Category Archives: inspiration

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 →

Slipcover Style: Indigo Ikats

Cotton Ikat Prints for Slipcovers

There’s no doubt a slipcover made in an Ikat print is truly a statement piece. Just look at Pam Morris’s camel back sofa and armchair above. Stunning, right? Especially in those inky blues.

These home decor prints are inspired by woven Ikat designs that use a resist dye method on the yarns before weaving the pattern. Ikat prints do a good job of capturing the tie-dyed look of the woven version. They’re good mixers, too. Don’t be shy about combining your favorite Ikat with other patterns such as stripes, checks and small dobby designs like French General’s Ikat Pointe.

Look for Ikats printed on medium weight duck/canvas in 100% cotton or a linen blend. They work well for slipcovers that get moderate use and occasional wash.

Slipcover Cotton Ikat Prints

Ikat fabric images from Fabric.com

Here are a few Ikat options I curated for your next slipcover project — clockwise from upper left:

As always, if you plan on making a washable slipcover be sure to do a wash and dry test on a one yard sample before you commit to purchasing your yardage.

Khaki Denim Resources for Slipcovers

Khaki Denim Slipcover Fabrics

I’m currently working with a few customers on choosing just the right Khaki for their slipcover projects. As I evaluate dozens of swatches I realize the range of Khaki hues are more diverse than ever before: pale nudes, rich camel, classic chino and many more.

Given Khaki’s popularity, it’s fairly easy to find a shade that works with most interiors. But finding the right color in a washable, medium to heavy weight slipcover fabric is a bit tricky.

To avoid a dull looking Khaki slipcover, stay away from flat fabrics such as canvas or plain weaves. Instead go with a 12 to 14 oz. cotton denim or twill. Here are 6 Khaki denim options worth exploring:

Pottery Barn Cotton Twill in colors Parchment or Walnut, 12 oz.

Topsider Camel Brown 100% Cotton Bull Denim, 11.5 oz.

Washed Khaki Upholstery Denim (yarn dyed), 14 oz.

Wheat Bull Denim 100% Cotton, 12 oz.

Pebble Bull Denim 100% Cotton, 12 oz.

Khaki Bull Denim 100% Cotton, 12 oz.

Quality, weight, wrinkle and hand-feel differ widely from one denim to the next. Colors shown on screen are rarely accurate. Be sure to get a swatch or buy one yard for review before you commit to yardage.

Slipcover Design: 5 Tips for Creating a Look You Love

One chair, four slipcovers. It’s amazing how each slipcover gives the same chair a completely different personality!

The wingback chair featured in these photos is mine. It’s worn & loved and, yes, it has 4 (or more) slipcovers. Years ago, I did a pin fitting on it and created a reusable slipcover pattern. Now, whenever I get the urge to update my decor, I pull out my pattern and tweak the details to design an entirely new look for my old chair.

Fabric choice and style details make all the difference in how your slipcover will look, fit and function. Here are 5 tips to help you design a slipcover you will absolutely love:

1. Enhance your furniture’s best features. Design your slipcover to show off one or more of the unique design elements on your chair or sofa such as arms, legs, arches, wings, etc.

2. Choose a slipcover fit that matches your personal style. Is your style loose and shabby chic?  Snug contemporary?  Or, relaxed and tailored?

3. Decide on slipcover details before you buy fabric. Consider skirt style – short, long, pleated, tailored or no skirt.  Think about seam finish such as top stitch or welt cord — self matching or contrast. Is your fabric a print that requires matching? Be sure to account for these details in your yardage calculation to avoid coming up short

4. Pick a timeless fabric and color for long lasting design appeal. Classic fabrics such as denim, canvas, twill, ticking, linen and matelassé in slipcover weights (10 to 14 oz.) will add longevity to your slipcover. Neutral colors offer the most flexibility when it comes to decorating.

5. Match your slipcover function to the fabric. When choosing fabric consider how you will use your slipcover. If your slipcover will get heavy traffic and require frequent washing go with a durable, heavy weight fabric. If you want your slipcover to be pet and/or kid friendly avoid brushed fabrics (pet hair magnet) and textures that snag easily. And, for occasional use slipcovers that are mostly decorative a medium weight fabric, solid or novelty, will work fine.