What are the best slipcover fabrics?
I recommend medium to heavy weight fabrics that are durable, washable and have long lasting design appeal. Learn how I choose the best fabric.
Below are my favorite slipcover fabrics. I use them with good results for my client jobs and my own projects. Retailer links are provided.
NOTE: fabric quality, color, price and availability change without notice. Always sample before buying your slipcover yardage. Read my fabric review disclosure policy on my About page.
Natural Cotton Bull Denim 12 oz.
This durable cotton denim is a very good basic for casual slipcovers that get moderate to frequent use. Coverage is good over most upholstery. Shrinkage: Natural 6″ on a one yard length and 3″ on the width. Slipcovers in this Natural Denim: Marilyn’s sofa and Barb’s sofa.
A medium to heavy weight denim. Great for slipcovers that get daily use and up to 4 washes per year. The look is casual and soft after washed. White color is not too bright or too creamy. Good coverage over most colors but certain dark upholstery colors might show through a bit. Shrinkage: 3″ per yard length and 1″ on width. Slipcover in White Cotton Bull Denim: Peggy’s sofa
Cotton Bull Denim — Lots of Colors!
Cotton bull denim in color! Check out these options at Big Duck. Beautiful shades of navy blue, grey, mushroom, khaki, red, olive and more. 100% cotton, 11 and 12 oz weights, washable and durable. Colors change frequently.
Camel Brown Topsider Bull Denim
P/Kaufmann Premium Denim Indigo
This indigo denim is a classic. Beefy 14 oz. weight with a soft drape. Works well in slipcovers that get a lot of use. You’ll love the durability especially if you have kids and/or pets. The medium shade of indigo is yarn dyed (not dyed solid) which gives the fabric an authentic blue jean look. Machine washable. Be sure to pre-shrink your yardage. Shrinkage: 2″ per one yard length and 1″ on the width. Slipcovers in Inigo denim: Ellen’s love seat and Kathy’s chair.
12 oz. White Cotton Duck or 12 oz . White Cotton Canvas – Seconds
I like this heavyweight duck cloth (canvas) for simple white slipcovers that get a lot of use and frequent washing. It’s a good choice when lighter-weight white fabrics are not dense enough to cover dark colored upholstery. Shrinkage: White 3″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width. Slipcover made with this white canvas: Pam’s chaise
Don’t want a heavy weight white canvas? Try this 10 oz. White Duck Cloth.
Natural Cotton Duck #12 Weight
A heavy duty canvas made with 2-ply yarns in the fill (width of fabric). It’s denser, thicker and more durable than 10 oz and 12 oz canvas. Designed for tents, awnings, tote bags, etc. but I found it works great for slipcovers. I love the casual, relaxed look after washed….wrinkles and all. Shrinkage: 4″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width. Slipcover made in #12 weight natural canvas: Kitty’s sectional and Sharon’s sofa.
This is an economical canvas that makes a casual slipcover of medium-weight. Offered in natural, white and many colors. The hand-feel softens after it’s washed and takes on a relaxed, broken-in look. Expect moderate wrinkle on colors and high wrinkle on natural depending on how you wash/dry it. Shrinkage: 4″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width. Slipcovers made in 10 oz. red canvas: Karen’s chair and Sue’s chair
A medium weight Carr-Go canvas for slipcovers that get moderate use and few washes. It’s tightly woven with finer yarns than a utility canvas so the texture is more refined. Hand-feel is peach skin soft. Overall good coverage but check white and natural to make sure your upholstery color doesn’t show through. Shrinkage: 1.5″ on a one yard length and 1/2″ on the width. Slipcovers made in this brushed canvas: Sherry’s sofa and Bonnie’s chair.
Brazil Linen White 12 oz. and Off-White and many other colors.
After washed, Brazil takes on a casual look, floppy drape and softly crumpled texture. I like the 12 oz. weight. It feels substantial without being stiff or coarse. Works well for both tailored and loose fit slipcovers. Expect good coverage over most upholstery fabrics and colors. Shrinkage: 5″ on a one yard length, 4″ on the width. Slipcovers made in Brazil Linen: Karen’s chair and Pam’s chair
Manchester Linen Natural Brown 13 oz.
This un-dyed, natural brown linen is a beauty! It’s also the most durable 100% linen I’ve found for slipcovers. Heavy weight and tightly woven, this fabric offers excellent coverage and is a good choice for slipcovers that get daily use. Low wrinkle (more of an overall soft crumple) when you wash and dry the yardage. Be sure to follow my pre-shrink instructions for best results. Shrinkage: 4″ on a one yard length, 3″ on the width.
Latin Linen Cotton Natural Brown Off-White 12 oz.
I’m drawn to the simple rustic texture and two-tone oatmeal color. The look reminds me of hemp grain sacks and homespun linen sheets. Washable and tightly woven, this 12 oz linen cotton blend is a good choice for casual slipcovers that get moderate use. Shrinkage: 5″ on a one yard length and 3″ on the width. Slipcover made in Latin Linen: Pam’s chair
This is a strong, tightly woven canvas in 100% hemp with the look and feel of slubby linen. I love its natural, rustic beauty and creamy un-dyed color. After washed, this fabric takes on a wonderful floppy drape and allover soft crumpled appearance, no hard wrinkles like cotton canvas.
Chester Cotton Gingham, Charcoal & Antique White
I like this beefy cotton gingham check. It’s a classic and the Charcoal & Antique White colorway is a neutral I never grow tired of. Be mindful of the directional (one way) pattern when cutting your slipcover. Nice texture, a subtle horizontal rib. Offered in many other colors. Shrinkage: 6″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width. Slipcovers made in Chester Gingham: Annette’s chair and Cynthia’s sofa.
A striking black and white large check. This cotton poly blend is heavy weight and durable. Machine washable even though the label says dry clean only. Very little shrinkage. Excellent coverage. This check is a directional pattern and offered in other colors. Slipcover made in Naples Shade Buffalo Check: Brittany’s chair
Pingback: Sewing slipcovers for a fresh new look