slipcovering the living room sectional

by | Feb 23, 2021 | All Things Home, Decorating, Furniture Makeovers | 23 comments

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Whenever my schedule starts to open up, I seem to fill it beyond capacity in no time.  It can be a blessing and curse, but I can’t seem to help it!  I like having a lot of things to work on and to bounce between.  I work more efficiently when I am forced to stay on task to get everything done.  I have certainly filled up a slow February, though, with organizing, accepting more commissioned art pieces, recording art lessons for a future class, getting ready to launch a new look on this website, and working on the layout of the book.  It’s been busy, but I’m enjoying the work.  So, my next big home project will have to wait for a few more weeks before I can start it…

I’m going to make a slipcover for the living room sectional…

outerbanks sectional arhaus | ponder lakeland | check please p kaufmann | miss mustardseed

When selecting the sofa, I decided to go with something a bit more fun and interesting than cream/white upholstery and chose the blue and white buffalo check.  I’m so glad I did because it makes such a great statement in the room.  It’s also a lot more forgiving when it comes to dirt, pet hair, etc.  But, when I made that bold choice, I knew I would most likely make a slipcover for it, so I had a neutral option and I could change out the look with the seasons.

As a bonus, slipcovers can also extend the life of upholstery.

I will be making a slipcover very similar to the ones I made for a pair of wingback chairs several years ago, though I’ll probably do a more structured box-pleat skirt.

slipcovered wing chair | home office | miss mustard seed

I knew I wanted to make the slipcover with antique hemp sheets.  They are my favorite to use for slipcovers because they are a heavy, hard-wearing fabric, they have a great nubby texture, and the fabric is thick enough that it offers some structure.  I placed an order from my supplier in January and they arrived a couple of weeks ago…

stack of antique hemp sheets and grain sacks | miss mustard seed

I couldn’t help but order some blue and white textiles as well.  They are shipped from overseas, so it’s worth placing a larger order.

I’m not sure how many hemp sheets it will take to cover the sectional, but I ordered 15 just to be safe.  I’m guessing it’ll take about ten sheets and I will supplement with some heavy cotton or linen fabric for the decking under the cushions, etc.  I know it’ll be a beast of a project, but it’ll be a slipcover I’ll use for many years.

If you’re interested in making a slipcover and need some instruction, you can find my slipcover video tutorial series HERE.

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    23 Comments

    1. Nita Blessing

      Would you be able to share your supplier for the blue and white textiles that you ordered with your hemp sheets?
      Thank you and thank you for all of your inspiration!

      • Christy

        Please share your supplier for the blue and white textiles. Please please.

      • Kimberly

        Hi Nita, I didn’t see your question before I just asked the same questions. Hopefully we can get some info.

      • Marian Parsons

        They are ordered from a wholesale source, so it’s just for businesses. If you are a business owner, feel free to send me an e-mail and I can share the source (marian@missmustardseed.com). Otherwise, you can find linens like these on Etsy and eBay regularly.

    2. mary m

      I followed your directions for slip covering for a chair nd a half. The system works! I was all in and consumed.
      The best thing you can do is wash and dry your fabric first. Mine had a pattern. I only messed up once on the cushion band and had the design upside down. The chair had a previous slip cover and i took it apart and numbered and wrote on it. I think JoAnn’s has a flyer chart that documents with stick drawings of every kind of chair, couch loveseat etc. imaginable for the amount of fabric for every item. I think 15 yards should do it.
      If any of you live in the Boston/Lynn area there is a fabric store called Zimons/Lynn. It has been there forever and has fabulous ulpostry fabric and curtain material. It has an old fashioned bargain basements. If you want any kind of decorative trim they have tons of stuff.

      • Marian Parsons

        Oh, wonderful! So great to hear, Mary.

    3. Elizabeth

      I love, love, love Zimmans! Been going there for decades, but realized early on that I have to go there with a specific project in mind, otherwise, I’m overwhelmed at the selection!

    4. Kimberly

      How exciting to tackle your next project, it’s a big one. I was wondering when your next book will be coming out? I love everything you do, I would love you even more if you could email me where you order from overseas ??
      I hope you and the family are all doing well, stay safe, happy & healthy to y’all.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        My book will be coming out this fall! I’ll definitely be sharing more about it as we get closer to the launch date.

    5. MaryLisa

      It will be amazing. I oiled have thought the bold check would show through the sheet fabric, Can’t wait to see…

      • Marian Parsons

        No, this fabric is a very thick, woven fabric, so a pattern will not show through.

    6. Andrea

      In the meantime those lovely sheets look beautiful folded in the chippy blue basket!

    7. Nicole

      Are you slip covering the couch to give it some extra life?

      • Marian Parsons

        I am doing it mostly because I want to have a couple of different options to change out the look, but as a bonus, it will extend the life of the upholstery. This sofa is very well made, so I’m not too concerned about that.

    8. Elizabeth

      Please name the check fabric on the sofa :}

    9. Marian Parsons

      It’s called “Check Please” in Lakeland by P Kaufmann.

    10. Mildred

      What are the measures of a hemp sheet?

    11. Sue M.

      I’m currently working on making slipcovers for my ten dining room chairs following your video. It was very helpful and gave me the confidence to even get started…so thank you! In the back of my mind I’m already thinking about slipcovering my sofa also (and I’m not even done with the chairs)! Love your projects and will look forward seeing this one begin.

    12. Linda

      I am very late to the Annual Painting Sale Party, but do you, by chance, have any left? I got separated from your blog somehow on my computer and totally missed it! Thank you!

      • Marian Parsons

        Everything sold during the last sale, but I am working on new paintings for a new sale, hopefully in March.

    13. SUzanne Holder

      I absolutely love the blue Buffalo check of the chair in a previous post. Although I’m not handy at all with sewing, I know someone who is and would love to recover a chair in that fabric. I sure hope it’s available.

    14. Sandi Graham

      God love ya for your sale of paintings , my art friends and I who have been getting in to National and local juried shows could never expect to sell out our paintings! Wish we could . You are talented and have such a dedicated following . Any advice from you …we know we have art talent but not like your talent for promoting so many things.
      Have followed you for years . Followed your vids for making a slipcover for my wing back chair.Repainted an old washstand and faithfully follow your blog .
      I just admire you so much . Probably sold 10 paintings this year . $250 each framed
      Need a goal ?

    15. Julie Lowry

      Oh my gosh I love your new sofa. Is it from Ashley’s too? I loved your cream colored one from there and
      was so surprised to see the new blue buffalo print. Your choices are always amazing!

    Hello!

    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

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