How to Cover a Desk

Measure the desk height and length, starting at the floor on one side, over the top surface to the opposite side and down to the floor. Add 1 inch to the measurement for the hem.

Measure the desk height and width, starting on the floor at the center front, over the top surface to the rear and down the back to the floor. Add one inch to the measurement for the hem.

Cut a piece of decorator fabric using the adjusted measurements. Cut two pieces of fabric and sew them together with a 1/2-inch seam to make the desired size, if needed. Check your fabric store for 60-inch-wide decorator fabric instead of the standard 45-inch-wide fabric.

Make four loops out of painters tape and stick them to the top of the desk. Lay fabric on top of the desk so the right side faces down, and adjust the fabric so it hangs even along all sides. Press the top of the desk so the fabric sticks to the tape.

Grab the front right corners of fabric and pull away from the desk at a diagonal. Hold the corner flush with the top of the desk and pin the front and side fabric together along the front vertical edge of the desk. The excess fabric is in the shape of a rectangle. This step works best if you have someone hold the fabric while another person puts in the pins. Repeat this process with each corner.

Remove the fabric from the desk. Pull off the tape and discard. Sew along the pin lines with a straight stitch, removing the pins as you go. The fabric cover should have a box shape.

Place the fabric cover back on the desk to verify it fits properly. Adjust the seams, if needed. Cut the excess corner fabric about 1/2 inch from the sewing after verifying the fit.

Sew along the seam salvage with a zig-zag stitch or serger stitch to prevent the fabric from fraying.

Turn the bottom edge 1/4 inch toward the backside of the cover and press with an iron to hold. Turn the fabric under another 1/4 inch to create a clean hem and press to hold. Sew the hem in place with a straight stitch.