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Making Slipcovers • Slipcover Patterns • Slipcover Fabric

Making Slipcovers

Once you have obtained the measures for each piece of your slipcover, you can prepare your cutting layout, which is a scaled-down plan of how the pieces can be organized on a length of upholstery fabric. This is important because it is the step that tells you how much fabric to buy. Click here for measuring instructions.

It is important to choose your fabric prior to making your cutting layout so that you know the actual width and whether to allow for pattern repeats. As a rule, allow for at least one repeat per pattern section (or panels when joining widths) with large-patterned motif fabrics and horizontal stripes.

  1. To calculate the cutting layout you will need graph paper, a pencil, and a calculator. Assign a measurement value to each square of your graph paper, for example, 1 square = 4 inches.


  2. Transfer your measuring up information to the graph paper. As an example we have added measures to the seat measurement chart.

  3. The remaining pieces of your cover can be calculated and transferred to graph paper in the same way. Label each piece as you go and mark the top of each piece as well as the straight grain of the fabric (do this with a lengthwise arrow) so that the point goes in the same direction. Cut out each piece.


  4. Next, arrange side by side on a scaled down length of fabric drawn on graph paper to the same scale (1 inch = 4 inches). The goal is to arrange the pieces so that you use the minimum amount of fabric and keep lengthwise arrows parallel to the straight grain. Remember to allow for extras like bows or bias strips for piping.


  5. This cutting layout has been drawn for an upright chair cover with mock pleats at each corner. This the ideal layout for a solid fabric but pattern placement might need repositioning if you are using a fabric with a pattern repeat.


  6. Convert back to the original measurements to obtain the actual amount of fabric to purchase.


  7. The next stage is to buy your fabric and transfer the scaled up measures. Before marking your measurements, lay the fabric on the furniture to check position and verify against your cutting layout. This is especially crucial with patterned or striped fabrics.