Slipcover Design and Assembly

Before embarking on any new adventure, I like to have at least a rough plan in place — whether I stick to it or not! This chapter contains a step-by-step guide to the slipcovering process, from obtaining materials and equipment to the finished product. I've organized this book to follow the Step-by-Step Overview, on the next page, as closely as possible, though there are a few exceptions here and there. I also review what types of equipment and supplies you'll want to have on hand to create a successful and sturdy slipcover.

Step-by-Step Overview

Whether you own dated furniture that needs a bit of a makeover or prized newer pieces that need some protection from the "elements" in your house (particularly those pesky pets and kids!), a slipcover is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your furnishings while refreshing the look of your home at the same time.

Slipcovers can range from the simplest option — a length of fabric draped over a chair or sofa, tied in place at strategic points (or not!) — to the most complex fitted and tailored cover, almost indistinguishable from a completely reupholstered piece. In any case, the key feature of a slipcover is that it can be easily removed for laundering or replaced with another slipcover for a completely different look.

One caveat: Do be aware that slipcovers can't fix or hide all sins that might be found in your furniture. If your piece has a bad odor or if the stuffing is worn or lumpy, you will probably want to consider a complete overhaul and reupholstery.

Let's take a look at the steps covered in this book, with page references that tell you where to look for each bit of information.

1. Stock your supplies (see Materials and Tools).

2. Make an initial shopping trip to evaluate fibers and fabrics available (see Fibers and Fabrics). Purchase swatches and test them by stitching through four layers. Verify the width, pattern repeat size (see Considerations), and yardage availability of favorite(s).

3. Measure the furniture and determine pattern pieces (chapter 5). Record the dimensions in the measuring charts provided in chapter 5 and add any seam allowances needed.

4. Select styling details to determine additional allowances required: skirt style and allowances (see here to here), hem style (see Hems), and trim placement and type (see Inserting Trims).

5. Estimate base yardage requirements (chapter 7).

6. Draft cutting layout. Include cushion covers, welting, skirt, and piecing allowances in the cutting layout as needed. Calculate total yardage requirements based on fabric width (see Ballparking Yardage) and pattern repeat allowances (see Pattern Repeat Allowance).

7. Purchase muslin, fabric, and trims. Prewash/pretreat fabrics and trims as needed.

8. Make any and all welting as desired (see here to here).

9. Cut body panels out of muslin.

10. Fit, pin, mark, and baste muslin patterns (see Pinning, Fitting, and Basting). Make any final adjustments to the pattern pieces and seams as needed, and mark all changes clearly.

11. Disassemble muslin. Cut pieces from final fabric, matching repeats if necessary (see Matching Repeats).

12. Baste welting to fabric seam allowances (see Welting).

13. Fit and assemble final slipcover (see Pinning, Fitting, and Basting).

14. Make and attach the skirt (chapter 6).

15. Install zipper closure as desired (see Zippered Seat Cushion or Back Cushion).

Materials and Tools

When creating your custom slipcovers, you will need a large table and workspace. Nothing can beat having enough room to work! Remember that slipcovers can be very large, both the individual pattern pieces and the finished cover!

Materials

In addition to selecting fabric for your slipcovers (see chapter 2), you want to equip yourself with the proper supplies.

Muslin. Use this inexpensive fabric to create sample pattern pieces for testing and fitting your slipcover.

Upholstery thread. While this type of thread is the best for stitching slipcovers, some sewing machines can protest, even after adjusting tension, bobbin, and needle size. For an alternative, try corespun (also known as polycore, cottoncore, or core thread) or topstitch thread, both of which are stronger than all-purpose thread.

Trim. If making your own welting, you'll need cable cording or filler cord in the determined width and yardage (see Make Your Own Welting). If you prefer to buy ready-made trim, look for commercial welting, fringe, or other trim. These come with a built-in flange, or tape, ready to be sewn into the seams of your slipcovers. If you are binding the bottom edge of the skirt rather than hemming it, you'll also need bias tape.

Upholstery zippers. Zippers used for upholstery are typically brass or other metal. Most commonly, you buy the zipper coil by the yard, purchasing the zipper pulls and stops separately. In a pinch, you can purchase standard metal or plastic "sport" zippers instead. Determine the number of individual zipper lengths and total yardage ahead of time.

Batting. Consider adding thin, low-loft batting to the wrong side of a slipcover for extra padding or to improve smoothness and fit.

Tools

The following items are my favorite must-haves for designing and constructing most slipcovers.

Graph paper. Paper with a grid of squares can be useful for plotting your cutting layout and determining the yardage you need.

Marking tools. Dressmaker's chalk or disappearing ink fabric markers are ideal. Choose at least two colors to work with: one color for marking your initial dimensions on the wrong side of the fabric, plus a second color (and a third, if you like) to mark adjustments during fitting.

Fabric shears. When making slipcovers and other large projects, longer blades can make the cutting go faster.

Pinking shears. Pinking the seam allowances is one great way to minimize fabric fraying.

Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler. When cutting large rectangles and squares, a rotary cutting system will save you all kinds of time. Buy a 45 mm or 60 mm cutter and the largest mat and longest ruler you can afford.

Seam ripper. Once the test muslin is fitted, use a seam ripper to deconstruct the pieces, so you can use them as pattern pieces for cutting the slipcover fabric.

Carpenter square (or T-square). This handy...