffe easy home sewing pattern step one

Step 5

Once the rectangles have been sewn together, match the edges of the first and last rectangles and stitch RS together to form a fabric tube.

DIY drum pouffe easy home sewing pattern step two

Step 6

Pin one end of the tube to one of the smaller white circles RS together. The tiny bit of seam you left open will help ease the two pieces together.  Stitch together all the way round.

DIY drum pouffe easy home sewing pattern step three

Step 7

Clip the fabric in the seam allowance all the way around to help it lie flat, making sure you don’t cut through any of the stitches.

Step 8

Repeat this process to attach the other white circle to the other end of the tube. Leave a 10cm (4in) gap for turning.

Step 9

Turn RS out and press, turning the edges of the gap under. Stuff firmly.

DIY drum pouffe easy home sewing pattern step four

Step 10

Hand stitch the opening closed using a whip stitch to complete.

DIY drum pouffe easy home sewing pattern step five

Making the triangle-sided drum

Step 1

From the white fabric cut out two large circles.

Step 2

Cut eighteen triangles – six each of three different colours.

Step 3

Place the long edge of one triangle RS together (wide to narrow) with another triangle, and stitch, leaving 5mm (¼in) open on each end.

DIY drum pouffe easy home sewing pattern step six

Step 4

Turn the joined triangles so that both are facing RS up and press.

DIY drum pouffe easy home sewing pattern step seven

Step 5

Add the next triangle RS together along one side of a joined one, alternating directions and colours each time.

DIY drum pouffe easy home sewing pattern step eight

Step 6

One you have finished joining all the triangles together, match the edges of the first and last triangle and stitch RS together to form a fabric tube.

Step 7

Attach the large circle at the top and bottom, then stuff and sew up the gap in the same way as for the rectangular drum.

You’re done! Enjoy your beautiful DIY drum pouffes!

DIY drum pouffes easy home sewing pattern

Leah Farquharson owns bluebird chic, selling bright, modern, handmade goods she stitches up in her studio. Visit her shop and read her blog at www.bluebirdchic.com.