What are the best slipcover fabrics?

I recommend medium to heavy weight fabrics that are durable, washable and have long lasting design appeal.

Below are my favorite slipcover fabrics. Purchase them from the retailer links provided. I’ve tested each one for shrinkage, coverage and durability. These are the fabrics I typically use with very good results for my client jobs and my own projects.

DENIM & TWILL

Natural Bull Denim 12 oz. http://bit.ly/1GWXoYz and  Khaki http://bit.ly/29ziUKG

You can’t beat the quality of this U.S.A. made cotton denim for the price. It offers very good coverage and the after washed look is casual-chic. This fabric is not pre-washed but the crisp hand-feel will relax and soften when you pre-shrink it. Shrinkage: Natural 6″ on a one yard length and 3″ on the width.  

Washed Denim 14 oz., Natural http://bit.ly/1XSgvML and White http://bit.ly/1VqgT59

This heavyweight, supple denim has a washed finish giving it a “French Laundered” look and feel; perfect for creating cottage-style slipcovers. It’s soft, substantial and has a slightly richer appearance than inexpensive lighter weight denims. Shrinkage: 1″ on a one yard length, 1/2″ on the width.  

See sofa and chair slipcovers I made using the Washed Denim http://bit.ly/1RvwcmD.

Dockside Brushed Denim 12 .oz., White http://bit.ly/1p9eoHj or http://bit.ly/1OWUfca

This medium-heavy weight denim offers pretty good coverage for a white fabric but the weight is less substantial than the denims listed above. Wonderful soft brushed hand-feel.  Nice bright white color. Shrinkage: 3″ on the 1 yard length and 1″ on the width.

See the sofa slipcover I made with Dockside Denim http://bit.ly/1W1gO57.

55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton Twill http://bit.ly/1mQrFkX

This medium-weight twill feels like bull denim except it’s beefier than most 10 oz. weights. The hemp fiber adds a little texture, which gives the fabric a rustic, casual look. Durable and offers good coverage. Shrinkage: 3″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width.

 

CANVAS

Cotton Duck 10 oz. Big Duck Canvas 10 oz Canvas for Slipcovers

This is an economical duck cloth (canvas) that makes a casual slipcover of medium-weight. I like the hand-feel after it’s washed; the fabric softens up without becoming too limp.  It takes on a relaxed, broken-in look with moderate wrinkle. Go with color Natural for a painter’s drop cloth look. Shrinkage: White and colors 3″ on a one yard length, 1″ on the width and Natural 4″ on a one yard length, 2″ on the width.

See the slipcover I made with 10 oz. Big Duck Canvas in color Burnt Scarlet.

White Cotton Canvas 12 oz. Big Duck Canvas http://bit.ly/1ulUPqb

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.

Cotton Duck #12 weight Natural, Big Duck Canvas  http://bit.ly/1O6ywFs

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.

Carr-Go Cotton Canvas 8 oz. http://bit.ly/NAucQ9

A good canvas for medium weight slipcovers that get moderate use and washing. It’s tightly woven with finer yarns than a utility canvas so the texture is a bit more refined. I love the look and feel of the sanded surface. It’s slightly suede-like, which gives the fabric a rich appearance. 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.

See the slipcovers I made with Carr-Go Canvas: Sherry’s Sofa http://bit.ly/1gxa2z0 and Jackie’s Loveseat http://bit.ly/1hqc3Ol and Bonnie’s Chairs http://bit.ly/1nEbmr5.

Hemp Canvas 11 oz., Natural http://bit.ly/No2cze  

A hard-wearing 100% hemp canvas with linen-like texture and a more upscale look than cotton canvas. It’s weighty but not stiff and offers very good coverage. Softens nicely with wash and wear. The look is relaxed like washed linen. The natural color varies dramatically from lot to lot so be sure to swatch it to view actual color.  Shrinkage: 3″ on a one yard length, 1″ on the width.

Brushed Cotton Canvas 13.6 oz., color Natural http://bit.ly/1pAbNls

A thick, soft and supple canvas with more of a chunky weave than basic canvas. The brushed surface takes on a cottony hand-feel after washed. Some pilling may occur.  The un-brushed reverse side can be used with very good results. Shrinkage: 4″ on a one yard length, 1″ on the width.

MATELASSE

Cotton Diamond Matelasse by Roth & Tompkins  http://bit.ly/29vZ4OS

My favorite 100% cotton matelasse in color Natural. Thick, supple, not too stretchy. The classic diamond pattern looks great in so many styles of slipcovers. Launders beautifully. Very little shrinkage but still requires pre-shrinking.

Here’s a wing back chair slipcover I made using this pretty matelasse.

GINGHAM CHECK

Chester Gingham Check by Roth & Tompkins http://bit.ly/29pyl4T

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) check 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.

See how this gingham check looks in a sofa slipcover and armchair slipcover.