Simply Slipcovers: Stylish, Practical Solutions for Tried-but-True Furniture [Paperback]

Editors of Sunset Books (Author)

Book Description

Series: Simply... | Publication Date: December 1, 1996

Give your furniture new life with "Slipcovers and Bedspreads". Detailed insturctions cover everything from estimating yardage and selecting fabric to step by step sewing and fitting techniques.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Slipcovers are to furniture what clothing is to the body," declares this creative, common-sense guide. "They camouflage, dress up or down, give character, and convey style." They can transform an ordinary item into something exciting that helps make a room work. Less pricey than new furniture or reupholstery, they can nevertheless be somewhat costly when custom-made--unless you learn to make them yourself. Simply Slipcovers is an excellent choice for this purpose. In keeping with Sunset's winning how-to series format (see also Simply Window Treatments and Simply Upholstery), the book offers a common-sense approach to choosing style, fabric, and trim, supplementing its extensive step-by-step instructions with good, clear photos and diagrams. In addition to actual construction information, the 20 projects explain measuring and cutting (with measuring diagrams and cutting layouts) and include loads of great tips on achieving a professional appearance. Besides cover-ups for futon, daybed, and ottoman, and both simple tailored and elaborately swagged sofa designs, projects feature various chair styles, from easy folding- and dining-chair disguises to skirted armchair and welted wing chair covers. Several projects also feature "designer details," ideas for finishing touches like contrasting borders, decorative bows and binding, or pleated swags. The "basics" section explains yardage calculations for many types of soft furnishings, cutting and fitting directions, general construction techniques, and an overview of essential equipment. Although some pieces require advanced sewing skills, many can be handled by the novice. --Amy Handy

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Oxmoor House; 1 edition (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0376015144
• ISBN-13: 978-0376015143
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.3 x 10.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #358,717 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Upholstery & Fabrics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

190 of 192 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Really Happy I Bought This Book, June 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Simply Slipcovers: Stylish, Practical Solutions for Tried-but-True Furniture (Paperback)

I know the very basics of sewing--how to thread the sewing machine and where to put your foot to make the needle go up and down. I bought 2 books on slipcovers and this one is my favorite. It covers all of the basics for beginners like me, yet it includes beautiful, detailed covers for the advanced. I hope I'll be making slipcovers with the best of you in the near future. I'm really happy that I bought Simply Slipcovers.

125 of 125 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Fit, April 30, 2000

By 

beth - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simply Slipcovers: Stylish, Practical Solutions for Tried-but-True Furniture (Paperback)

This book is full of ideas,encouragement,and inspiration. It's directions are clear and easy to understand. While promoting creativity and personalization of your project, it gives you the basics needed for selecting fabric and style, measuring, cutting and sewing. I am not terribly skilled at my sewing machine, but with the help of this book, slipcovers are now in my repertoire.

89 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book for slipcovers, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Simply Slipcovers: Stylish, Practical Solutions for Tried-but-True Furniture (Paperback)

This is an informative book on slip cover making...whether you are an expert or just a beginner. There is a lot of useful information on designing slipcovers as well as at least a dozen projects. There are lots of tips from professionals and the end of the book focuses on all sorts of techniques for sewing, fitting, and designing a slipcover. From the extravagant to the plain...this book is a good one for those interested in updating their furniture's wardrobe.