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Furniture Slipcovers

Furniture Slipcovers

Remove The Existing Cushion Covers?

Quote (The question that was asked): "Do I remove the original seat cushion cover and replace with the slipcover?"

I vote NO, don't take off the old cushion cover. The main idea of a slip cover is that is a "loose cover" over the existing cover. The client has the option of taking the slipcover off (assuming the old cover is still in OK condition"), and being able to have two different looks for her furniture; it's one color with the slipcover on, and another color when the slipcover it off. Some people like to be able to change colors of their furniture. If you are in doubt, I would suggest talking over the pros and cons with the client. Yes, the Welts from the original cover may show a little, but the probably won't show noticably if you:
  • Cut the cushion boxing just the right width -and-
  • After the cushion is sewn and stuffed, reach inside and turn the seam allowance so that it goes down evenly over the front edge of the cushion.

Yes, the cushion cover may be a little loose, but that makes it easier for the client take the cover off to clean it.

Sloppy Slipcovers? Quote: Or do I create the slipcover to go over the original cover - both of which have welting? The downside to this is that the cover will look sloppy. Slicovers Are Not Upholstery Two things in reply here. You and the client have to have different expectations for a slip cover. It is NOT an upholstery job. It won't fit exactly like an upholstery job. If you make it fit "tight", then, if the client cleans the slipcover, it might shrink and not fit any more. I would suggest that you make your covers just a little loose, to leave room for shrinkage. I usually talk over these options with the client at the time I'm taking the order. I explain their options

  • Nice and Snug: I can make the cover nice and snug so it looks nice and pretty when I give the furniture to them. But if the cover shrinks when the client cleans it, then the slipcover is useless.
  • Loose fitting: Or I can make it a little loose fitting (which, accornding to your message might mean a little sloppy), but it allows a little room for shrinkage. Also, by making the slipcover a little loose, you make it easier for the client to get it on and off, and less chance they will rip it. (I'm not talking about the very loose and baggy look. I don't like those things myself.)

Most of my clients have chosen to have me make it a little loose fitting. Slipcover Pictures Here are some pictures of slipcovers that I have made: http://www.winterssewing.com/html/slipcover_gallery.html  All of these have all of the old cover left on, including the corded cushion covers. I don't consider them sloppy or objectionable, and neither do my clients.

My Early Insecurities

Karol, when I first started making slipcovers (after doing upholstery for 25 years) I was very insecure. I had to make the slipcover nice and tight, just like an upholstery job. However, I was just thinking of my own need for "doing it perfectly". (Perfectionism has been one of my weak spots, and it can be such a cruel master.) I wasn't thinking about what was in the best interest of the client.

Custom Slipcovers

Ask the Client What They Want "Custom Fitted Slipcovers" (Custom means according to the client's wishes.) I would suggest that you talk over your thoughts the client before you do them. I've found that when I'm fretting over a job, my wife is so good to encourage me to, "Honey, call the client and ask them." It works great.! Once I've talked it over with the client (or even had them come and see what I'm mean), I'm then at peace. No more fretting. The client has approved it in advance. Have the client prewash the fabric before Take off part of the old cover, such as the cushion covers? It is not recommended taking of the old cover. The color of the original cover usually alters the color of the slipcover a little. If you remove the original cover from any area, then the color affecting the top cover will be different. The color of the padding or cushioning, which will undoubtedly be different from the fabric color, will often alter the color of the slipcover. Laundering or drycleaning the fabric in advance. If their is a concern that the fabric may shrink, one solution is to have the fabric laundered or dry cleaned in advance. Use whatever type of cleaning method that the client will use in cleaning them.

 

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Use of velcro

Submitted by Janice Elkins on Wed, 2009-07-22 13:59.

Stephen, me again.  I've applied some of the sew-on/stick on velcro to the underside of my sofa arm/wing to hold the fabric snugly in what I have found the trickiest part of my slip cover project - to be honest I couldn't think of any other way of handling this part. It seemed to be fine but the stick-on strip is just not holding (the store only had the 1" and my chenille is pretty heavy, I guess) so I'm wondering what I can do to correct this.  Do I need to revert to the 'industrial strength' velcro.....but if I do, are the 2 kinds compatible - I mean, will the strip sewn to the arm-wrap section stick to the new surface?  Should I have never even used velcro?  Any brilliant ideas?

Regards, Janice

 

Velcro Attachment

Submitted by Stephen Winters on Wed, 2009-07-22 19:30.

Hi Janet
Using Velcro is fine, but I rarely use the "stick on" type because it doesn't seem to hold for me either. If I use Velcro, I usually staple the Velcro to the under side of the top overhang. (Go far enough under where you are stapling to the wood, not the padding.) The Velcro rarely shows, especially when it is covered by the slipcover, and, if it does show when the slipcover is off, Oh Well.. That's life.

At other times I use the twist pins like this , but I think that velcro holds better, and the Velcro would probably be my first choice.

I think that the two type of Velcro are compatible, but just to be sure, take a scrap (or the fabric you have the Velcro sewn to) to the fabric store and try it out for yourself. In my area they sell Velcro by the foot off of large rolls. So you can easily test it out.

Note: I really like the way that you are attaching pictures to your postings. It makes it much easier to figure out what you are talking about.

Best Wishes

Stephen

Can do

Submitted by Janice Elkins on Thu, 2009-07-23 07:14.

Thanks, Stephen. We do have a staple gun so I'll try that route using some of the 2" velcro I have left over from my seat cushion-making.
I'm finding these final stages quite time consuming as I examine the areas that need some remedial work (like my arm covers above) and realize that if the slipcover skirt doesn't hang right the whole thing won't look good - so I'm being very careful about fitting that. Plus I need to tend to many of my seams - using the tips you've given already. So there'll be a pause before I'm ready to post the final result - and hopefully make you proud of this Houston pupil.
Regards, Janice

Correcting Mistakes

Submitted by Stephen Winters on Thu, 2009-07-23 10:30.

Hi Janice,

Glad to hear that you are taking time to correct mistakes. Even at my experience level I still have to take stuff apart to correct mistakes. But the end product makes it worth the effort. In addition, correcting mistakes takes you to a higher learning level. You learn things about doing a higher quality work that you never would have learned had you not corrected the mistakes.  In addition, the attitude of "correcting one's mistakes" builds a deeper character and maturity level within us. So glad to hear that doing it right is important to you. You are already making me proud.

Best Wishes,

 Stephen

One down...one to go......!

Submitted by Janice Elkins on Mon, 2009-08-03 09:34.

Stephen, I've been busy with corrections (and a short break for a trip to visit my in-laws) but am ready to reveal the finished first sofa.  To confess, I still have to remove and re-attach the back skirt which is brushing the floor.   I underestimated the effect of its weight when I pinned and sewed it on as it pulls the back panel down to hang really nicely but that extra 1/8 to 1/4 inch makes a distinct difference and I need to make it match the front and side skirts.

I didn't use the foam I bought for the 'arms' (5" soft kind) as it was far too square looking, even when I tried some edge trimming; instead I re-used the old pieces, fattened with some extra batting salvaged from the seat cushions I replaced.  Now I know it's not exactly show-room standard, but overall I'm pleased with the final effect, especially as I've changed the style quite significantly, including adding legs (here's the starting point again):

By the way, the staple gun worked great on re-attaching the so-called adhesive velcro.  I haven't decided whether to remove some of the filling from the seat cushions yet.  I'm thinking that I'll decide when I've seen how the new ones I'll be making for the matching sofa-bed look with less feather & down than these.  On that front, I expect I'll meet some new challenges when I get to the cover for the frame, so watch out for a new flurry of postings when I reach that point.  I'm going to do the cushion covers and inserts first so it may be a while before I'm back in touch. 

This has become like a day-job for me - especially given the time I've had to devote to fixing mistakes - but as it's still high summer here in Houston it's  great to have a worthwhile and creative indoor project ...one that gives a new lease of life to my 25-year-old furniture.  And I know I couldn't have attempted this without your help, support and guidance.  Thank you!  Signing off for now.  Janice

Nice Going

Submitted by Stephen Winters on Mon, 2009-08-03 22:52.

Hi Janice,
Nice Pictures! You've made quite a change in the sofa. Yes, making mistakes are part of the learning process. The good part is that you have probably learned what to do, and what not to do, for the next piece.
Good Going!
Stephen

The main idea of a slip cover

Submitted by leonardo2jack on Sun, 2010-07-25 23:23.

The main idea of a slip cover is that is a "loose cover" over the existing cover.By this wonderful ideas the house can be totally make overed to be looked overall nice and should also maintain the status look wise very much nicelyI must say here is nice stuffs mentioned.It was great to see the post of yours.Cushion Covers Cooking Utensils

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