In the June 2004 issue of H&H there are instructions for making a camel back shaped Queen-sized headboard I'd like to build. (instructions on page 154)
The cover, however, seems, "fixed." Is there a way to make a removable cover for this headboard for washing? I have young children!
TIA!
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the wonders of microfibre. Let me educate you!!
It's a wonderful synthetic fabric that's most commonly done in a super soft "peached" finish lightweight, and tightly woven. It's used for everything, clothing, bedding, drapery and upholstery.
Also the microsuede, or ultra suede. Fabulous fake suede that washes and spot cleans like a dream.
Actually I've kind of mislead you a little in the last post, the microfibre is lovely to touch but won't spot clean especially well, unless you buy the type specifically intended for upholstery. But I've found even the cheaper microsuedes spot clean well.
I think you can research fabric types online on the Fanny's Fabric webites, or Fabricland, or whichever fabric store chain lives in your area. OR...you could go there even, I hear people there know stuff about sewing. Hehe
good luck!!
kipper
about the kids' noses!
But I have to ask--what's MICROFIBRE? and where do I find it?
if all of this seems too big a pain to do, USE MICROFIBRE to upholster it!!
because in the end, perhaps taking a damp sponge to it once in a while might be easier than moving your bed out of the way, wrestling the cover off, washing it, struggling to put it back on, and trying to hang the headboard again.
I know, children are disgusting and will probably wipe their noses on it, (I know, I have 3) but even crusty gunk will come off with a sponge dampened with warm, soapy water.
good luck!!
kipper
If you do a box strip for the top (and sides) of the slipcover you'll get a boxy look to the headboard.
From the magazine photo, it didn't have a box construction, so I think a straight seam would work fine.
About the hardware holes... I was thinking the headboard was mounted in support legs. Perhaps I should have read closer, hey? ok... you could use a buttonholer attachment on your machine for the hooks to stick out of. That'd be the best plan. Check your sewing machine manual on how to do this.
If not, you could just cut a hole for them, and zigzag the edges. You don't want to use Fraychek, as that will eventually wash off and you're left with a fuzzy hole larger than the one you made. (remember, the reason you're making a slipcover is so you can toss it in the machine) You don't have to be too perfect though, since it's up against the wall, no one will see it.
I think it would be a good idea to measure the thickness of your headboard when it's done before you buy fabric for the slipcover. We'll ask BJDec if it's going to be too fat for a simple seam. If it is, and you don't want to do a box strip, perhaps a stretch fabric and a simple seam will be our friend in this case.
kipper
kipper!
Those are great instructions. And thanks for the tip about the velcro--
That explains why my sofa seat cushions never "worked," lol!
You think a straight seam at the top would be OK? I was thinking I might have to make a boxing strip, but I'd really rather not, lol!
With the slipcover--I would have to cut out holes for the mounting hardware, wouldn't I? Should I velcro around them? Finish them in anyway? or use something like fray check? Does it depend on the fabric?
Hope you don't mind me picking your brains!
I should really try to give you some basic instructions at least on how to make that slip cover.
Make your upholstered headboard as per the instructions. If you plan to keep it slip covered all the time, there's no need to use an overly pricey fabric to upholster, as it'll be covered anyway.
Lay your fabric out wrong side up and place the finished headboard face down on the fabric. Trace out the outline giving yourself about an inch larger all around ( and 2 inches at the bottom to hem it) for seam allowances.
Repeat for the back, flipping the headboard face up this time when you trace. ( do this in case your camelback shape isn't perfectly symmetrical)
Pin your fabric, "right sides" together,and sew along the 3 sides(like a pillowcase).
Turn rightside out and fit over your headboard. pin up hem, remove and sew. Attach velcro strips to the hem. You could use ties instead, but I think velcro will keep it tight and smooth on the headboard.
SEW your velcro on, the sticky stuff won't be strong enough to be able to open the velcro with out tearing off the strip from the fabric, leaving you with both the fuzzy and pokey strips stuck together on one side of the slipcover.
Hope this helps. If you need clearer or more detailed instructions, you might want to address a post to BJDec here on the forum in Free For All or Design & Decor. She's one of our resident drapery and sewing experts!!
kipper
I fetched my issue and took a look. You could make a slipcover for the headboard which attaches by velcro at the bottom. Unless you're a talented seamstress, it won't look as tailored as the fixed cover. Still, it could be done.
Actually, the contest winner's version looks like it'd be harder to make a slipcover for than the H&H's version does. So their version might be the one to consider for slipcovering.
Have you considered using a faux leather or a microsuede that wipes clean easily? If you don't like the smoothness of the "leather" the suede might be up your alley, and very spot-clean friendly.
if you'd still like to know what's involved with the slip cover, let me know.
kipper