Author Archives: slipcovermaker

About slipcovermaker

I'm Karen, The Slipcover Maker. I make custom slipcovers inspired by casual, comfy living spaces and natural fabrics.

Why I Cut Up This Brand New Pottery Barn Slipcover

Slipcover Replicate of Pottery Barn Comfort Rolled ArmchairI copy a lot of old slipcovers. They come to me thread bare, stained, shrunk and stretched. That’s the norm for a worn & loved slipcover.

Most well-used covers are in such bad shape they are ready to be thrown out. For that reason, I’m never hesitant about cutting them apart to use as a template.

But this project was different. My customer, Nicholas, sent me his brand new a Pottery Barn Comfort Rolled Armchair slipcover to duplicate. Yes, brand new! It was was perfect in every way. Well, almost perfect. Continue reading →

A Cotton Ticking That Works for Washable Slipcovers

Navy Natural Ticking Slipcover

For Malorie & Mike’s slipcover makeover I updated their pair of Wesley Hall faded velveteen chairs and ottoman using medium weight Covington New Woven Ticking.

Yes, you read that right — a medium weight ticking as in 7  to 8 ounces. Gasp!

If you’ve been following my blog for awhile you know I rarely recommend ticking, or any other fabric, that is lighter in weight than 10 ounces. Why? Most medium weight fabrics lack the coverage and durability that an everyday slipcover requires.

At first I was reluctant to use Covington’s 7.8 oz cotton ticking to cover plush upholstery. It’s not the heavy weight I prefer. I’m still on the search for that. But it worked surprisingly well for my customer’s project because it has four things going for it:

Continue reading →

Fabric Pattern Mixing with Slipcovers

Fritz Cotton Linen Custom Slipcover

Putting together a harmonious combination of fabric patterns and furnishings comes naturally to artist and painter Mary Bommarito.

So it’s no surprise her new stripe slipcovers look right at home with her cabbage rose rug, botanical print pillows and grain sack-like upholstered pieces.

For this project, I used washed Richloom Fritz Persimmon. This understated stripe in rustic cotton linen is big on texture and rich color. It mixes easily with florals, geometrics, large scale stripes and small checks.  Continue reading →

How Long Will My Slipcover Last?

Durable Slipcover Sectional SlipcoverHello everyone! In today’s post I want to answer your most frequently asked questions about slipcover longevity:

  • How many years will my slipcover fabric hold up?
  • Can a slipcover made in the most durable fabric be washed every month, or more frequently, and still maintain its fit and function?

Now, I can talk your ear off about washable slipcover fabrics — which weaves and weights are most durable under normal wear and tear, what to expect in terms of shrinkage and wrinkle and how the fabric looks & feels after washed. I even include a “best used for…” recommendation in my reviews of favorite washable fabrics.

But, what I can’t tell you is exactly how long your slipcover fabric will last. In fact, fabric manufactures and retailers don’t have the answer either. Here’s why… Continue reading →