Reupholstering Furniture Slipcovers

Creating new slipcovers for furniture is an effective and inexpensive way to give old furnishings a whole new look or protect precious pieces. There is an endless variety of upholstery-weight fabrics available, so you can choose the fabric and style of the slipcover to match or complement your home decor. Because slipcovers are also removable, consider washable fabric for those pieces that see a lot of use, spills or pet hair. Slipcovers require some experience with sewing; employ the help of a seasoned friend or family member if you are a beginner.

Muslin
Felt-tip marker
Scissors
Pins
Upholstery fabric
Sewing machine with thread (optional)
Upholstery needle
Upholstery thread
Portable clothing steamer

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the piece of furniture with muslin, cutting the muslin to fit each component of the furnishing. Pin the muslin pieces in place as you go.
- 2
  Mark each muslin piece with a felt-tip market to denote its placement such as front, top of right arm and so forth.
- 3
  Remove the muslin slipcover from the furniture and carefully unpin the pieces. These pieces will serve as a pattern for your slipcover.
- 4
  Lay the upholstery fabric on a flat surface. Position the muslin pattern pieces on the fabric and pin into place.
- 5
  Cut out the slipcover pattern
- 6
  Pin the pieces together as directed by the notes you made on the muslin and then carefully remove the muslin pattern and set aside.
- 7
  Sew the pattern pieces together using a sewing machine or an upholstery needle and thread. You can drape the slipcover onto the piece to help keep its shape when you hand-sew.
- 8
  Clip off excess thread, place the slipcover onto the furniture and steam any wrinkles away using a portable clothing steamer.

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