On a recent House and Home show (in the ask a designer segment, I think), Lynda Reeves mentioned a couple of places to find slip covers -- Pottery Barn and "couch potatoes" or some name like that.
I can't find the couch potato source on Internet -- does anyone know about it?
I already know about SureFit.com -- but their shipping charges to Canada are huge.
Where else can I find nice slip covers - not too expensive.
Thank you!
Comment Guidelines
We welcome your feedback on Houseandhome.com. H&H reserves the right to remove any unsuitable personal remarks made about the bloggers, hosts, homeowners and/or guests we feature. Please keep your comments focused on decorating, design, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Adopt a tone you would be willing to use in person and do not make slanderous remarks or use denigrating language. If you see a comment that you believe violates any of the guidelines outlined above, please click “Alert a Moderator.” Thank you.
I HAVE A WINGBACK COUCH AND CHAIR. I AM HAVING THE MOST DIFFICULT TIME FINDING SLIPCOVERS FOR THEM. (CANADIAN FUNDS)
IF ANY OF YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THEM OR A PATTERN TO MAKE THEM, PLEASE RESPOND.
THANKS MUCH,
ROBIN
I've had a book for years by Lang & Robertson called "Decorating with Fabric" (I've seen it in the library) and it has excellent instructions for making fitted slipcovers.
Following their instructions, I've probably made about 8 or 9 sets. The trick is laying the fabric face-down on the couch and cutting each panel. I start with a big part, cut the next piece, sew it on and then go back and cut the next one.
You need lots of pins, too.
The other trick is allowing for tuck - mainly just pockets that tuck in down the sides and back under the pillows.
As I love the all white casual look (even with a big dog and a construction worker husband), I often use painters drop sheets for fabric. Just make sure you wash them in hot water/hot dryer. If you get a mark on them you can just use a squirt of "Fantastic" on them and throw them in the wash.
Have fun - it's very rewarding!
Canadian cover company is Surefit Canada. Prices are so reasonable. Located in Ajax Ontario with an outlet store. Go online and request a catalogue, you will receive it in a couple of days.
www.canadiancovercompany.com
IS IT CALLED "COUCH POTATO"? OR "POTATO SKINS"
HOPE THIS HELPS
HI,
No I do not know where you can get information on how to make slip covers for a couch or loveseat but if you do please let me know..
Thanks
I have seen slip covers both at Home Outfitters stores and at Wal-Mart. They maybe worth checking since their prices are usually good.
There is also a Couch Potato location on the Langley By Pass, across from the Langley Power Center (where Mexx, Winners, Liberty, etc. are located), as well as one on Sweden Way in Richmond, across from Ikea. Hope this helps, and good hunting!
Slip covers are a 'big job' to do as a DIY project, however if you break the job down into smaller components it is fairly easy to do with some basic sewing skills and can be very rewarding. There are lots of books on the subject but basically the steps are:
1 - measure your sofa / chair / etc. in order to determine the yardage, remembering that you have to add for matching pattern repeats and for tuck in allowance
2 - sketch out a fabric layout in order to waste as little fabric as possible
3 - shop for fabric - and of course look for sales
4 - cut out fabric and mark each piece (when you start making a slipcover all the pieces just look like big rectangles)
5 - with wrong side down, start pinning fabric to your sofa and start shaping the pieces.
6 - cut the fabric to shape (leaving seam allownances) and start sewing to adjoining pieces
7 - keep fitting along the way to ensure you are getting a good fit
8 - make sure you leave an opening and for those who would rather not sew a zipper for a closing - velcro is a good substitute.
Take it one step at a time - enjoy the process and you'll be able to proudly display your slipcovers.
Regards
May
Does anyone know of a DIY issue of CH&H for making sofa/sofa chair slipcovers?
You can get Sure-Fit slip covers on the Home Shopping Channel which is in Canadian prices. It can be found at tsc.ca. They have a few to pick from. Good Luck!
Try canadiancovercompany.com. I tried to make slip-covers for my winged back chairs and it was terrible so I bought the cheapest ones from Surefit in the US (which cost me a lot) as there were no winged back slipcovers to be found anywhere in Canada (this was 2 years ago). They are really sloppy looking and I am considering get new ones someday
Here is the url for Potato Skins (I think this is what you meant by "Couch Potato"...
www.potatoskins.com
Hi Marg
I am not sure where you live but there is a Couch Potatoes on United Boulevard in Coquitlam, BC. They have great couches; I have never checked out their slipcovers.
I agree that nice slip covers are hard to buy. I brought some home (on sale at Linens & Things, $114.00) and they looked very sloppy. I have made my own in the past & will again. Watch for "just the right fabric" to go on sale & wing it!! Cost me less than $65 for fabric