Steady As She Goes

The piecing of the slip-cover continued over the weekend, although somewhat sporadically.  There were two expeditions that interrupted the progress.  One involving a hike through the woods and the other a shopping trip.  Both very much needed and thoroughly enjoyed.   It's always good to step away from a big project like this once in awhile and take a breather.  Like now. (More about my thrift treasure hunt later.) As for the sewing...all's going well.  I'll try and share more as I go along for those who expressed an interest in it.  Marvelous to see that some of you are on your toes and were able to figure out the blunder in the last post!  Normally, a slip-cover is pinned wrong-side out onto a chair or sofa that has equal sides and proportions.  Because both sides match, it works even though it gets reversed when you turn it right-side out.  In other words, what was pinned on the left arm, fits the right arm and vice versa.  It gets tricky with sectionals and other one-armed pieces like this though, and I should've remembered it before I started pinning.  But no harm done, I just flipped it around and re-pinned it the other way and it came out fine. 

You can see how this is coming together.  I'm working on the back sections now.  There will be three pieces for this; a short one that fits across the front, and a matching back piece that hangs to the floor.  These two pieces will be connected by a narrow gusset that will run the length of the top back.  That's the plan anyway.  Will see how it goes.

 

I'm just measuring and making templates as I go along.  Used recycled brown packaging paper, taped it together to get the length I needed and then traced the backrest curves by turning the chaise over onto the paper. (Paper taped to the wall behind the backrest also works, but my wall wasn't long enough so we improvised.)   

This is what I ended up with for the backrest; this piece faces towards the front.  I like to add length to the parts that can be tucked into creases.  It adds slack, minimizing stress on the seams when you sit on it.  And if there's shrinkage I'm fairly safe.  It is recommended that most fabrics be pre-washed before cutting, but I really find that hard to do, often with so many yards of it, so I choose to do it this way, say a prayer and keep my fingers crossed.  So far, so good.  I should also say that, this post is not meant to be a tutorial, it's just something I'm showing in a conversational way, because sewing slipcovers isn't necessarily quick nor easy, and I don't want to give that impression.  The best advice I can give anyone is to study a number of books on the subject.  Realize too, that directions will be approximate due to furniture styles, shapes, and structural variations.  But the basic construction steps are the same.  If your piece has clean, straight lines it shouldn't be too difficult.  You can always start with a kitchen chair or ottoman to get your tootsies wet. (baby steps!) 

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So...a few books I've used in the past and can recommend:  Decorating with Fabric (1986) has a short chapter on slipcovers, with fairly good directions and diagrams that cover the basics.  (This was the book I used to make my first slip-cover for an old sofa bed.)  Check your library for it.  Also, Slipcover Magic (1995) which is more comprehensive with lots of styles and projects.  For inspiration, I like Simple Soft Furnishings (2004).  There are a few simple slipcover projects too that look pretty easy for a beginner.  To answer another question, I'm using a medium upholstery weight 60"width cotton twill on the chaise.  I prefer this for bedroom chairs and light slipcovers.  For more durability, on a sofa for instance, I really like natural cotton duck which is heavier.  Both of these fabrics are inexpensive and easy to work with.  Check out this website.  I just noticed that some of the fabrics can even be purchased pre-washed, which I'm taking note of myself for future reference. 

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OK, that's it for now.  Time to get back to the ship before I lose momentum. 

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Oh and one more thing (unrelated), no postal service on President's Day; patterns and other packages will ship out Tuesday.

 

Comments

[pam]

I am enjoying this play by play. Thanks for sharing it.

[claire]

It is looking great! I'm sure it will be perfect!

[paula luckhurst]

I wish I was so talented as you. I can never imagine myself making a cover.

[Old Round]

I'm slipcovering too. do you have any tension issues on your machine? I have...on both machines I've tried. Used a whole bobbin of thread trying to adjust it. I suppose I'm just jinxed.

[Dawn]

This post makes me wish I had paid attention when my dad was making slipcovers and/or upholstering...He taught himself, using materials from the county cooperative extension.
Looks good thus far, Vicki..

[Gypsy Purple--Chamara]

Wow. I salute you...this is a big job....

Chamara

[Gina]

I will be re-reading these post and all the one that come after this. I've tried to make a fitted slip cover for my couch, it was going pretty go up until where the arms pieces come together, so I ended up just making a simply throw-over slipcover but am thinking of trying one more time on the fitted one. You doing wonderful!!! Thank you so much for sharing about your process.

[Mae]

What a challenging project! I am sensing that you have done this before but I imagine that each time hold its own challenges. Keep us posted!

[Mrs.Staggs]

I'm so impressed! I've always wished I could make slipcovers, but I know I don't have that particular kind of patience.

[Tracy]

Very much enjoying seeing the slip cover in progress! It looks to be coming along beautifully! What kind of fabric are you using, a cotton duck maybe? Happy Sewing! :o)

[Nonnie]

I'm finding it so interesting seeing how you do this as I made my first sofa slip cover a couple of years ago. I literally made it up as I went ago. The finished article is ok but I'd do so many different things next time. The one I did was a two seater and it has a matching three seater which I keep putting off doing. Really should though. I also used that Katrin Carghill as inspiration and a guide. Looking forward to how yours turns out.

[Sarah]

Thanks for the book list! Best of luck with your project, I look forward to seeing it finished.

[Julie]

I found this post really fascinating. I've considered making slipcovers before and am pretty intimidated by the whole process. What a fabulous job you're doing! I'm VERY impressed!