Things to Use As Slipcovers

Fabric

• Check out the fabric and sewing section of your local department store, or go to a hobby store. The array of colors and textures of raw fabric has the tendency to bring out your creative side. With dimensional measurements of your sofa and pillows, you can determine the yards of fabric required and sew your own slipcover by hand or with a sewing machine. If you're not comfortable with free-hand sewing, purchase a slipcover sewing pattern.

Curtains

• Take that old set of curtains that you've had in your linen closet for years and sew them together. This can be done by hand with a needle and thread or more quickly with a sewing machine. Add the finishing touch with a nice ironing, and drape your creation over the sofa, tucking in every obvious corner and crevice. This method is great for the shabby chic effect.

Sheets

• Use old sheets to cover your sofa. Using something that you already have on hand is a great way of saving money. If you decide to buy new sheets, you'll find some at a fraction of the cost of commercially made slipcovers. Sheets are sometimes cheaper than some fabrics. Determine whether it is cheaper to buy two twin sheet sets or a single king set. All of these determinations are based on the measurements of your sofa. Simply drape the sheet over the sofa and tuck along the edges, underneath the sofa cushions and along all crevices. Use extra sheeting fabric to cover throw pillows.

Duvets

• Get a few more choices of designs and colors by using a duvet as a slipcover. Duvets come double folded and once cut along the edges, they become as versatile as raw fabric. Follow the same procedure from Steps 3 and 4 when draping your duvet over your sofa, or use a sewing machine to customize your slipcover into the design of your choice. Patterns are always available for purchase if you aren't exactly sure about what you want.