A little over a year ago I made a six part video tutorial series on making slipcovers. I used a wing chair as an example, but you can take these skills and make a slipcover for any piece of furniture. I’ve received so many wonderful e-mails and comments from people with all level of sewing ability who used this series to make their first slipcover. I thought it was time to put them in one post, so it’s easy to find, easy to share and easy to use as a resource.
Part One – Sewing Custom Piping
Part Two – Cutting the Fabric
Part Three – Positioning Fabric and Pin Fitting Back
Part Four – Pin Fitting Back, Wings and Arms
Part Five – Pin Fitting Arms, Seat and Apron
Part Six – Skirt, Cushion, Tips & Inspiration
You don’t have to be intimidated by the thought of making a slipcover any longer! Enjoy!
 |
These posts are wonderful. Before finding your post I only used my machine for some mending. After seeing your tutorial I have completed 3 dinning room chair seat covers and am almost finished with the 4th. Can’t wait to start on my breakfast room chairs next! You have opened up a whole new world for me.
I love your blog, keep up the good work!
OMG…I have a wing back chair sitting in my bedroom with a sad, sad, sad purchased ugleeee brown slip cover on it…..this is my cue to go to Lowe’s and purchase some drop cloths and sew a new slip for the ugly duckling….right?
Just in time!!! I need to slipcover a chair in my family room!
I used these tutorials to make my first slipcovers several months ago. I get so many compliments on my chairs! Thanks so much. I’ve recently gotten braver; I’m in the middle of recovering a loveseat (bigger piece. Yikes!) with a vintage looking fabric. I will make sure I post in FFF when I”M done.
Very timely indeed. I am in the process of making a slipcover for my handed down wingback. I have the old slipcover which my Grandmother made, and am using it as a pattern. Easy, right? nope. I’m so confused and as I pick apart her ‘pattern’, I am unsure that I can fit it back together with the new fabric….and I’m an avid sewer! I’m going to have to watch your series!
Marian,
These tutorials are the BEST! I have bought books, watched youtube videos, etc., but was still intimidated about trying to slipcover. I found your site a few months ago while searching for slipcover information and you have really inspired me in so many ways. I have three items I’ve picked up from local sales to slipcover sitting in my garage, I’m a new blogger, and have started my own business – really all because of your blog! You are an inspiration to so many! Thank you for all you do!!!
I found your blog only last week and I’m so thankful that I did! I have 2 wingback chairs that I snatched ELEVEN YEARS ago for $7.50 EACH, but have never had the guts to attempt to reupholster or slipcover them myself. When I saw your pictures of the chairs at The Old Lucketts Store, I KNEW I had to get those chairs done (in drop cloth!) and told the hubs “I’ve got to at least TRY to do it myself!”. Then lo and behold, I pull up your blog this morning only to see that you’ve posted a complete tutorial! *smiling from ear to ear and jumping up and down – at the office no less*. Again, ever so thankful and excited and freaking out a little, but I’m hoping that I can do justice to those chairs with your help. (I simply can’t stop smiling!) Oh, by the by, I mentioned your chairs and would love to know WHERE did you get the fabric for the pillows? I’m in total love with that fabric!
Ha, thank you for doing this! I was just looking at the videos again yesterday, before I try my first slipcover.
The videos are not loading for me. I just get a black square. Maybe becasue of high volume of traffic? or maybe i need to try using chrome.
Since I have some slipcover projects coming up I want to watch these! I always just wing it and I would love your tips! Can’t wait to watch them!
ok I got them to load in chrome – not a problem on your end! Can’t wait to have some professional tips:)
I think this is a sign! I started sewing a slipcover {I am a VERY beginner sewer} for my wingback chair 4 months ago, but have gotten busy since and not finished it. I was so thrilled with myself for what I have done so far that I patted myself on the back…and then stopped!
Thank you so much for these tutorials…I am a very visual learner and you made it so easy for me to do! If I can manage to sew this, then I am sure anyone can, so THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! Now off to finish my work!
I totally used your video tutorials to make a slip cover for a sofa…they were awesome and easy to follow!! Thanks for the instruction!!
Thank you soooo much for those awesome tutorials! Those wing chairs we talked about have been sitting in my living room unslipcovered… but I’m thinking they’ll start to get done next week. Say a little prayer for me
Oh Marian, how did you know I need a tutorial for slip covers? Especially for wing chairs? You are so amazing! I cannot wait to check these out and hopefully make use of them
Fantastic, thanks! I first discovered you when viewing one of your slip covering tutorials! Of course, I haven’t made a slip-cover yet! Maybe this will be the year. Love your blog!
Thank you thank you thank you….I really need this right now
Yay!! Thank you!
I’ve made slipcovers for 2 chairs following your tutorials. You made it seem much easier than I thought it would be and I am an experienced seamstress! I copied your flirty little box pleats on one chair and ended the other in just masculine piping. Now my very ugly, mis-matched (one was orange with red polka dots!) chairs look great together! The 2 slipcovers cost @ $65.00 – 3 4′x15′ dropcloths, piping, plus zippers for one and ribbon ties for the flirty one.
SarahK… Can I ask if you remember what weight canvas dropcloths you got?
I don’t remember the weight right off hand, but I usually get the lightest weight that Lowe’s has in 4′ x 15′ dropcloths. I’ve made 2 chair slipcovers, several curtains a bedskirt and this weekend I’m making a padded headboard out of dropcloths.
Thanks! I just wasn’t sure if that would be TOO lightweight. I’m slipcovering a hand-me-down toddler rocking armchair. It will need to stand up to some abuse.
Thanks again!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! NOw I just need to find the perfect piece to learn some new skills…Off to go hunting!
thanks for compiling them! i need to do this to a chair we recovered once already but it got ripped. it was a pain in the neck and i want something removable so a slicover’s the plan!
Merci beaucoup!!!! I already started on four dining chairs , I do not like the way they have been so I decide to do the slipcovers with piping and ruffle. Almost done with the one I had been working on it. Will do three of them. Got upholstered French wing chair, I have not seen this style before. Anyway, it is UGLY! I loathe dark green color , it made me cringe! BUT the best thing was that it was free. I will do upholstery instead on this one as well as painting. I am looking forward to these projects.
BTW, I was sorry I was not able to come to Lucketts. I was tied up with a new puppy! Drove up here from NC with a puppy and adult dog .
Oh my goodness, how kind of you to provide this! I’ve sewn since I was in grade school, but have always been intimidated by slipcovers. Thank you so much!
CAS
I followed these tutorials last summer to cover all my dining room chairs and love the results. The hardest part was washing all drop cloths! Thanks, again!
I’ve used this tutorial for a pair of wing back chairs and I always get compliments on them! In fact I get several requests to make them for others
Thank you so much for taking the time to create each video and share them. I’ve sent others your way, so they can learn the same way I did! here is a link to some photos of my finished chairs: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101148657093871&set=o.216604965021525&type=3&theater
Marion,
Thanks so much for putting all these in one post. I really enjoyed the video series and you made it look “SO EASY.” I still haven’t taken the plunge to do my wing chair yet, but I will…eventually and I will be watching your videos every step of the way. : )
I wrote to you months ago and you encouraged me where slipcovers were concerned. I’ve got my drop cloths, my cotton cord, thread and now your videos all in one place. Not really sure when I’ll start, but I am going to start. Thank you for posting these again.
Marian, I did send you the written transcript for the Slipcover Tutorial, Part One, September 2011 and have never seen it posted.
Let me know your desires for the complete series . . .
Wondering if a leather lazyboy recliner could be slipcovered. Thanks
I just finished slipcovers for my 2 leather club chairs after watching all of your videos! You can see my post here: http://www.lisaroy.ca/2012/04/white-slipcover-how-to-part-1.html
It was so much easier than the pattern method I used years ago when making one for a sofa and chair. Thanks for the great videos – it finally got me off my butt and the project is done!
Have you ever slipcovered a sectional? It also has fixed back & bottom cushions. Should I just give up now? Thanks!
Are you a mind reader? Last year, I followed your tutorials and covered my couch. Turned out great. Now, it’s time to do its matching (ugly) love seat. My husband has been begging me to do it since he really likes the way the couch turned out. He noticed?? I wanted to review your tutorials again before I started and now they are all in one place! So easy. Thank you so much for keeping your finger on the pulse of what we, your loyal followers, need!!
Thank you for doing a good job. good 6 steps to make slipcovers
I am just about to make my first slipcover. Thanks so much for compiling your wisdom
I hope mine turns out as good as yours always look.
Marian, just finish watching the slipcover series. It really gave me the confidence I need to slip cover my sofa. Thank you soooooooooooo much. I hope it goes as easy as you made it look
Where did you get your dropcloths? The ones I’ve seen at Sherwin Williams were either very thin with a plastic-y backing and ugly or very heavy canvas ones that were expensive.
I get them from Lowes and Home Depot. Look for the 8 oz canvas drop cloths.
Ok I thought I was ready to tackle the love seat. I watched all 6 videos again and chickened out. I decided to start with the kitchen chairs first. I’m getting ready to make my piping right now. Will report my results!
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your expertize…….I am about to start refurbishing my bedroom and intend to try covering some chairs and a loveseat….i know your tutorial is going to spur me on – i am getting excited and longing to make a start……Thanks again – love your blog
Great tutorials! Hopefullyy I can use these to slipcover the sofa in my home’s family room.
not bad fancy renting banner ad space for a bit of cash?
Where, oh where, did the videos go?!
I was wondering the same thing!!!! I just watched them a few days ago and was going to watch them again. I’m planning on making 2 slipcovers for the first time and wanted to go through the steps again and all the videos are gone.
Sorry! I deleted my Vimeo account, since I’m using You Tube now and didn’t even think about these videos. I’m uploading them right now and will have them all available in the next day or two.
slipcover tutorials – the first two videos are the only ones that worked, the others aren’t there. HELP
The videos aren’t accessable, it says all but 1 and 2 are gone?? Is there a problem with your site?
Miss Mustard Seed, Thank you for the tutorial. I have used it and others to tackle doing a slipcover for my sofa. I just started sewing and although I realize it is a big undertaking I wanted the challenge and I wanted to change my home decor. I am grateful for the idea of using painters dropclothes since it looks wonderful and I didn’t feel as bad if the slipcover didn’t turn out with the amount of money spent. I am actually quite pleased with how it turned out although I would never want an experienced sewer to look over my work.
I do have a question though about the way the canvas unravels. I am concerned that as I wash it, the slipcover will eventually fall apart with it unraveling to my stitching. Have you ever had this problem and am I missing something as to how to prevent this? Thanks again. ~Novice Sewer
Thank you for the tutorials. They were very helpful. I am a novice sewer, but wanted to tackle the challenge of doing slipcovers for my sofas to get a more updated/fresh look. The dropclothes work perfect for the neutral color and cost. As you stated though, the canvas does unravel. I am worried about it unraveling down to the stitches especially when I wash the slipcover. Have you had this problem, or am I missing something in order to keep this from happening? Thanks again!
The only time I’ve had that happen is when I only leave a tiny seam allowance. When I give 1/4 – 1/2″ it has been fine and I wash mine regularly.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!! I watched this series several times through and then tackled my sofa. It’s my first and only slipcover and I LOVE IT. Turned out great – under $100 spent. Granted…it did take me a year to complete, but that’s my problem with every project I begin.
Pictures here: http://lavidaleipprandt.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-slipcover-that-took-me-year.html
Can barely hear your voice on the videos as background MUSIC is much much too loud. Is there a way to turn it off?
Whoa! I just did two chairs on swivels in stretchy uncut corduroy… wish I’s seen your bottom pleated ruffle before I finished!
LOVE your website!
I hardly write responses, however i did some searching and wound up here How to Make
And, if you are posting on additional social sites, I would like to follow everything new you have to post. Would you list of all of all your social sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
Slipcovers – a Six Part Video Series. And
I do have a couple of questions for you if it’s allright. Could it be simply me or does it look as if like some of the comments come across like they are left by brain dead people?
PLEASE HELP!!!! Any suggestions, tips or resources for making a wing recliner slipcover?
Any advice would be so greatly appreciated!