How to Make a Slip Cover for an End Table

When you think about slip covers, it is common to think of using a slip cover for a chair or sofa. However, slip covers can also be created for end tables. Using a slip cover instead of a tablecloth ensures a tighter, more customized fit. Making your own slip cover to fit an end table also gives you the ability to choose colors, patterns and fabric to coordinate with a theme or design in your house.

Instructions

1

Measure the length and width of the top of the end table. Add 1/2 inch to each edge to allow for the seams. For example, if your end table measures 12-by-36 inches, you will need a piece of fabric that measures 13-by-37 inches.

2

Mark out the length and width dimensions onto the fabric.

3

Cut out the fabric piece for the table top.

4

Measure the side of the table top from top to bottom to determine the width for the sides of the slip cover. Add 1/2 inch to all the sides of the fabric strips. For example, if the side of the table measures 3 inches, the fabric you will need for the long side of the end table will measure 4-by-37 inches. The fabric you will need for the short side of the end table will measure 4-by-13 inches.

5

Mark out all four dimensions on the fabric. Two fabric strips will be for the short sides of the end table and two will be for the long sides of the end table.

6

Cut out the fabric strips.

7

Pin a long edge of each fabric strip up 1/2 inch. This will create a hemline for the bottom of the slip cover.

8

Sew along the hemline of each strip, removing the pins as you go.

9

Turn all the fabric pieces right-side down. Pin the strips of fabric to the sides of the fabric piece for the table top. Ensure that the hemmed side of the strips is at the bottom. Use the 1/2 inch on each side of the fabric pieces to allow for the seam.

10

Thread your sewing machine or needle. Sew all of the pinned pieces together, removing the pins as you move down the fabric.

11

Match up the corners on the sides of the fabric and pin them together, so that the seams are tucked into the slip cover and will not point outward.

12

Thread your sewing machine or needle. Turn the fabric wrong side out and sew the side corners closed. Remove the pins as you move down the fabric.

13

Add cording, if desired. Line the cording up along the edge of the slip cover and pin into place. Sew the cording into place from the bottom side of the slip cover. The cording can be attached by sewing with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine. If a sewing machine is used, a zipper foot is also required.

14

Attach tassels, if desired. Sew one tassel onto each corner, under the inside of the slip cover. This will allow it to hang down from the corner.