Cover Shabby Couch Cushions with Slipcovers

I have a couch and love seat set that is about 17 years old. The large blue and white plaid has always worked well for our country themed way of decorating, but the age of the pieces is now showing in their shabbiness, which is not chic. Economics is an issue, so slipcovers are definitely in order. Slipcovers require a lot of fabric, so I decided to do it in stages, starting with the cushions to see if I liked the look.

I have been collecting large pieces of tan and beige fabrics in my thrifty travels for this project. I have done other pieces with a mixture of different fabrics, so I decided it would work with my couch and love seat. By making my cushion slipcovers first, I am better able to judge the amount of fabric I will still need for the rest of the couch and love seat. Besides, the cushions were in the most immediate need.

The collected fabric was from tablecloths and old slipcovers that do not fit my furniture. Using a seam ripper, I took everything apart. I removed elastic, ribbon, ties, zippers and buttons until I was left with large pieces of fabric.

The slipcovers are made similar to a pillowcase with ties in the back, making it easy to take them off and throw in the wash. The cushions are a basic block shape with no curves.

Step 1

Measure around the width circumference of the cushion. This is from right to left, all the way around the cushion. My measuring tape was not long enough, so I used ribbon and then measured the ribbon. Divide the measurement in half and add an inch. Measure around the length circumference in the same way. This is from front to back, all the way around the cushion. Divide this measurement in half and add 1 1/2-inches.

Step 2
Cut two pieces for each cushion using the length and width measurements. Cut four, 4-inch wide by 8-inch long strips from the fabric for the ties on one slipcover.

Step 3
Place the two cushion pieces together with the right sides facing. Pin the sides and one end. The end will be the front of the slipcover. Sew the pinned edges using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Trim the seams to a 1/4-inch. Zigzag stitch the edge of the seam allowance to prevent fraying.

Step 4
Place the wrong-side-out slipcover on your cushion. Create a boxed corner on each of the front corners of the slipcover. The slipcover will have two points sticking out at each corner, with the seams of the slipcover running down the middle of each edge (thickness) of the cushion. Match the seams from the side edge with the seams of the front edge and pin creating a triangle at the corner. Take the slipcover off of the cushion and sew across the bottom of the triangles at the pin marks. Cut off the triangles a 1/4 inch from the stitch line. Zigzag stitch the cut edge to prevent fraying.

Step 5
Fold the open edge a 1/2 inch to the wrong side of the fabric and iron. Fold the edge another 1/2-inch, press and pin. Top stitch around the pinned open edge.

Step 6
Lay a tie strip wrong side up on your ironing surface. Fold the strip in half with the wrong sides together and matching the long edges. Iron the fold to crease. Open the strip. Fold the long edges to the center crease and iron. Fold the long edges together, press and pin. Top stitch the pinned edge as close to the edge as possible. Repeat with the remaining tie strips.

Step 7
Lay the slipcover with the top side facing up. Measure 8 inches in from one side seam and place one end of a tie on the front hem. Pin the tie to the hem. Measure in from the other seam and pin another tie. Turn the slipcover over and using the pinned front ties as a guide, pin two ties to the back hem. Sew the ties to the slipcover. Turn the cover right side out and insert the cushion into the slipcover. Knot the ties together on the back edge of the cushion. Repeat the steps for all your cushions.