How to make slipcovers for couch with chaise

Barb Jett
by Barb Jett
I have a couch with a recliner on one end & a chaise on the other. My pup has chewed a hole in two parts of the couch, and for now I just want to slipcover it until he grows out of the chewing stage. Any ideas...??
  4 answers
  • Susan Bishop Susan Bishop on Jul 04, 2016
    For a first time slipcover project, choose a fabric with a small design that is not one way. Don't do what I did and use a plaid the first time. ;-( There are charts online with suggestions for how much yardage to buy. Take any loose cushions apart and use the pieces as a pattern to make new cushion covers. For the parts of the couch that aren't removable, just pin the fabric together over the arms, back, etc. You can leave the pieces long to make a skirt or you can leave enough fabric along the bottom that you can hem and thumbtack underneath to hold the edge but still be able to remove the slipcover. Slip the pinned pieces off and use a washable marker to mark all the seams where you have pinned. Then you can remove the pins and sew along the marked lines with the right sides of the fabric together. I'm actually working on a love seat slipcover right now. I've finished the cushions and started pinning the fabric to one arm. The large floral design does not have to be fussy cut and I'm only using the gingham on the boxing where it can be cut along the lines. You tube will undoubtedly have lots of videos of slipcover making.
  • Paula Powers Paula Powers on Jul 09, 2016
    I would buy some cheesecloth and lay it out over the surfaces to be covered, cut the pieces to size-ie the chaise would be the back, the sides, the front, the cushion(s), same for the couch-cut out the back, sides, front, cushions etc. you should have several pieces-then purchase your material and cut to the size of the pieces you have cut from the cheesecloth leaving a one inch border outside of the cut pieces for seams-then assemble (it helps to pin the cheese cloth onto the couch and chaise to fit and then use the pieces for a pattern.
  • Karen Strayer Karen Strayer on Jul 10, 2016
    buy some poster board and make a template of the correct size that you will need.. Buy some stuffing and fill in the holes tack the cheesecloth over it to hold it in and then using your cardboard template and an an inch for seam allowance and enough to make a pocket for elastic to hold it in place and add a ruffle or pleated skirt to finish it off.
  • Karen Strayer Karen Strayer on Jul 10, 2016
    It is possible to buy a sheet set and convert the pillow cases into cushion covers and the sheets into the lounge cushion cover and ruffles. This could cut your work time down.