DIY Box Cushion Cover Tutorials

DIY Box Cushion Cover Resources

Hello DIY slipcover makers!  Today I want to share a few good resources for making your own box cushion covers.

I know the thought of measuring, cutting and assembling all of those pieces — top, bottom, boxing panel, welt cord and, ugh, the dreaded zipper panel — stops you in your tracks.

When I made my first boxed cover I felt like it took FOREVER. The corners didn’t line up, boxing pulled and seams puckered. But after following a good tutorial and making just one cover I got the hang of it.

Below are my favorite cushion cover video tutorials.

If you’re a visual learner like me I think you will find these super helpful.  Practice a bit and have fun! You will be whipping out good fitting covers in no time.

Sailrite’s video tutorial demonstrates how to use existing cushion covers as a pattern to make new covers.  It walks you through how-to measure, cut and sew a cover for a T-shape box cushion and a partial box back cushion with cording and zipper opening.  Their professional instruction also includes tips for trimming a foam insert, matching a print and adding stuffing to a back cushion.

Follow Peg Baker’s video series for creating a basic box cushion with welt cord and a zipper. If you are a beginner sewer and new to to making a cushion cover I think you will appreciate her easy to follow step-by-step tutorials broken down into 10 videos.

Kim’s Upholstery tutorial is a short video showing how she assembles the pieces for a box cushion. Her speedy method is commonly used in professional workrooms. Great for you advanced sewers who can manage the short cuts.

This Tent and Tarp Canvas Makes the Best Slipcover

Big Duck Canvas Chair Slipcover

It doesn’t take much to completely change the look of your favorite slipcovered armchair.  A fabric update and a skirt redesign usually does the trick.

This project was a slipcover replacement for my customer Ali in Washington, DC. She sent me her original floral slipcover to be copied in #12 weight natural cotton canvas.

Her vision for her new cover? A classic look, versatile, durable and washable. That was easy to achieve with #12 weight canvas because it delivers all of that and then some.

Compared to regular 12 oz canvas, the #12 weight is tougher, smoother, stronger and less grainy. That’s because it’s made with 2-ply yarns and tightly woven. Designed for tents and tarps, this utility canvas also makes the best washable, long wearing slipcovers. You will love the price, too!

Be sure to follow my preshrink instructions to minimize wrinkles.

Slipcover Makeover for this Craigslist Find

Old Henredon Sofa With New Slipcover

I think this project is THE slipcover makeover of the summer! What a transformation!

My customer found this big, comfy Henredon sofa on Craigslist complete with thick quilted floral upholstery. There was no doubt in her mind that a washable, white denim slipcover would give it the style boost it needed to fit right in with her other white slipcovered furniture and vintage eclectic decor.

For this custom cover, I used 12 oz white cotton bull denim from Big Duck Canvas and trimmed it with navy bull denim.  Both fabrics were factory seconds but you’d never know it — very good quality and no major flaws.

I changed the outdated kiss-pleat design on the back cushions to a narrow boxing and updated the skirt with 8″ wide box pleats all the way around.  It’s those little details that make all the difference.

Tip: if you want to use a dark color welt trim on your light color slipcover be sure to test it first for crocking and bleeding.

Why I Never Use This in My Slipcovers

Welt Cord Trimmed Slipcover

I often trim my slipcovers with welt cord (piping).  It adds a subtle design detail and professional finish. When the cord is covered in the same fabric as the slipcover it blends right in.

Welt cord also adds a lot of function to a slipcover. It gives structure to the furniture body, cushions and arms. It defines a skirt line or hem edge. And, it adds strength to seams.

The right type of welt cord will hold its shape and look smooth and straight throughout the life of a washable slipcover. I always use washable, flexible, non-shrinking cord. It has a poly tissue core that’s wrapped with a braided cover.

What I NEVER use is plastic clothesline.  Here’s why:

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