Creating Custom Slip Covers For Your Camper Sofa

how to make slip covers for a camper sofa

Making slipcovers for a camper sofa is a challenging but rewarding task. It requires a range of tools and materials, including a sewing machine, fabric, zippers, piping, and more. The process involves carefully measuring the sofa, creating a pattern, cutting and sewing the fabric, and adding finishing touches like piping or ruffles. While it may seem daunting, with patience and attention to detail, crafters can create beautiful, well-fitting slipcovers that give their camper sofa a brand new look.

Characteristics Values
Tools Sewing machine, sewing foot, zipper foot, sewing machine needles, scissors, thread, hand needles, side cutters or wire cutters, zippers, piping, fabric, yard stick, flexible measuring tape, pencils, straight pins, band-aids
Fabric Cotton duck fabric, drop cloths
Fabric colour Driftwood grey, white, blue
Fabric preparation Wash fabric before starting
Measurement Use a tape measure to approximate size needed for each area
Tracing Drape fabric against the sofa and trace outline with a fabric marker
Cutting Cut out the shape about 2” larger than the outline
Sewing Pin fabric together and trace with a fabric marker where to sew the pieces together
Velcro Add Velcro to the back of the slipcover to be able to remove the cover from the sofa
Hemming Hem the bottom of the slipcover

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Tools and supplies

Making slipcovers for a camper sofa is a challenging but rewarding task. Here is a list of the tools and supplies you will need to get started:

  • Sewing machine: A good-quality sewing machine is essential. The Brother Project Runway Limited Edition is a popular choice.
  • Sewing machine needles: It is important to have plenty of extra needles on hand to avoid frustration.
  • Scissors: Invest in a good pair of sewing scissors like Gingher scissors, which will last for years.
  • Thread: Opt for high-quality thread such as Guterman 100% cotton thread.
  • Hand needles: Regular hand needles are also required for certain tasks.
  • Side cutters or wire cutters: These will come in handy when working with zippers.
  • Zippers: You will need one zipper for each cushion, plus an additional one for the base. Upholstery or industrial zippers are recommended as they are more durable.
  • Piping: Using piping will give your slipcover a professional look. You will need to purchase the raw cording to make it.
  • Fabric: Cotton duck fabric is a popular choice as it sews well, washes well, and is reasonably priced. Calculate the required amount of fabric by measuring your sofa and adding some extra for seam allowances and shrinkage.
  • Measuring tools: You will need a basic yardstick and a flexible measuring tape to measure your sofa accurately.
  • Marking tools: Fabric pencils and a pencil sharpener are useful for marking and tracing on the fabric.
  • Pins: Straight pins with large balls at the ends are easier to handle.
  • Band-Aids: It is inevitable that you will get pricked, so be prepared with some Band-Aids.

With these tools and supplies, you will be well-equipped to start creating slipcovers for your camper sofa. Remember to take accurate measurements, wash your fabric beforehand, and follow a step-by-step tutorial for best results.

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Measuring the fabric

The first step in creating a custom slipcover is to carefully measure your sofa's individual pieces. Measure the length, width, and height of each cushion, and the frame, and double-check your measurements. Add a small amount to each measurement to allow for a seam allowance and create a snug fit.

For the cushions, use the original cushion as a guide for where the zipper should start and end. Measure the cushion with the cover on to get the most accurate dimensions.

For the sofa frame, pay particular attention to the arms of the sofa. To get the exact curve, trace the shape of the arm onto a piece of paper, then cut out the shape. Fold the paper and cut again so that both curves are identical.

Once you have your measurements, create rough graphics of each piece with measurements to help you visualise the final product.

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Cutting the fabric

Before you start cutting the fabric, it is important to wash and dry it. This is because fabrics tend to shrink after the first wash and you don't want your slipcover shrinking after you've made it. It is also important to measure your sofa's pieces carefully and piece by piece. You should also add about 2 cm (1/2") to each measurement to allow for a 1 cm (1/4") seam allowance on all sides and create a snug slipcover.

When cutting the fabric for the slipcover, it is important to consider the shape of your sofa. If your sofa has rounded arms, you can draw the shape on a piece of paper, cut it out, and use it as a pattern. This will ensure that both sides of the slipcover are symmetrical. For rectangular pieces, you can simply measure and cut the fabric to the required size.

It is also important to cut the fabric for the cushions separately. You will need to cut five pieces for each cushion: a top, a bottom, a piece for the back where the zipper goes, a piece for the band around the middle, and an optional anti-slip piece. You can also add a cushion attachment piece if you want the cushions to be attached to the slipcover.

When cutting the fabric, it is important to optimise your fabric usage. You can do this by folding the fabric and calculating which pieces can be cut to waste the least amount of fabric. It is also a good idea to cut the fabric for the zipper and any other closures you plan to use, such as Velcro.

Once you have cut all the pieces, you can start sewing them together to create the slipcover.

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Covering the cushions

The first step in creating a custom cushion cover is to use your measuring tape to measure the cushion length, width, and height. Measure the top, bottom, and each side independently. Double-check your measurements. Add about 1/2" to each measurement to allow for a 1/4" seam allowance on all sides and create a snug cushion cover.

Use the original cushion as a guide for where the zipper should start and end. Measure the frame of the sofa separately, each piece individually.

Create rough graphics of each piece with measurements to better visualise the pieces that need to be cut.

The next steps depend on the shape of the sofa. If it has rounded corners, trace the shape on a piece of paper, cut it out, and use it as a template.

Cut out the fabric pieces for the cushion cover. You will need to cut five pieces for each cushion: a top, a bottom, a piece for the back where the zipper goes, a piece for the band around the middle, and a piece for the anti-slip fabric (optional).

Optimise the fabric by measuring the width and calculating how to cut the pieces to minimise waste.

If you want to add an anti-slip fabric to prevent the cushions from sliding forward, cut a piece of felt and stitch it to the bottom of the cushion cover.

Fold the back and felt pieces widthwise and mark the edge of the fold to match the centres. Pin both places together with top edges aligned. Stitch around the felt.

Add a zipper to make the cover easier to remove and put back on. Cut-to-size upholstery zippers can be bought in packages or by the yard.

Fold over the edge of the bottom piece and the back piece of the cushion and pin to the zipper. Iron the first small fold first to help with this step. Centre the zipper by making centre marks.

If you want to add a cushion attachment, place one piece of the jacket zipper on top of the other zipper, slightly overlapping it, and pin in place.

Sew the fabric to the zipper using a zipper foot. Stitch the bottom piece and the side together as close to the zipper as possible.

Pin the bottom piece with the zipper to the band that will go around the middle, and then pin the back piece with the zipper to both ends of the band. Sew the pieces together.

Pin the top piece to the back side and the side band and sew the pieces together. Turn the cushion cover inside out and confirm that it fits.

Finish the cushion cover by zig-zagging all the raw edges and sewing over the seam to reinforce and create a neat finish.

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Sewing the frame

The first step is to measure the sofa's pieces carefully and individually. Measure the front, back, and sides of the sofa frame. Add about 2 cm (1/2") to each measurement to allow for a 1 cm (1/4") seam allowance on all sides.

Next, create a rough graphic of each piece with measurements to better visualise the frame.

Since the sofa arms' corners are rounded, trace its shape on a piece of paper. Fold the paper and cut so both curves are identical. This will ensure symmetry.

Now, copy the pattern onto the fabric and test it on the sofa to ensure a good fit.

Sew the front and back pieces of the armrests to the main arm piece. Try it on the armrest and, once confirmed to fit, repeat the process with the other armrest.

Remove the armrest covers and pin together the larger piece that goes along the base of the sofa's main frame, aligning it with the front piece of the armrest. Sew both pieces until you hit the hardware point and hem the rest of the fabric.

If your sofa has an articulated back support with an opening, cut the fabric where the original fabric seam is, plus 1 cm (1/4") for seam allowance.

Place the hardware in the middle between the back and the base. Once the cover is in place, fold the fabric, wrong side up, and draw guides to know where to create an opening. Cut along the internal lines and use them as the hem.

Zig-zag all the raw edges and reinforce and finish all the seams.

Sew a piece of felt along the base of the slipcover that will be in contact with the felt on the bottom of the seat cushion. This will help to prevent slipping.

Finally, hem the back pieces and install velcro to close the cover.

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Frequently asked questions

Canvas fabric is a popular choice for slipcovers as it is durable and sews well. Cotton duck fabric is also a good option as it is affordable, sews beautifully, and washes well.

The amount of fabric needed will depend on the size of your camper sofa. It is recommended to use an upholstery chart to estimate the required yardage. Additionally, it is important to pre-wash the fabric to account for shrinkage.

Basic tools and supplies include a sewing machine, different types of sewing needles, good scissors, thread, fabric marker, measuring tape, and straight pins.

You can either use a tape measure to approximate the size needed for each section of the sofa or drape the fabric over the sofa and trace the outline with a fabric marker, adding about 2 inches to the cut-out shape.

While it is possible to use a sheet as a couch cover, it may not stay in place and can get wrinkled easily. However, you can try using narrow cardboard tubes and rubber bands to hold the sheet in place, as suggested by Laurie from Tip Junkie.

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