Disguising a Utility Sink

Clean the exterior edge of the utility sink with a damp cleaning cloth and an all-purpose cleaner. This enables the hook and loop tape to stick well to the surface.

Measure around the sink edge with a measuring tape and multiply the distance by two to determine the width of the skirt. This allows extra fabric for gathers.

Hold the tape measure at the sink edge and measure down to the floor. Add 2 inches to allow for the hem. This gives you the length measurement.

Lay the fabric on a work surface and cut it with sharp scissors to the exact dimensions you calculated in steps 2 and 3.

Hem the four sides of the fabric by folding each down 1 inch to the dull side of the fabric. Secure the hem with fabric glue. Allow the fabric glue to dry for 30 minutes to an hour before continuing.

Baste the top edge of the fabric using a coordinating thread and needle. Begin by tying a knot in the end of the thread. Run the needle in and out of the fabric about 1 inch from the edge. Cut the thread once you are finished so that it extends beyond the fabric a couple of inches. Sew another line of basting stitches right underneath the first, using the same method.

Hold the loose threads with one hand and, with the other hand, slide the fabric toward the end with the knotted threads. Hold the fabric up against the sink periodically to check whether it is the right size to cover the sink edge fully. Keep adjusting the fabric until it ruffles uniformly and is the correct size to fit around the sink edge.

Knot the loose threads next to the fabric and cut the loose ends off with the scissors.

Hold the self-adhesive hook and loop tape to the edge of the sink and around the area the skirt will cover. Cut it to the correct length with the scissors.

Peel the backing off the hook and loop tape to attach it around the sink edge. Press it into place with your fingertips.

Stick the other portion of the hook and loop tape to the ruffled backside of the sink skirt by peeling off the backing and pressing it into place along the gathers.

Secure the hook and loop tape to the fabric by using the needle and thread to attach it every 4 to 6 inches. Insert the needle into the tape area, bring it through the front of the fabric until the knotted end catches and push the needle back through. Pull the thread all the way through the tape and fabric, knot it and then cut the thread. Repeat this until the tape is secure.

Stick the utility sink skirt to the hook and loop tape on the edge of the sink. Press it into place with your fingers.