Arlene is presently revamping her apartment, and is going with whites on the window and furniture as this is a great background for colours to be added and changed around as she likes. White is, however, very difficult to care so she decided to go with slipcovers for her sofas. Why custom covers? Well for one, it’s non-permanent, so it allows a change when you want it, and you don’t give up your original look. It’s also less expensive than upholstering and much easier to care. It gives you a new look without replacing a good couch/chair…

We had to create a ‘pattern’ since a slipcover was not readily available. Plus you get a better fit with custom slipcovers, so to create your own:

Steps:

1. Drape the fabric over the couch and chair, following the form / lines of the couch to create patterns.

a. Base

i. Drape from the back to the front first. And mark the stitch (seam) lines.

ii. Cut away excess leaving a seam allowance

b. Arms

i. Drape from the seat area over the arm to the floor, and mark stitch (seam) lines along the inside.

ii. Cut away excess leaving a seam allowance

iii. Pin a piece of fabric in place over the front of the arm and mark the shape, cut away the excess leaving a seam allowance.

2. If cushions are rectangular, you may simply measure and cut the fabric based on the measurement.

3. For shaped cushions:

a. Cut a rectangle based on the widest and highest measurements.

b. Pin the rectangle in place over the cushion and trim away excess to leave the seam allowance.