How Long Will My Slipcover Last?

Durable Slipcover Sectional SlipcoverHello everyone! In today’s post I want to answer your most frequently asked questions about slipcover longevity:

  • How many years will my slipcover fabric hold up?
  • Can a slipcover made in the most durable fabric be washed every month, or more frequently, and still maintain its fit and function?

Now, I can talk your ear off about washable slipcover fabrics — which weaves and weights are most durable under normal wear and tear, what to expect in terms of shrinkage and wrinkle and how the fabric looks & feels after washed. I even include a “best used for…” recommendation in my reviews of favorite washable fabrics.

But, what I can’t tell you is exactly how long your slipcover fabric will last. In fact, fabric manufactures and retailers don’t have the answer either. Here’s why… Continue reading →

White Slipcovers Unify Multiple Seating Areas in this Charming Living Room

White Denim Armchair SlipcoverMy customer got lucky with this estate sale treasure. English rolled arms, feather cushions, turned legs and good bones. This, my friends, is an ideal chair for a slipcover makeover.

Keep reading to see the before and take a tour of Nellie’s charming living room. You’ll love how she uses white slipcovers and blue + green accessories to unify her different furniture styles for multiple seating areas.  Continue reading →

Replacement Slipcovers for Lake Michigan Living

Natural Fabrics for SlipcoversReady-made replacement slipcovers, if you can find them, are usually limited to a few solid colors in canvas or denim. That’s not so bad unless your vision is all about pattern, texture and color.

One of best things about having replacement slipcovers custom-made is you can get the look and feel you’ve been dreaming about. That’s what my Leland, MI customer did. She sent me several slipcovers to copy and chose a cottage-y fabric mix of striped canvas, floral print and washed linen. Here are a few of the finished pieces and what she had to say about her new covers:

“I set out to find slipcovers for furniture I felt wasn’t ready to be replaced. I discovered The Slipcover Maker website, and I’m so glad I did!!  Karen not only walked me through selecting fabric she went above and beyond when I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. The process was easy, fast, and the covers turned out better than I could have ever expected!!  I have recommended Karen’s service to no less than ten people already!  The product is perfect and the service was even better!!  You are the best!!  Thank you!”

To see some of the before photos from this project visit my Replacement Slipcover board on Pinterest.

Slipcover in Roth Tompkins Summer's Night

Bridgewater Stripe Replacement Slipcovers

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.