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Hello MaryBellstedt,I'm not sure which episode that DIY slipcovers segment was on, but you can catch reruns of House & Home Television with Lynda Reeves daily on Global TV. We do, however, have some fun DIY segments on our website's new Online TV section (all new episodes!), including how to make your own slipcovered cushions.I hope that helps!Gwen McAuley (gmcauley at hhmedia.com)
Hi there,
A couple of years ago I made slipcovers for my sofa and loveseat. My wife says I 'built' them, since I'm more of a construction type when it comes to decorating ((grin).
All I did was buy some upholstery fabric (in my case Blue from Ikea), pinned the fabric around the cushions and sofa to get the same size of my cushions and and sofa, then sowed it all together. It took me 2 weekends, and at the start of the project I didn't know how to use my sewing machine. Lots of trial and error, but my wife and her family were quite impressed with the results. I didn't do anything fancy like beading or anything.
All it takes is pattience and perseverance. If you can already sew, you're mostly there.
Good luck!
I had a wonderful experience with www.potatoskins.com
They are in Toronto but ship anywhere ( I am in Calgary). They made a beautiful slipcover for my sofa with cushion covers that fit perfectly. In 3 weeks they arrived and for less than $500, it was well worth it for something durable and high quality that I didn't have to try to make myself!
for the web site. This will be most helpful.
Make sure you wash your drop cloths a few times, as unbleached canvas really shrinks. If you want to whiten it, add bleach when you wash it. (My mother used to dye it)
http://www.upholster.com/howto/ gives you instructions on making your pattern. It is time consuming to make your pattern, but once you have it, save it. There are a few real good basic slipcover books in the library. Have fun.
I haven't tried the one size fits all ones, but I have bad memories of the ones my mom used to get from the catalog when I was a kid! I know they have changed a lot since then, but I really love the way a fitted slipcover can transform even a ratty piece of furniture. I have made a few, and currently have a sofa from Ikea with a natural color cotton cover. There's nothing better than being able to wash your sofa and hang it out on the line. I have two teen-aged boys, and slipcovers have been a lifesaver over the last 10 years or so. Unfortunately, to have them custom made is just as expensive as reupholstering, but the advantage is that you can clean and change them when you want to. If you're one of the lucky ones who paid attention in home ec. class, you might be surprised at what you could accomplish yourself. Start with something small to boost your confidence. There are good ideas in books, and even try some patterns from the sewing companies, like Butterick and Simplicity.
You sound like you've made slipcovers before... WOW!
I'm tired of my sofa fabric, but its too good to get rid of, and too expensive to re-upholster.
I was thinking of ordering some of those one size fits all types, but afraid they will look kind of tacky.
What do you think? Do you or anyone have any experience with these?
I'm planning to make a slipcover from dropcloths as well. First, you would need the know how to construct a slipcover, no matter what you're making it from. If you're okay there, then the next step would be to cut up the drop cloth into pieces that are larger than your individual pieces would be so that you can prewash before you start cutting. There is nothing worse than having a slipcover shrink when you use warm water by mistake. This way you can wash and dry the fabric any way that you want, and then you will be able to treat the finished slipcover in the same manner. Press out the wrinkles well and get to it! Make sure you let us know how it goes, and I'll do the same when I get to mine. Good luck
I even purchased a couple of drop cloths some time ago!