How to Upholster a Day Bed

Instead of replacing a daybed mattress or purchasing a new cover when your daybed begins to look a little tired, making your own new cover can be done in a matter of hours. This is an easy and comparatively inexpensive way to brighten a day bed ensemble and create a whole new look. This project is easy. So easy that you could easily make several covers and rotate the daybed décor as the seasons change. Here is a simple method for making a daybed mattress cover that will work with any daybed.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton fabric that is decorator weight Tape Measure Sewing Machine Sewing Notions (scissors, thread) Iron and ironing board

Instructions

Upholstering a Day Bed

1. Measure the dimensions of the daybed mattress. This includes the width, length and height. Measure twice to ensure accuracy. The easiest way to cut out and sew the mattress cover is to add the height measurement into the width measurement. For example, if your daybed mattress has a height measurement of 6 inches, simply add this figure to the width measurement number. Add one inch to the width and length measurements for seam allowance.

2. Cut the fabric according to the measurements taken in Step 1. Cut one front panel and one back panel (these will be the same size).

3. Place the panels together with right sides facing each other. Pin to hold. Sew both width sides and one length side.

4. Turn under 1/2 inch along the edge left open and press. Turn under 1/2 inch again and press again.

5. Fit the daybed mattress into the mattress cover through the opening. Pin the opening closed and carefully sew closed with small, neat whip stitches.

6. Add pillows and shams and a throw, if desired, to complete the new look.