Pattern for making suite covers?

rosie383

Hi,
We just got a real bargain of a suite on ebay, in lovely condition. It is fabric and can't be easily cleaned. As I have children, including a mischievious toddler:p, I need to cover it. I bought some throws and remnants from car boot, but they are only large enough to cover the seats. I really want to make some simple covers myself, the easiest way possible.
Can anyone suggest material that is durable but not too expensive, and point me in the direction of any easy pattern? I am happy to make a big cover that just fits completely over each sofa, rather than individual bits for each cushion.
I am not proficient with a sewing machine, but don't mind taking time to do it properly.

seasideshack

Ikea is good for fabric - lots to choose from and they have some real bargains. I got some thick cream linen type fabric for £1 a metre the other week.

Butterfly_Brain

Fabric suites can be cleaned professionally - Or you can buy Slip covers for sofas from Ikea and a lot cheaper than Argos

ginnyknit

I recovered a sofa a few years ago and although its quite daunting at first the results are great. Basically you lay the fabric over the suite wrong side up and pin to the shape, cutting strips for the front of the arms etc. Then sow round where you have pinned. An old fashioned upholstery book from the library should show you how.

Chris25

I agree with ginnyknit - if you are going to make them yourself, get a library book, it'll prove worthwhile.

Some people make trial run covers out of paper/curtain linings/cheap fabric to check that everything will fit just right.

Don't forget, you may have to wash your fabric first because of shrinkage

Dralon is great for upholstered fabrics - durable & easy to clean. And for removable covers, a thick canvas/cotton/poly cotton mix - remember it needs to be washable & either fit into your machine or one at the launderette.

I think the covers that ButterflyBrain suggested cover a number of different types/shapes of sofas so they are definitely worth looking at.

squiggles

had this link stored in my favourites


http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3749/make-a-sofa-wrap

Chris25

squiggles wrote: »

had this link stored in my favourites


http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3749/make-a-sofa-wrap

that's great - looks so easy!

rosie383

Thank you all so much. Lots of ideas, and I will be down to the library first thing.

Seakay

I borrowed "Make it with style Slipcovers" by Donna Lang from our library.

If you don't spot one that you like perhaps your library would order this one for you?

rosie383

I tried to order the above book from the library, but it is not in their stock. I had a look at the threads magazine link. I have been measuring up, but with quite a large 3-2-1+footstool suite, I think I would need a huge amount of material. Is there any easy way to do it without using a double layer of fabric?
Also, can anyone recommend another book I could try please?