Stunning Slipcover Makeovers for Estate Sale Chairs

Summer is the best season for finding a super deal on a secondhand chair at an estate sale or garage sale.  If you find one with makeover potential, grab it!

A well-made, older piece is a good candidate for a slipcover especially if it’s sturdy, comfortable and has the right foot print for your space. Tip: check the condition of the frame, seat springs and cushion inserts before you buy.

Look past the ugly, outdated upholstery and imagine the possibilities.  Here are 4 slipcover makeovers that will inspire a new look for your found treasure. Continue reading →

How I Slipcovered This Tricky Attached Back Chair

Arhaus Chair Before Slipcover MakeoverFiguring out the best way to slipcover this attached back chair was a puzzle at first.

Should I detach the two back cushions and replace them with one loose slipcovered cushion?  Or, if I leave the cushions attached should I cover them separately? Or, cover them as one?

I chewed on those questions for several days after receiving Priscilla’s photos of her Arhaus chair. And, even then I wasn’t coming up with a definite answer!

The problem was I couldn’t tell from her pictures if it was feasible to remove the back cushions. Some pillow-style back cushions should not be detached. Read why. I also couldn’t get a sense of how deep the tuck-ins were at the side and bottom or how they were shaped.

When the chair arrived at my workroom I was able to pull and poke at those cushions from every direction. I could see and feel how they were attached. I had my answer! Continue reading →

The Slipcover Maker’s Guide to Making Welt Cord

How To Make Slipcover Welt Cord

Welt cord is one of the most popular trims used on slipcovers. It gives definition to seams and adds a tailored finish.

Trimming your slipcover with welt cord is a personal choice. It’s more decorative than functional even though it does a pretty good job at adding strength to seams.

You can make the bias fabric strips for your cord with self-fabric (the same as your slipcover) or contrast.  For the cord itself I recommend a medium firm poly tissue core wrapped in a braided cover, size 5/32.  Get resources here.

There is more than one method to make welt cord. I’ve tried them all! But at the end of the day here’s the one that works best for me. Continue reading →