How to Make a Cloth Radiator Cover

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Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape

  • Newspaper

  • Pen

  • Scissors

  • 3 yards of fabric

  • Pins

  • Sewing machine

  • Thread

Make decorative cloth radiator covers.

Add to your home decor by making a cloth radiator cover. Sometimes radiators are not utilized, such as in summer, or the radiators are broken. Cloth radiator covers should only be used on radiators that are not in operation to be safe. If you don't like the look of the radiators, make cloth radiator covers to match your sofa pillows or the drapes in a room. The design possibilities are endless.

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Step 1

Measure the radiator.

Measure your radiator and write down the dimensions. For example, a radiator might be 38 inches tall, 15 inches wide and 6 inches deep.

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Step 2

Make a pattern. Use newspaper or another style of paper to make a pattern using your dimensions. Add 1 inch for seam allowance and extra room to all sides of the radiator cover pattern to ensure the cover will fit over the radiator. The pattern pieces for this size radiator would include one large piece that will drape over the radiator's front and back to the floor like a tent. Double the height allowance dimension to arrive at the amount needed for the tent portion of fabric; also, add 6 inches for the depth of the top of the radiator. You will make two radiator pattern pieces total. Using the example dimensions, the size of the large piece will be 84 inches long by 32 inches wide. For the two side panels, make one pattern piece 8 inches wide by 40 inches long. Only one pattern piece is needed because the same pattern can be used twice or with fabric that is doubled in thickness to make two separate fabric pieces.

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Step 3

Choose a fabric that matches the room's decor.

Select the fabric. Match the fabric to your room's decor by considering the drapes, rug, pillows or other accent pieces in the room. Choosing a fabric that can be washed is a good idea so the radiator cover can be thrown in the washing machine as needed.

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Step 4

Cut the fabric. Pin the large pattern piece to the fabric. For the tent portion, you will only need one layer of fabric so make sure the fabric is one layer thick. For the small side panels of the cover, you will need to cut two pieces of fabric. Pin the small pattern piece to a swatch of fabric that has been doubled, or pin the pattern to two separate pieces of fabric using the pattern. Either way will work as long as you cut two panel pieces of fabric. Cut out the fabric.

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Step 5

Sew the panels together for the radiator cover.

Sew the radiator cover. With right sides together, pin the large piece of fabric to one of the small side pieces. Carefully pin the fabric at the radiator's top curve so that it will rest on the top of the radiator. Sew the two pieces together using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Repeat on the other side and sew the second side panel onto the tent portion. Check to make sure the cover will fit over the radiator and make any necessary fit adjustments at this time. Hem the radiator cover using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Make small cuts where the fabric curves to help it lay smoothly. Do not cut into or too close to the seam.

Step 6

Turn the radiator cover right side out. Place the cover over the radiator.

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