I Attempt Another Slipcover
Having sewn just the one armchair slipcover, I was a little dubious about tackling our largest couch. But I bought out all the white denim at Hobby Lobby and started in yesterday by making a big pile of piping.
Like last time, I was stunned by how well it went together. I really don't understand why I can do this, because I have a very dark history with large sewing projects for the home (I was pregnant, it was summer, no central air, needed a large balloon shade, tiny floor space, didn't know I could put a zipper foot on the machine, broke many a needle, cussed).
Well, all I can say is, things are different now! I sewed til I ran out of fabric, then wrapped the seat cushion in a quilt until the store gets more denim in. Until then, I will sit down on the couch with Fitzwilliam and enjoy myself.
22 comments:
It's looking very nice. Hope the store gets mre denimsoon. I'm thinking of using ticking for a slipcover, but it might be too stiff.
Dee
Anna, is this the red (checked?) sofa upon which the Secret Codemakers were sitting last Saturday? Again, your work is looking terrific! And one by one you are dissolving my apprehensions about attempting the slipcovering of two wingbacked (formerly very colorful) loveseats that need putting out of their faded misery at our house. Thanks again. B/North
Good job, Anna! Some day, I'll tackle a slipcover. Not now though!
Maria Ricci
The slipcover is looking great! And the "dark history" you mentioned may have something to do with the timing of being pregnant. How many of us have an ill-fated home project attempt during pregnancy? And those who are denying it may have buried it (literally), or conveniently "forgotten" the episode, with its accompanying with Sylvester-the-cat-like muttering... >;-)
Yep, this is the red-checked couch. Go for it with the chairs, B/North!
Anna, you must, you must tell more about it - in a post, I think. Obviously, you're going for the fitted look, rather than the rumply. So, are you going to zip it up or are you making ties? Are you making paper patterns for the different couch parts?
I see you have nice wide seam allowances - seems like a good idea. You're brave to use piping - you can't adjust the fit with piping in the way, but it looks so good I guess that's not a problem for you! I see a horizontal seam along the upper back - is that to make it more fitted? Or are you doing that because you didn't have a large enough piece for the whole back side of it?
I know I'm going to have to do this - it's hanging there in the back of my mind. And I was recently looking at prices online for duck, and came across some white denim, which I thought would be better; it might withstand Dolly's claws a little longer. :o
So I guess your cats don't threaten your upholstery like my sweet kitty.
Please elaborate on your work!
Lisateresa
I want to slip cover my sofa, but the way my children flop all over it like it is playground equipment, I think I'd be spending most of my day trying to tuck it all back in. How do you keep it tucked and neat? Is it a constant chore, or does it stay put well?
Do you use a premade pattern or free hand?
Also, did you wash the fabric more than once to a) make sure it shrank enough, and b) soften it up?
Lisateresa
Here is a tutorial for all of you wondering how to do slipcovering!
Love you!
Maria Ricci
http://missmustardseed.com/2012/04/how-to-make-slipcovers-a-six-part-video-series/
Maria, I've seen tutorials and I've looked at books - and I'm glad to see all these things. But when you actually know of someone who's done it, then that seems more helpful than the other stuff, you know?
Lisateresa
What a project, you are brave to try it. I have a chair in the garage waiting on me to recover her. Perhaps it's time to watch the link mentioned above me!
You give me hope that I may be able to slipcover my sofa, man-chair and ottoman. They really need it, and the sweet lady who makes valances/pillows for me (b/c I'm not much on home decor sewing--would rather do clothes) said that it would cost less to just get the pieces reupholstered than to pay for slipcovering. BUT the whole point is--I want to be able to remove, wash, and put back on....I think slipcovers are so practical when you have young children!
Oh, how I need slipcovers! On a scale of 1-10, my sewing skills are a 2. I may start simple with an ottoman.
Great inspiration.
I'm curious about how much it cost to make. We have a white slip cover from ikea for our sofa, and it was only $50. It withstands the 7 children/2 parents/1 grandparent living here just fine, but the two black labs are a different story.... I have often thought of making a replacement, but at $50 for new, tailored, with zippers, I just don't think I can beat that...
Certainly, Lisa!
I have been wanting to do a slipcover for the longest time. This tutorial is perfect for someone like me who needs lots of help.
Does anyone have a tutorial for a corner sofa
slipcover with unequal sides?
I'm going to try to answer all these in order:
Ticking? It should work, it's no stiffer than canvas. Wash and dry first!
This won't need a zipper. It fits snugly but not tight enough to warrant the opening. The upper back seam is standard construction--it's how you manage the curve of the sofa back.
These don't need tucking, the fittedness keeps them in place in a very satisfactory way.
No pattern, just followed the bare basics in a book for the technique. An asymmetrical sofa should be no harder--each piece is pin-fit individually. It's fun, I promise! The stitching part, not quite so fun!
Be sure to wash and dry for softness and shrinking.
I'm spending $6/yard for my denim at Hobby Lobby (with a coupon). This seven-foot sofa eats yardage, I think I need about 13 yards. But it fits exactly and is exactly what I want.
Anna,
In the Miss Mustard Seed tutorial, she used a purchased drop cloth from Home Depot, i don't remember the measurements, but they have several sizes, and washed it a few times for shrinkage. I wonder if that is more reasonable than Joanns?
I made some curtains for my den with drop cloth very inexpensively.
White?! You are a very, very brave woman! Looks fantastic!
Thank you Anna - this is a help!
Lisateresa
it looks fantastic. I am planning a recover for my three seater sofa and chair, though more in a patchwork style. However I am having some trouble estimating yardage. It seems to require an enormous amount of fabric. How much did you need for your sofa and cushions?
http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks Ruthie
Ruthie, it does take a whole lot of yards. I didn't keep very good track for the sofa, but I know that the general yardage chart at the fabric store was accurate. Try consulting one of those online.
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