This series is so great! I've never made slipcovers before and I don't really even own a sewing machine but I'm a super quick learner and I can borrow my friend's machine. Can't wait to try it. But GURL, I cannot believe you don't have a MAGNETIC PIN HOLDER. I worked Broadway crews in hair departments for years and, when I ran the crew, there's no way I would have allowed anyone to go without. We used glasshead pins to block all the lacefront wigs to heavy canvass wigblocks. I still have my pin holder! Get the simple round one. Oh, and if you drop pins before they are clinging to your holder, you can just run the holder an inch above them and they jump right on. It will be the best $10 you'll ever spend!
I think a center back opening may not be needed. Simply do not completely close the seams where the wings join the backrest on the front side of the chair. Instead use the crevice on either side of the backrest to tuck in the fabric and hold it taut. Use 1/2 pvc pipe to help. Stitch a rod pocket along the edge of fabric. Cut a section of pipe to length and insert into the rod pocket as you would for a curtain rod. Wedge the rod pocket into the crevice and pipe will hold the fabric snugly in place during use. On laundry day, remove the cover, then remove the pipe inserts before washing. 1/2 pvc is a smooth plastic that will not stain or snag the fabric. It has both enough flex and rigidity for ease of handling and keep the fabric straight and even. I've used this method to slipcover an upholstered waterbed with separate covers for the headboard, footboard, and side rails. Spare fabric can be used to hide any gaps where the sections meet.
Did you ever try stapling (with a regular paper stapler) the seams instead of pinning them? You have to remove the staples as you sew but they don't fall out as easy as pins do and they don't stick you while fitting. It actually works pretty well.
Hi Joan, Great idea! I've been searching for a tool like a stapler but one that actually puts down a small tack. Have you ever seen something like that?
I was wondering if it would help to do a large basting stitch by hand with a bright red thread as you go...no pins to fall out when you move it to the sewing machine
This series is so great! I've never made slipcovers before and I don't really even own a sewing machine but I'm a super quick learner and I can borrow my friend's machine. Can't wait to try it. But GURL, I cannot believe you don't have a MAGNETIC PIN HOLDER. I worked Broadway crews in hair departments for years and, when I ran the crew, there's no way I would have allowed anyone to go without. We used glasshead pins to block all the lacefront wigs to heavy canvass wigblocks. I still have my pin holder! Get the simple round one. Oh, and if you drop pins before they are clinging to your holder, you can just run the holder an inch above them and they jump right on. It will be the best $10 you'll ever spend!
Thanks for sharing! This is the best explanation!
I think a center back opening may not be needed. Simply do not completely close the seams where the wings join the backrest on the front side of the chair. Instead use the crevice on either side of the backrest to tuck in the fabric and hold it taut. Use 1/2 pvc pipe to help. Stitch a rod pocket along the edge of fabric. Cut a section of pipe to length and insert into the rod pocket as you would for a curtain rod. Wedge the rod pocket into the crevice and pipe will hold the fabric snugly in place during use. On laundry day, remove the cover, then remove the pipe inserts before washing. 1/2 pvc is a smooth plastic that will not stain or snag the fabric. It has both enough flex and rigidity for ease of handling and keep the fabric straight and even. I've used this method to slipcover an upholstered waterbed with separate covers for the headboard, footboard, and side rails. Spare fabric can be used to hide any gaps where the sections meet.
You can fit right side out, takes the guess work out.
Did you ever try stapling (with a regular paper stapler) the seams instead of pinning them? You have to remove the staples as you sew but they don't fall out as easy as pins do and they don't stick you while fitting. It actually works pretty well.
Hi Joan, Great idea! I've been searching for a tool like a stapler but one that actually puts down a small tack. Have you ever seen something like that?
I was wondering if it would help to do a large basting stitch by hand with a bright red thread as you go...no pins to fall out when you move it to the sewing machine
Thank you.
How do you go about pinning inside out on a bigger couch that is not even - in shape?
I have never had to do that, but I have wondered about it! I would probably make a template first and then work off of that.
I am sure I missed it, but could you tell me how much material is needed for a wingback chair?
Can the front and back be one piece if the furniture is square or rectangle? Would there be an issue if those two pieces aren't pieced together?
Super fun video! 😃
What kind of fabric is that in this video? Is it upholestry fabric? What do you recommend please? Thanks for your prompt consideration, Tina
Do you pin it wrong side out
You just answered my question