How to Make a Futon Mattress Cover

Preparation, Measuring and Cutting

• 1

  Remove the sheets from the package and wash and dry them according to label instructions. Using the steam iron, press each sheet to remove any wrinkles.

• 2

  Lay the futon mattress on a flat surface, like the floor, and measure its width, length and thickness. Make a note of the measurements. Put sheets together, right sides facing, and lay them on a flat surface.

• 3

  Using the yardstick or measuring tape and tailor’s chalk, mark out a square or rectangle on the fabric (depending on the measurements of the mattress) that is the length and width of the mattress. Add 2 to 2 ½ inches to the width to account for the mattress thickness, and 6 inches to the length. Cut on chalk lines.

Sewing

• 4

  Determine the bottom end--this will be the opening you will use to slide the mattress into the cover. Essentially, what you are creating will resemble a large pillowcase. Measure 4 inches up from the bottom edge on each side and mark with a pin. Pin the rest of the way around the edge, from marking pin to marking pin. Sew around the edge from marking pin to marking pin, making a ½-inch seam, using a running stitch. Remove all pins as you sew, with the exception of the marking pins.

• 5

  If the corners of the mattress are rounded, sew a diagonal line across the top corners and trim before turning right-side out.

• 6

  Remove marking pins and turn the cover right-side out.

Attaching the Fastener

• 7

  Turn in the open edge sides ¼ inch and press with the iron. Turn again ¼ inch and press. Sew down the pressed edges. This will nicely finish the sides, leaving two open flaps. Fold in each flap ½ inch toward the inside of the cover and press with the iron. Baste down using the sewing machine. Fold in again 2 ½ to 3 inches, creating a “lip,” and press with the steam iron. Sew across the top and bottom of the “lip.” You now have two finished edges to attach the Velco fastener to.

• 8

  Measure Velcro strip fastener to the length of the opening lip. Pull the Velcro strip apart. On one lip (the side that will fold down over the mattress) attach one side of the Velcro strip by peeling away the paper coating from the adhesive. After sticking the fastener in place, sew down using a running stitch with the sewing machine. You will attach the opposing side of the Velcro fastener on the outside of the opposing lip that folds up over the mattress. Attach in the same manner.

• 9

  Slide the cover over the mattress and close the open end using the Velro fastener. Place the mattress on the futon frame. The cover can be removed and washed as you would any other linen.