I finally finished my slipcover for my wing chair that I started back in the beginning of summer! My first slipcover made with drop cloths!
I am not a seamstress. I have rarely used my sewing machine since I got it about 10 years ago. As a matter of fact I had to get my manual out every time I wanted to wind a bobbin or thread my machine. I’ve been able to do little things that required just straight line sewing like a basic pillow or once, I added some material to some curtains. But never anything complicated like dress making or this.
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I want to give a big thank you to Marian @ Miss Mustard Seed. Without her video tutorials I would have never had the courage to even try making a slipcover!
DIY Drop Cloth Slipcover
She has a series on How To Make A Slipcover – and best of all it’s free. Isn’t that lovely of her! Anyway, I watched all the videos many many…many many many times. I suggest watching from start to finish the first time and then you can just do the one that corresponds to what you’re working on.
I think it looks pretty darn good! It’s by no stretch of the imagination “perfect”. But it’s definitely good enough for a first effort and now I understand the process.
It’s made out of drop cloths from Lowe’s which are very inexpensive. So there’s not a lot of money invested just a lot of time!
A word about using drop cloths, apparently drop cloth manufacturers don’t know that people use them as they would fabric so there’s little consistency in quality. I got one package and when I opened it there were dark spots every few inches. I worked around the spots. I had one package that was exactly the same weight and manufacturer as another package and the color was completely different! One package had a sewn seam down the middle.
Open your packages and look at your “material” before you leave the parking lot. Other wise you’ll be making lots of trips back to the store!
Aren’t the bows on the back cute! I have to add two more – ran out of ribbon!
If I can do it, so can you!
Just take your time and don’t give up. I wanted to many times!! But I kept telling myself that even if it turned out badly I was still learning a lot. Don’t be afraid to tackle a new project because you think it might not turn out right. As long as you learn something it can never be a failure. I shared on the my facebook page how I pinned the entire pleated skirt to the body only to realize that I had pinned it on the wrong side. I had to take it all out and re-do it. It’s still not right – it’s a bit longer on one side than the other but it doesn’t bother me. It really doesn’t have to be perfect! I had to do the seat several times also. I think that was really the hardest part just because it was difficult working with all that material and cording.
It was such a hard project for me since I wasn’t comfortable with sewing but now I’m very familiar with my sewing machine and to top it off….I feel like I can tackle any sewing project now!
Looks beautiful I love it. The red just sets it off. I’m thinking while we are sitting in a rental and I have little else to do, using my sewing machine more. Thanks for sharing, your home is such a inspiration.
Sandy
I think you did a GREAT job, especially if you do not consider yourself a seamstress. Did you use a pattern, or make your own? I just took up sewing again myself after 30+ years of NOT sewing. For my project, I made big huggable lion for my granddaughter’s first birthday party last weekend. I struggled with parts of the pattern and it took me about three times as long as I thought it would to finish …but he was a hit with the granddaughter so it was worth every stitch. I hope you make this the first of many sewing projects. You obviously have a knack for it!
: )
I am working on a chair slipcover too and let me tell you, yours came out great! I also watched Miss Mustard Seeds video (love her) and she makes it look so easy. I used vintage barkcloth and am putting ruffles on the bottom and tieing it in the back like you did. Yours looks like you have made them before. Mine, well….it looks like I really tried. LOL Not sure if I’ll even be brave enough to blog about it. lol Congratulations!
`Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
Great job. I got a sewing machine last Christmas, and have not even tried it yet.
It is wonderful! You did a fabulous job!
Lorri
I have been waiting for this post!! It looks wonderful Manuela! I have wanted to try this too, but waited to see how you felt about doing it. I too, am not a sewer – even though I just posted a post about my master bedroom curtains I made – lol. Making the curtains was time consuming and pushed me a little because I added fringe and an attached valance.
If you say it can be done, then I know I will try it some time. Did you wash your slipcovers before you used them?
Hugs,
Penny
Well done, Manuela! Perseverance prevails and it’s pretty too.
I’ve made slip covers in the past… before I started blogging. Once I found this dark forest green drapes… and covered a small rocking chair. Turned out pretty good– for not having a video to follow. Then years ago…I covered a small loveseat made out of sheets… didn’t turn out to shabby either. I’d like to do it again; but I’m afraid I’ve gone LAZY over the years.
Yours is very pretty. I like the red toile accents. Compliments the darling little table.
So glad you showed …did miss the information on the couch? Or is that one store bought?
have a great day, Pat
Oh that’s my couch from IKEA!
Manuela
Great job! Love the fabrics you used with the canvas.
Manuela! This is gorgeous! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it and the fabrics you used!! Just fabulous! You should be so proud of yourself!!
Great job!
Lou Cinda
It looks great! I had never heard of Miss Mustard Seed until today and yours is the second blog to mention it. Funny when everything comes together that way. The other blogger did drapes and you’ve done slipcovers. Yes, all true about the painter’s cloth from Lowe’s. It really does pay to inspect the contents of the package first. I’ve had spots…they appeared to be oil spots…seams…and all levels of fabric quality from quite fine to very rustic. Anyway, glad that your sewing machine and you became so well acquainted because that slipcover turned out beautifully.
This is fabulous! My Sissie is looking for a slipcover for her loveseat! You make me believe we could do it…. maybe! Thanks for the tip! I am going to email her your web link so she can see it herself!
It is wonderful and lovely!
Great job, Manuela! I love it! Love the bit of toile you added and the pleated skirt. Good for you for mastering your sewing machine, too! : )
WOW, Manuela. I would never thing to try something this complicated–I should check out Marian’s tutorials! She’s such a talented woman, and she’s so kind.
I’ve done a lot of straight line sewing in my time, but that’s about it. I’d really like to be able to do a bit more. I guess the way to learn is to actually try my hand at something. I think you did a great job!
Bravo, Manuela!
It looks really good – you should be so proud of yourself!
Deanna
You did a wonderful job! I love the pleats and the ribbons in the back. I’ve started a chair slipcover project but I’m kinda in frozen mode right now, just not sure of the next step. You have given me inspiration to continue.
Good job! I have never heard of using drop cloths as fabric and have to say that I love the idea! I think the cording on the slip cover would be the most intimidating for me. I might make one for the learning experience though. Thanks for posting this Manuela!
For someone who rarely sews your cover is really professional!
Well done Manuella.
Oops! Sorry for spelling your name wrong :o(
I think you did a fabulous job!! It looks gorgeous.
Kathy
What a great job, Manuela! I’ve been wanting to slipcover a chair that is shaped in much the same way as yours. You’re inspiring me to give it a try.
Beautiful!
xo
Claudia
You’ve GOT to be bluffing us that you don’t sew, Manuela! I’m so proud of you! Great advice and spectacular job, girl!
I’m a seasoned seamstress so let me just say – you tackled pleats, cording, and curves, all in your FIRST project. I don’t know if you realize how incredibly ambitous you were. Yes, I can spot a few flaws. But hot dog! You went for it and it looks awesome.
Keep practcing and your sewing will improve. My sewing teacher told us to always keep your first few projects so you can look back and see how far you’ve come. I’ve got the first thing I ever made (a skirt) and man, are there ever mistakes. But it reminds me of how many skills and improvements I’ve picked up since. You will too! Great job, especially on such an ambitous project!
I’m giving this a round of applause! You did a great job. I would love to tackle this, but I was kind of hoping that my sister with much for skill in stuff like this would tackle it first and then walk me though.
I’m going to nudge her along by sending her this way.
I really, really don’t sew. Not often that even a button stays on when I have a go at it. You certainly did a fantastic job. It could not have been easy but looks great. I believe that handmade never, ever has to be perfect. Good for you sticking with it. Hope your day is great. Tammy
I am impressed – You did a great job. I am not brave enough to tackle something like that.
Way to go, Manuela! I have sewn for years and can appreciate all the work that went into your slipcover. It looks great! Linda
Manuela…..you did such a beautiful job on this.chair..it is absolutely beautiful…..I have a wing chair that has been sitting in my house for …2 or 3 years with an ugly brown made to order cover….trying to save money to have an expensive slipcover made for it……maybe with the inspiration from you and Miss Mustard Seeds videos….I will tackle this myself. Question……how did you know how many drop cloths you needed?????
So impressed with you!!!!! Wow….
I didn’t know. But I used two.
Manuela
Manuela, that’s fantastic! I’ve been sewing most of my life, and I found it quite a project to make slipcovers. You should be so proud of yourself. And you’re right – if you can do slipcovers, you can do anything!
I LOVE it Manuela, your fabric selection is awesome…perfect in your room 🙂
You did a great job and I love your fabric choices!
Hi Manuela. I’m new to your blog from Miss Mustard Seeds. What a awesome job you did. That was a pretty big job to tackle for a non-sewer and you did a spectacular jo!
I’m your newest follower and subscriber. I’m looking forward to getting to visit and know you better.
Hugs…Tracy 🙂
Congrats! What a great job. I bought two drop cloths from Lowe’s a couple of months ago after visiting Miss Mustard Seed. I washed and bleached one, so it’s ready to go, but still need to complete the process on the second one. YOU have inspired me to make some headway on this project. I have two wing chairs to make slips for. Thanks Manuela ~ this is just the nudge I need!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Standing ovation!!! After reading Miss Mustard Seeds blog and watching the tutorials I have started to make slip covers for my furniture. I finshed the ottoman and am starting my chair. It’s a lot of work and a lot of ripping, but I too am determined. You have given me the inspiration I need to continue. ( and I have never posted on a blog before)
I’m so I impressed, I might have to give it a try myself!
fabulous i don’t even know you and i am soo proud of you. i don’t have the courage to even try it. i am all thumbs but you are definitely an inspiration. it looks so professional. maybe one day i will go out and buy a sewing machine.
Beautiful…and I love the touch of toile. I need to slipcover another chair but after this summer’s epic couch project, I just can’t bring myself to start.
There’s a reason they charge so much for custom slipcovers…… 🙂
Hurray for Manuela! It looks so wonderful! I love the classid red toile “Manuela” touch- just perfect. I’ve been working on doing my couch, so I know exactly how you feel. You deserve a big high five!
It’s wonderful! You’ve encouraged and inspired me – now I may try to make one for a favorite chair.
~Adrienne~
Oh wow,
you did an amazing job Manuela. Just beautiful xoxo Clarice
You did an incredible job! It looks beautiful and I know you have to be so very proud of yourself for accomplishing this. One of these days I’d like to try this for myself!