How to Make No-Sew Slipcovers

Need to cover a couch but don't want to sew? Read below for help!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Fasteners of choice (see article)
• Measuring Tape
• Time

1. Consider which approach you’d like to take. If you aren’t going to be sewing the slip-covers you still need a sturdy, secure, and stable way to cover your couch. It needs to be flexible and yet still stay put when you need it to! Ideally it needs t be removable so you can wash it occasionally!

2. First think about the fabric you want to use. Do you have children? Pets? Investing in some heavy-duty cloth or canvas might be worth it for stains and hair removal. Lightweight material works well and doesn’t wrinkle as easily. You can also use bed sheets, purchased new or used. The rule of thumb for bedsheets is to only purchase flat sheets (not the elasticized bottom sheet) and get a twin size for each cushion and a king size for the main couch. If you are using material that hasn’t been hemmed, you can use fabric glue to create a hem or strong duct tape hidden under the folded fabric. Fabric outlets are a good source for cheaper material.

3. Safety Pin Method: Wrap each cushion in a twin size sheet, using a large safety pin to fasten it on the back. Use the king-size sheet and tuck into the crevices until you like how it looks. On areas that need securing, use the safety pins taking care that they are hidden.

4. Velcro Method: Use adhesive Velcro to secure sheets or material to the couch. You can then easily replace the fabric once you are ready for a change!

5. Pin Method, Part 1: At your local fabric store or craft store (or home improvement store), find T-pins and upholstery pins. Measure your couch to see how much fabric you need. First the length from floor to floor and then the width and height the same way. To fit the fabric, remove the cushions and throw the fabric on the couch, making sure it is even. Tuck all the excess fabric into the crevices of the couch, pulling and stretching so the fabric is tight! When it’s tight, stick the pins in the spots that will not be visible – under material, in crevices or corners, etc. How to use the pins?

6. Pin Method, Part 2: Here’s how to use the pins! T-pins are used in the following way: when the material is where you want it, stick it in almost all the way through the fabric and the cushion at a right angle, then twist diagonally and push through the rest of the way. Upholstery pins are used under the arms and are hidden. Use a large safety pin if the fabric is too thick. Do your best to make them invisible. Finally, make the finishing touches that you want to make it look good – smooth material, make pleats and fasten with pins. Some slipcovers come with a final horizontal touch to wrap around the front and tie in the back. You can do this with your own piece of fabric if you desire – secure with pins. Then cover the cushions using pins and smoothing the fabric, then replace on the couch and you’re done!

7. Regardless of the method you choose, consider spraying with a stainguard and washing every so often!

[starlet67]

on 5/23/2009 Great info on making No-Sew Slipcovers!5*

[miasavc]

on 2/11/2009 Very good article with clear steps! Thanks for sharing.