cooperative E,)(.tensiOl1 Sef'\/ice \ne onio State U11iversiW c:,11pcover<; can create a ne\'.1 der or for co11str uction described omitting the much le-;s money than bu\ 1ng or placement of welting in each seam. reupholo;ter1ng vour p1ec;e11t turn1- ture Properly fitted and se..,-.n, tfiey Welts can be made to resemble upholstery \-.hile retaining the advantage ot easy Cord covered with bias 1s referred to care in this publication as "welting." rou You can mak€' two c;ets of slipcovers should usually put a wefted seam at the following places: for ~easonal variation - using crisp fabrics in cool colors tor summer, • Across the top of the back and and warm colors and rough or tactile down the two back corners. textures for winter. •Across the front of the back and down the sides to the arms when If you have patience, time, and some boxing 1s needed for fitting or styl­ basic ~ewing skills, you can make an ing squared-off pieces. attractive slipcover. The essential • Under or along the arms from front skills include installation of closures. to back such ac; zippers, nylon pressure tape, or grippers; making bias to cover the •Along the edge of wings. cord; and making welt or no-welt •Around the top and bottom edges seams. of removable cushions. Skirts (sometimes referred to as •Around the top of the sides and "flounces") are used to individualize Some people prefer to make a muslin front of the seat of a chair without the slipcover. Choose a style most cover first. Although it takes time and cushions. suitable for the furniture and the fab­ money, when using very expensive •Around the pane[ (front of arm). ric. It may be gathered or pleated. fabric it might allow a more econom­ •Around the top of the skirt, If one is Usualfy a skirt with pleats that meet ical placement and cutting of the used. gives added weight; a narrow space fashion fabric. The muslin 1s marked between pfeats also adds weight; a for grainline and seams, taken apart, wider space adds width. and used as the final pattern. Select a placement line that will give a As you proceed with your slipcover, pleasing visual balance. Measure check yourself on these points: around the chair or sofa at this point. •Be accurate, f1tt1ng snugly but not tightly. Yardage requ1red: • Observe the lengthwise and cross­ Width: wise grain on all sections of the • Gathered-1 Yi times measure­ slipcover. ment. •Center the pattern on each section, • Pleated-2 to 3 times measure­ being particularly careful with un­ ment. balanced plaids and stripe<;. •Corner pfeats only-add 48 to 64 • Maintain the up-and-down pattern inches (122 to 162.5 cm). and/or nap of each section. Depth: • Distance to floor from placement STYLING THE SLIPCOVER line. •Add Y2 inch (1.3 cm) for seam allow­ ance. •Add 1¥2 inches (3.8 cm) for hem­ ~tudy the Imes and proportions of your chair. Then plan for seams that this includes Yi inch (1.3 cm) for will bring out the good points and Possible placement of welting 1s shown in turning. broken line disguise the poor points of the chair. Closures These seams, usually trimmed with welting, are most often covered with Skirts Correctly placed closures will facili­ the same fabric as the slipcover. tate the removal of the slipcover for cleaning. Cushions have a closure in Welting hefps define the lines of the the boxing strip at the back. furniture. A curreht decorating trend, howev~r, fe~m,¥1e {l<:.l'"Vl{ett • Select zippers according to the fab­ look. TQ O\i;ih' ~~9,~rrr~~try~ ric type. Use heavy metal zippers slipcov~~. w~hf;! $eQUE"nce 0¥ ~O( ~ back 'Qlt)~ "'"!;Ion pressure tape can be used tor ail ciosures Be "ure to clo"e during laundering or clean:ng e Gripper taoe 1s a\ ail able 1n a limited color range but 1c; eas\ to applv and use

I No1;ce ll'alch 01 pattern

Prominent des1g'1 1s centered / speC1a! deC1s1on.:; The \\ ood can remam /X rL _ exposed or It can be padded before sltp <2::'/ ~ ~ co1er1ng

Fol/av. manufacturers d1rect10ns for the correct appl1cat1on of the closure SELECTING THE FABRIC

Select the best-quality fabric your PREPARING THE FURNITURE budget will al lo"" Remember, 1t takes as much time and energy to make a slipcover of poor as of good fabric Before starting the sl 1pcover Look for these practical qualities in •Vacuum or brush to remove dust the fabric you are considering from upholstery and crevices • Clean the upholstery with shampoo •Firmness of fabric with good hand YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS or a dry-cleaning solvent and snag resistance Some knits are • Remove cording casing and cord­ designed for slipcover use There are two methods of determin­ ing whenever possible •Controlled shrinkage Check label, ing yardage requirements You can • Repair sagging springs 1f not so labeled, shrink before measure and record on the mea­ • Fill in hollows with new padding making the cover surement chart on page 5, remember • Colorfastness Check label, fabric to make adequate allowance for New padding should res 1st fading from sun, matching patterns Or you may pre­ _..,..,---­ laundry, and dry cleaning t fer to estimate using the yardage I in t •Starn and sod resistance Some chart on page 7, be generous you finishes are also sod-release If not allowance for matching patterns and so labeled, apply a spray-on finish for the extra fabric for covering the following the manufacturer's d1rec­ cord t1ons Using a Measurement Chart And don t forget these aesthetic con­ Measure widest and deepest part of s1derat1ons each section • Design and texture to complement •Allow 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) for or enhance room decor tuck-ms (places where fabnc can be • Scale or design consistent with pushed m between two sections of room and furniture the chair} • Harmony of colors Select fabnc •Allow 1 to 1 Y2 inches (2 5 to 3 8 cm) that harmonizes with existing col­ for seam allowances ors in the room Or use the fabric to • Allow 3 to 5 1n ch es (7 5 to 12 5 cm) at establish a new color scheme bottom for upholstered look For a skirt, measure up from the floor with a ruler, and marl-. linc•\\tth chalk. Add on 1!2-mch (1.3-cm\ seam a!iow­ ance; remember that a skirt is cut on the crosswi~e grain. For the up­ MEASUREMENT CHART holstered look, measure to bottom part of the chair; add on 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cml. HOW TO MEASURE LENGTH HOW TO MEASURE WIDTH

1. INSIDE BACK From highest point of Across widest part of cPnter back to seat bad., or from seam to + 7" (17 5 cm) seam + 2" (5 cm) 2. BACK BOXING Greatest length + 2" Greatest width + 2" (5 cm) (5 cm) J OUTSIDE BACK From highest point at Across widest part + 2" top of cha11 to bottom (5 cm) + 3" (7.5 cm) 4. INSIDE ARM Over the widest part of Across the widest part (measure for 2) arm from outside seam of arm + 5" ( 12.5 cm) to seat+ 7" (17.5 cmJ 5. OUTSIDE ARM From under arm seam Across widest part of (measure for 2) to lower edge of chair outside arm + 3" + 3" (7.5 cm) (7.5 cm) ------6. UPPER FRONT From seam under Across the front of SEAT SECTION cushion to welting Imes chair + 6" (15 cm) (for chair with along the front of chair cu<;hion) + 2" (5 cm) ·------7. LOWER FRONT From welting hne to Across total width of Tue~ '"' CHAIR SECTION bottom of chair + 2" chair + 2" (5 cm) (5 cm) ------8. SEAT SECTION From inside back to Across chair, arm to (for chair with­ welting at bottom front arm + 12" (30 cm) out cushion) + 7" (17.5 cm) 9. FRONT SHAPED Longest part + 3" Widest part + 2" ARM PIECE (7.5 cm) (5 cm) (measure for 2) 10. INSIDE WING, Greatest length + 2" Greatest width + 2" if used (5 cm) (5 cm) (mea<;ure for 2) ------11. OUTSIDE WING, Greatest length + 2" Greatest width + 3" if used (Scm) (7.5cm) (measure for 2) ·~~------~------~------~- 12. CUSHION Across longest part + 2" Width + 2" (5 cm) (measure for 2) (5 cm)

13. CUSHION Distance around cushion Width + 2" (5 cm) BOXING + 2" (5 cm) 14. SKIRT Allow 1'/i to 2 times Depth of skirt + at distance around chair least 1 " (2.5 cm) for for a gathered skirt; hem box pleats require 2 to 3 times the distance. 15. WELTING Measure length of all main seams on chair and cu'>hion, and top of skirt if used. Averagechairwill use approximately 10to12 yards (9.15to11 meters) of welting-Yi yard (.46 meter) of 48" or 54" (122 cm or 137 cm) material will cover 15 yards (13.75 meters) of welting. Two yards (1.85 meter) or 36" (91.5 ------·--- cm) ~a~~al wi~e needed for 15 yards (13.75 ~~ ----­ 16. TUCK-IN TABS Average chair will require four 6" x 10" (15 cm x 25 cm) rectangular pieces, two 3" x 10" (7 .5 cm x 25 cm) rectangles, and four 3" x 8" (7-5 cm x 20 cm) bias pieces. These usually can be c~t from scraps. ____ _ YARDAGE CHART

"lumber Plain or Plain Welting of Fabric Striped fJbrk or Cushions 4!l" vvide Fabrit J6" wide (91 ; cml 48" wide \122 tm) .~6" wide (91 5 tm) !!22 cm)

yard meter yard meler meter ;ard meler yard me!er Sofa, 6 lo 7 feel 2 3 l 14 14 2 21 ]Cl 25 J 23 21 o'>l % 32 95 O 85 to 1. 'l 6 melersl .3~,~-- - 31 30 2 i- 2e ~. } 2~ ,__ 0 13 7'3 t17 15 'i) 21 19 25 3-fool ( 95-meler) I 1 arm s 95 11 12'' 11 5 25 22 9 -;"' 110 arm i::: 5 4 6 6 10 l 10 6 20 18 3 I 0 .;::: 4-fooi (1 22-meler) ~ 1 arm 9h 87 10 11 9 !2 4 28 25 65 IJ) I no arm 8 715 9 12% 11 5 22 20 15 I 5 -f1~~~ ·5J-meter-)------10112--9-~~ 10V2 12 85 14-:-1-~- --:~- -- 28 ~ I ------~ no arm 1 __9__ ~ 25 9 8 25 13 11 9 1~~~--12 4 _ _3~-- 22 _ ~ ~ Sofa bed 2 --~~~ _ 16 14 65 20 18 3 21 19 25 -~~~ ~ fa love seat 2 101h 9 65 12 11 15 13 75 16 Y2 15 1 24 22 !!,i ~ 10% 9 65 11--w, - 15 ----12 75 16 v2 15 1 23 ---zlo.5 ~ i 0 8Y2 7 8 gy;--37-- 13 11 9 14% 13 3 -14-- 12 8 ~ ~ Arm,~lub,to~nge, --- 7% 6 9 8'1• 7 55 11 %----1035 ITT.112$ -;a----u;s ~ j and cogswell o ~-5-95 -7---6 4 8'12 7 8 9'12 8 7 13 11 9 ~ I Fanback, wing, and 1 8 7 35 8% 7 8 12 _____1_1 __ 13y;-U4- 18 16 5 ~ I barrel O 7 6 4 7'12 6 9 10 9 S 11 10 1 -13--~ ::::~ ---- ~ I Boudoir 1 5 4 6 6'12 __5_~~ 8 7 35 9 8 25 ~-13 75 ~ ----·------_---- -~ 4Y, 415 5'12 5 05 6Y2 S 95 7'12 6 9 ~---2_1- ~ I Chaise lounge 2 11 Y, 10 6 12% 11 S 16 14 65 17 15 55 23 21 05 ~ 1 10% 965 11 ___ 10_1_ 13 - 119 14 1285 20 -183- ~ I 0 8 7 35 9 8 25 12 11 13 v. 12 15 16 14 65 ~ Ottoman 0 2 1 85 2'12 - 2Js 3 2 75 3;;,--3 2 6-55 ~ I Cushion _ 1 _ 11~ 1V._ 115 _2___ 185 ;;;;-21 _-5 -=-- 4 6 ~ ~ ~ ii..'~''''''''''''''''~'~"''''''''''''''"''''''''''''~'''~''''''''''"'~''''''""''''~''''''''''~''''''~'''''''''''''~''''''''''''''''~

Using a Yardage Chart Check the chart for fabnc yard Knit fabncs designed for upholstery or •Cut with long, even strokes • Stayst1tch Y4 inch ( 6 mm) from raw age needed to slipcover furni­ slipcovers are usually 60 mches (152 cm) edges ture. With 54-inch (137-cm) goods, wrde, allowing for more economical cut­ tmg. Treat the wales as the straight of • Use polyester thread reduce yardage by 10 percent for sol­ gram, keeping them runnmg m the same • Use needle and stitch length appro­ ids, 5 percent for pnnts For repeats dtrect1on on all pieces To determme the priate to fabric weight. over 24 mches (61 cm), consult sales­ direction of the knit, fmd the end piece person. For reupholstering, use that doesn't ravel and use that for the chart less skirt fabric. bottom of each .slipcover piece co~~STRUCTI01' COVERING CORD •To make an individual pieced strip TO MAKE WELTING (when only a small amount is needed), fold the crosswise edge of EQUIP/\fE.'IT AND SUPPL/ES fabric and align with the lengthwise Bias to co1 er cord reqwres extra vardage thread or selvage. Press to fold. You will neeo the follm\ing equip­ One }ard rCJ7 5 crnl of fabrrc = 18 rards (16.5 meters) of 2-mch (5-cml v.1de bias ment and supplies when making strtps. Draw parallel lines with tailor's slipcovers: chalk on the true bias. The width is determined by the cord size. Cut •Shears/scissors !bent-handle You can get a professional look by along the chalk lines. dressmaker's shears; small, llS111g a bias CO\lering on cording be­ sharp-pointed scissors). cause it follows the furniture contour Join the bias strips on the •Pins/needles (T-p•n or strong, long without wrinkling and puckering. lengthwise grain and stitch using a shank pins; curved needle). Readymade bias is available but does Y2-inch (1.3-cm) seam allowance. •Measuring tools ltape measure, not always match your slipcover. You Press open and trim seams to 1.4 inch yardstick, square). can make your own bias trim two (6 mm). Cut off the excess fabric. • Cravon or tailor's chalk for mark­ ways: ing. • Sewing machirie with cording foot.

CUTTING THE FARRIC crosswise grain

Cut fabric to the dimensions right side shown on the measurement chart Remember it is important to ob· serve the lengthwise and cross· wise grain, centering each sec I 1 tion if the fabric is patterned. A pre­ wrone; side liminary sketch on graph paper can C/l assist you in the placement of each •r-l pattern section. t .µ•Hi::: i------~ejctl i:::'"" 1. QJ After cutting you will have a variety of squares and rectangles of fabric. Using transparent tape, label each section for easy identification as you assemble the slipcover. The leftover pieces can be used to make on-grain welting although continuous bias is lengthwise ends of strips preferable because it follows the fur­ niture contour without wrinkling .

.,...s yds...... 2 yds. .1 yd . l

~ left righ'" ' inside arm inside back and seat outside back 't:l inside arm. - ij -- I \ ,0 p.. I I 0 ·scale: .µ zipP,er placket - 6 in .• I left_ _right_ -per square bia- '~or iin • arm cushiot: cushion outside outside pottQ'lll to~ l arm a.rm- f;ron,1::s t I • I l I bpxifig •To make a confinuous bias told SHAP! 1\'G SECTI0/\'5 tabnc as for bias AND ATTACHJ,\1G ~~, T

Outside Back

Place outside back ~ection ot hbnc against outside of back of chair, right 2 CO'iTINUOUS side out, with seam allowances above top and beyond sides of chair. Pin to chair at t\vo top corners Check to see 1f gramiines are pe'pendicLJiar and at right angles to floor, adJu:,tmg pins at top corners, it necessary Smooth fabric across back. Place pins at two bottom corners. Continue to smooth tabric and place pms to hold fabric to chair, starting at top of Cut off this corner and iom to lower center of back All pins placed so far edge with right sides facing. are what may be called ' holding On the right side of fabric, mark pins" (T-pms mav be used for this Outside Arms bias strips the desired width Mark purpose) seam allowances % mch (6 mm). Place outside arm section of fabric Mark points A and B against outside arm of chair, right side out, with fabric grain!ines per­ 6 4 mm ( 1/4 mt hl seam pendicular and at right angles to B I floor The same amount of fabric ~r I should extend beyond the chair on each side of the outside arm. One to ,, j 1112 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) of fabric A " -t should extend above the line under I ;., I the chair arm at the highest point. -~ With holding pins, fasten fabric to I chair at each end of line under arm. I ,~ i-'l --rI _..).. -

With right sides faong, put a pin through from point A to point Band align accurately Continue to pin Start at lower left corner of section. the seam on the 114-inch (6-mm) al­ Fit and pin covered welt to fabric, lowance Stitch and press open. with seam lines meeting and with raw edges of welt toward raw edges of \,';"" -T- _T _ __:;: - ..%.. -;f fabric. Use dressmaker's pins placed )' I I I I 1 at right angles to welting, about 1 to 2 "'/-.. " ' inches (2.5 to 5 cm) apart. Fit and pin J­ welting all around edge of back sec­ I Turn tube right side out and cut fol­ tion of chair, dipping in from raw )-:... -1- -1- --i -!-~ lowing chalk lines. You will have edges to stitching line of welt when long, continuous bias strips. necessary for a smooth fit. Cut welt­ ing off at bottom right-hand corner. Smooth fabric out and pin just Check welting for smooth fit with no enough to hold smoothly against pulling or puckering. Remove out­ chair. side back fabric from chair by taking out holding or T-pins. -:-u:·n ~earns to inside, clipping and ou'. fabric when necessary.

Pin one ef"1d of i,veit at one end of the depression where the arm joins the side of the chair and pin, leaving a 1-inch (2.5-cm) seam ai!ownce. Fit PUTTING SECTIONS welt smoothly in to depression; then TOGETHER pull welt 112 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm} and pin at other end. Cut off, leaving a 1-inch (2.5-cm) seam allowance. Inside Back to Outside Back With dressmaker's pins, pin welting to fabric. Repeat this process on T-pin outside back section (with welt­ other outside arm piece. ing sewed in place) to outside back. T-pin inside back piece to chair in Take out holding pins and remove same way, down to where arms and sections from chair. Stitch welting to back join, with grainlines straight and outside back and to both outside arm fabric smoothly fitted to chair. pieces. Stitch against welt betvveen first stitching and welt, using welting foot. Trim seams to 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Outside Wing and Apron Fit and stitch welting to outside wing, apron, and top boxing when Arm Panels these pieces are used. With paper, make exact pattern of one pane!, with no seam allowance. Whenever possible, make pattern following welting on upholstery. Check pattern against other panel. If two panels vary greatly, adjust pat­ tern to fit both.

Cut two panels (reversing fabric for one) from pattern, adding Yi-inch ...-·~- (1.3-cm) seam allowance all around.

Pin and stitch welting around each panel, except bottom, with raw edges of welting and panel meeting. Turn cover wrong side out with Turn in raw edge at center of inside stitching, which holds cord to out­ back so fold exactly meets stitching side back, up. Stitch on machine be­ on welting, with fabric of inside back tween stitching that shows and welt. fitted smoothly. Pin baste. Remove pins. Trim seam to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width.

To pm baste, put point of dressmaker's pin into fold, push toward front of chair through welt covering, and out through all thicknesses. Place pins exactlv in fold at all times because this will be the stitch­ ing line.

Inside Wings to Outside Wings

T-pin outside wing piece (with welt­ ing) and inside wing piece in place. Continue to turn under raw edge and Fit and pin baste inside wing to out­ pin baste to within 5 inches (12.5 cm) side wing, starting halfway between curve and arm. Fit top of wing. Dart of each corner across top. Then turn extra fullness in around curve, if under raw edge and pin baste up necessary. each side to within 5 inches (12.5 cm) of corner. Remove from chair and stitch, as di­ rected for back. Fit corners; whenever possible, ease If chair has no boxing on front of arm, in fullness. When there is too much the inside arm piece continues fullness to ease in, make darts, with around over front of arm. Dart excess opening of dart facing down. Make fullness as for chair back. same number of darts on each corner T as nearly alike as possible. Complete both arms. Then remove fabric sections from chair, reset pins (if necessary), stitch and trim seams.

T

Panels to Arms

Inside Arms to Outside Arms

T-pin outside arm and inside arm Check fit of inside back to outside pieces in place. Trim away excess back. Remove holding or T-pins. fabric at seam line on inside arm T-pin arm pieces on chair. Trim away Remove fabric from chair, carefully piece, leaving 1 to 11/i inch (2.5 to 3.8 excess fabric at front of arm, leaving releasing points of pins from up­ cm) for seam. Pin baste, beginning at only enough for a seam. T-pin panels holstery and pushing back into seam. center of arm. Because of depression to front of each arm, grainlines Prepare for stitching by carefully re­ under arm, it may be necessary to straight. Pin baste panels to front of leasing point of each pin from inside place pins in any way you can man­ arm pieces, fitting smoothly. Seam of back fabric, but not from fold. Push age. However, correct pin basting arm pieces should fit snugly into de­ point of pin back into seam only. after removing pieces from arm. pression under arm. fabric out and Y slash, push in again, mark, pull out, and Y slash. Repeat this procedure until inside arm piece fits smoothly in tuck-in at inside back. ,_

Put back pieces on chair. Pull fabric out of tuck-ins. Pin baste bias piece on inside back to inside arm at depth of tuck-in. At top, around towards When panel is made to follow an up­ the outside back, if there is no tuck­ hoistery line that is inside the front of in, pin baste so pieces fit together the arm, T-pin arm fabric in place smoothly. over front. Dart as necessary before Fit wing pieces to inside back in same putting panel in place. Cut two strips of bias 3 to 5 inches (7.5 way. to 12.S cm) wide-or the depth of tuck-in plus 1 inch (2.5 cm). Cut each Seat to Back, Arms, and Apron strip long enough to go from begin­ ning ot tuck-in at top of arm to b~t Remove T-pins and then arm pieces tom of inside back piece. Pin to seam with panels pin basted in place. If of inside back where it meets the necessary, pu II welt on arm piece out arm. Remove and stitch. of covering and cut it off so it will not be in the seam. Then pull welt back into covering. Stitch and trim.seams. It may be helpful to baste curved area of panel seam by hand before machine stitching.

Put back and arm pieces on chair. Arms to Inside Back Fold up where seat and back meet and hold up with T-pins. T-pin back pieces in place on chair. If apron and seat were cut separately, Starting at back of inside arm piece, seam at front. For chairs with no slash the fabric to fit curve. Slash in T-pin arm sections in place on chair. cushion, insert welting in this seam. shape of "Y." Push back edge of inside arm piece smoothly into tuck-in, starting at top of arm. With dressmaker's pencil, mark fabric at depth of tuck-in, pull

.-· Work back and forth along curve, making many shallow slashes rather than a few deep ones until the fabric Put apron and seat piece in seat, cen~ ties flat. Leave enough fabric for a tering frQm side to side, and with seam allowance. tuck""ln allowance exteni:;tine: up back and sides of chair from point where seat and back meet Turn under raw i\'1AKI.\ G 4,,\ D edge at depth at tuck-in of seat piece ATTACHl,\'G SKIRT and pm baste to back and arm tuci<­ ins. c;;hle the slmt tr; enhance thf' furni­ If seat has springs at front, then box ..... "!,,- ---!!"~- t..ire. A skirt with pleats gives weight, the apron and seat piece around a narrow space between adds height, and a wider -;pace een adds front corners. Then join apron to •Rip back st1tchmg that holds thP bet\<\ width to the chair. Select a placement panels below position ot edge of seat cord in the bias. when springs are depressed. • Fit the bias to the sect1ori. Pin a that gives a 'visual balance. If chair has "T" cushion, bring seat seam and cut off excess material to Measure up from the floor with a V2 inch (1 3 cm). piece around to side arm and dart or ruler and mark a line completely miter to fit corner of seat. Slash fabric around the piece ""here the slipcover around arm for smooth fit. and skirt are to be 1oined. This line should be the same distance from tne floor in all places. When finished, the !>kirt should clear the floor by 1 inch (2.5 cm).

•Stitch seam and press open. Cut off excess cord so ends meet. Fold bias over cord. Pin and stitch. Stitch welting on skirt line. Trim seam to Y2 inch (1.3 cm).

PUTTING IN CLOSURE Arms to Outside Back Fabric Allowance Length of closure was determined Measure the distance around the when slipcover was removed for Check all seams for correct place­ chair. stitching. Very bulky pieces of furni­ ment; pin baste arms to outside ture may need a closure in both (For gathers, allow 1% to 2 times for back. seams. Open-armed pieces must fullness.) For slipcover with a skirt, measure up have closures at front and back of For pleats, determine the number from floor with ruler (or book of cor­ both arms, using snap fasteners or and width of each pleat. Remember rect height) and mark skirt line minus nylon burr fastening- not zippers. that an unbalanced number is aes­ %-inch (1.3-cm) seam on slipcover. On other chairs, zippers are the thetically more pleasing. Allow Pin welting in place on this line, with neatest and most satisfactory clo­ enough width to the pleat so it falls the raw edge of welting exactly meet­ sures. Put zipper in, following in­ evenly over the chair leg. ing raw edge on cover. structions for a skirt placket. Remove T-pins. Open one back side seam as far as necessary to easily re­ move slipcover from chair. As seam is opened, replace pins in fold of arm Add seam allowance. piece as originally fitted. Length of opening is length of closure needed. Remove cover from chair. Reset pins where necessary. Stitch all pinned seams. When a welted seam runs into another welted seam, join the welting as follows: Cut the sections on the crosswise grain allowing for seam allowances • leave 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) free on joining sections. If possible, hide batween stitt;hing. the se:1m11s .h1 pleats O!;.if.lhers~ To the depth of the skirt, add the top At the legs, cut out the fabric to MAKING COVERS seam allowance and the hem allow­ within 1/i inch (1.3 cm) of the seam FOR CUSHIONS ance. For the hem, use Yi-inch (1.3- mark. cm) turn-under for the raw edge and Since cushions sometimes become then leave 11/i to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) slightly out of shape, use the follow­ for the hem. ing method to make a symmetrical cover: Place one cushion piece on cushion, wrong side up, with about the same amount of fabric extending beyond cushion on all four sides. Pin smoothly in place with T-pins. With Assembly Cut a fabric facing for the cut-out sec­ tailor's chalk, mark the fabric along tion and stitch following seam line, edges of cushion. or apply welting to the seam line at Piece the sections together to form a each leg. Trim to ease, turn the raw strip the length indicated by your edges toward the inside, and measurements. topstitch to secure. Turn under 'h inch (1.3 cm) on the ~ bottom raw edge and fold to the I wrong side to form the hem accord­ ing to your measurements. Blind­ ,1y stitch by hand or machine or fuse the hem into place. '010 Remove fabric from cushion. Fold in On the remaining strips, turn in the half lengthwise, right sides together. raw edges and stitch. Pin through both thicknesses of fab­ Turn chair over and tack onto wood ric on chalk line that shows. frame. Tacking Strips

Mark with chalk around the bottom Form pleats according to your plan, of the chair. or if you are making gathers proceed Stitch the leg area with welting or as fol lows: With longest stitch on facing. sewing machine, make row of stitch­ ing% inch (1 cm) from long raw edge Prepare four strips (two for the sides, Turn piece over. Draw new chalk line of skirt piece and another Vi inch (1.3 one for the back, and one for the halfway between chalk line already front) according to chair measure­ cm) from same raw edge. M3rk skirt there and pins - this is the new seam ments. Finish one raw edge on each where it will join slipcover at center line. Measure and cut Vi inch (1.3 cm) back. Pull gathering threads from strip. Stitch strips to slipcover except beyond this seam line towards raw both ends until skirt will fit slipcover. over leg area. edges. e" . e/ Distribute fullness evenly. e6~"' \\\'"\ \,0e Turn chair over and tack strips to bot­ ~c0~~ Pin welting to slipcover following tom frame of chair. I chalked line; baste or stitch. Pin : I New seam Line skirt to welting seam; remove slip­ I I • I / / , 1 Pins cover and stitch. I I I I I I ' I ACHIEVING I 11/ AN UPHOLSTERED LOOK

Cutting-in-One with Slipcover , ,I ,' I Mark with chalk around the bottom You can make eyelets in the strips and Cut bottom piece same size. T-pin of the chair. then use cords to lace securely. Or you pieces to top and bottom of cushion, can make a casing with the fabric strips Add 3 to 4 inches (7.5to10 cm) to the and pull elastic through to tighten the right sides up. Pin welting snugly in bottom edge of slipcover. cover. place around top piece, raw edges of welting matching raw edge of top of cushion. Repeat on bottom cushion piece. Remove to stitch.

Machine baste welting to cushion pieces. Insert closure in center of back box­ ing piece, following method as for dress placket. Seam to one end· of remainder of boxing piece (or seam all pieces together, if more than one is used). Trim boxing strip to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wider than depth of boxing cushion.

Tuck-in section can be held in place with dowels or foam cut to correct length. Measurements for Chaise Side sections (take all measurements on one side): •Measure across the bottom. CARE OF THE SLIPCOVER •Measure distance from back base to top of chaise. To prolong the use of the slipcover, •Measure diagonally from top to you may wish to make partial covers foot. for the arms and back. Match the fab­ •Measure distance from front base Put top cushion piece onto cushion. ric design and tailor to fit the furni­ to top of foot cushion. T-pin boxing strip in place on ture. cushion -closure should cross back Center section: of cushion and extend an equal dis­ Dry clean either professionally or in a •Measure continuously from bot­ tance along each side. Pin boxing to coin-op to extend the wear life of the tom to top of chaise at back, top piece; ·raw edges matching. Re­ cover. Or wash by hand or in the diagonally across the top to the move. Open closure. Pin bottom gentle machine cycle. Rinse. Partially foot of the chaise and down to the piece to boxing, in line at corners and dry either on the line or in a gentle base. centers with top piece. Stitch. Trim dryer cycle. Remove before com­ •Measure from side to side to de­ corners. Turn right side out. pletely dry and press seams and skirt. termine width required. Put cover on chair and pull into Width PUTTING THE SLIPCOVER place. Fasten the closures and allow ON THE CHAIR to dry. Do not push tuck-ins in place until completely dry.

Press the slipcover. Carefully ease slipcover orito all sections, smooth­ SLIPCOVER VARIATIONS ing into place. Fasten all closures. The principles of slipcover making Push tuck-ins into crevices around are the same in all cases. If you un­ the arms and seat. Cut foam, dowels, derstand the fundamentals, you or padding into the correction mea­ should have no difficulty designing a surements and slip into the tuck-in cover completely appropriate for any area. type of furniture. For the upholstered type, turn and fasten. SLIPCOVERS FOR OUTDOOR FURNITURE To each section add Yi-inch (1.3-cm) Select mildew-resistant fabrics for seam allowances except at the bot­ outdoor use. Drillcloth, canvas, tom of each piece. At the bottom, denim, vinyl, and coated waterproof allow 11/4 inch (3.15 cm) for the hem: fabrics are excellent choices. Use 114 inch (.65 cm) for the turn-under of preshrunk twilled tape, or twilled the raw edge and 1 inch (2.5 cm) for bias tape. the hem fold. Construction Allowances for Fixtures Storage Pockets

Join the side sections to the center Expose the fbi.ture (such as headrest) Cut pockets to the desired shape and section with the wrcng sides to­ with shaped cut. Do not overcut. size allowing for Vi-inch (1.3-cm) gether and stitch. seam allowance on three sides and for a fold-over hem casing at the top. Hem the top section and put elastic through the casing; tighten and stitch securely at either end. Turn under Vi-inch (1.3-cm) allow­ ance on remaining side and press. Stitch onto the back section in cor­ rect position.

Trim seam to V4 inch (.65 cm) and press open. On plastic-coated fabrics or on vinyl, finger press to open the seams. Place tape or bias centered over the Bind the edge, stitching the edge of seam allowances and stitch both the tape to the wrong side of the edges. This gives a decorative finish opening first, then turn edge to the and reinforces the seam. right side and edgestitch.

Turn under 1/4 inch (.65 cm) on bot­ Fastening the Cover tom edge, then fold 1 inch (2.5 cm) to form the hem and stitch. Elastic or cord can be used in hem casing to Seat in Two-Door Car make cover more secure. Use 6-inch (15-cm) ties of twill tape tc hold the cover in place wherever possible. SLIPCOVERS FOR THE CAR The seat and back may be either solid Different makes and models of cars or two-sectioned. If a two-seat, re­ Use screw pins where it is not possi­ vary in design and proportion. Take member to cut four rather than two ble to use ties. the lengthwise and crosswise mea­ side sections, allowing the %-inch surements as for conventional slip­ (1.3-cm) seam allowance on all cover, observing the grainline as indi­ edges. cated. This type may also need a special cut The seam construction of the slip­ around the arm section. The edge is cover for the car seat is the same as bound as for all cut-out sections. for the slipcover for the chaise - using the same seam allowances and stitching details. This bulletin was originally prepared by Kay Strassburg, Extension Textiles Specialist, University of Vermont, and published by the Cooperative Extension Services of the Northeast States. It has been adapted for use in Ohio by Extension Specialists in the Department of Management and Housing, The Ohio State University.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, acts of May Band June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roy M. Kottman, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

All educational programs and activities conducted by the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service are available to all potential clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or religious affiliation.