DIY Bench Slipcover With A Pleated Skirt

Today I’m sharing a DIY bench slipcover with a pleated skirt. This is what happens when I start rearranging furniture. I’m great at creating new opportunities for projects, although some might say I’m just creating problems. Either way, making an easy slipcover like this one is a quick fix.

DIY Bench Slipcover With A Pleated Skirt

This bench replaces the cedar chest featured in the post, How To Make A Bench Slipcover.  Be sure to check it out the post to see how to make a tailored slipcover that hangs to the floor.

The new bench we have now at the foot of the bed, has a lovely top that I want to protect, so a washable slipcover is my solution.

I love the bamboo style painted woodwork of the legs and the openness they provide at the foot of the bed. To maintain the airy look, the slipcover has a short skirt instead of one that goes to the floor.

My fabric pick for the slipcover is a white medium weight 100% cotton. I suggest washing and drying your fabric before starting especially if it’s cotton, just in case it shrinks a little.

Supplies

• fabric
• scissors
• pinking shears
• straight pins
• tape measure
• thread
• sewing machine
• ironing board and iron

First measure the length and width of the bench being covered and decide how far you want the sides to hang down on each side. I usually measure an extra half inch on all sides for a seam allowance.

Cut fabric or do as I do, and rip the fabric.  With cotton fabric like this, I make about a two inch cut on the edge of the fabric, then holding the fabric on each side of the cut, pull the fabric apart. It will naturally rip in a straight line with the weave of the fabric.

To make fitted corners.  Lay the fabric across the bench making sure it is even on all sides. Then create a triangle at each corner and pin. Remember not to make it too tight because you want to be able to remove it easily.

Stitch where pinned, then cut off extra fabric leaving a 1/2 inch of fabric for the seam.

Pleated Skirt

For a short pleated skirt, cut strips of fabric or rip fabric in 4 inch wide strips. Sew fabric strips together making one long piece, that will will be long enough to wrap around the bottom of the slipcover when pleated.

Sometimes the fabric threads can get in the way when using the ripping method. I suggest just trimming them off with scissors or use pinking shears.

The pleats are spaced about 2 inches apart. Remember the closer the pleats the more fabric you will need.

Pin, then stitch pleated fabric piece around the bottom of the slipcover. Hem bottom of the pleated skirt.

Using pinking shears, clean up the seam edges and iron as needed.

Yes ironing the slipcover including the all pleats is lots of fun, but I will probably just let the pleated skirt stay ruffled after each washing. I’m not much of a ruffle girl, but I do like how the pleated accent breaks up the straight lines of the bed frame and headboard.

Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration that you can use right now!

Thanks so much for stopping by. For more slipcover ideas see the post DIY Slipcovers and Why I like Making Them.

Cheers!

©2020 DIY Bench Slip Cover With A Pleated Skirt first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.