Frequently asked questions

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Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions that I had been asked over the years. I hope they answer most of your questions about slipcovers. If you have a question that has not been answered here please feel free to ask by writing me at:   fabricslipcovers@comcast.net  

Q:  I have a hide a bed sofa and I would like to be able to open the bed but not have to remove the slipcovers. Can that be done?

A:  Yes. A long zipper is placed under the seat cushions; on the edge of the deck to the inside arm around the inside back and back around to the other inside arm. When the zipper is opened, pull the fabric on the deck forward and carefully pull the bed out.

Q:  I would like to cover the upholstery but not the legs. Can it be done?   How?

A:  Yes. We do this by using one side of Velcro tabs on the bottom of the slipcovers and the other side of the Velcro is stapled to the bottom of the furniture.

Q:  What are the different kinds of skirts that are used on slipcovers?

A:   The most common are: Kick pleats, Gathered and Closed boxed pleats. Other styles are: corner gathered, open box pleats, double and triple kick pleats, double gathered and many other styles too numerous to mention. If there is a particular style you have in mind, don’t hesitate to E-Mail us.  fabricslipcovers@comcast.net

Q:  What is the advantage of lining the skirt?

A: By lining the skirt, it lays smoother. Also there is no hemline at the bottom.  There are usually additional charges for lined skirts.

Q:  What does railroading the fabric mean?

A:  When you look at the fabric and the salvage runs on top and bottom that is railroaded. If you look at the fabric with the salvage to the left and right of you, then you have it running up and down. There are some fabrics that are printed railroaded. Most of them will be upholstery fabrics.

Q:  What can be done if I have dark pattern upholstery on my furniture and I want to use a slipcover with a light color fabric? How do I keep the pattern from showing thru?

A:  Most of the time creating a separate slipcover out of lining will take care of the problem. The advantage of having a separate cover made out of lining is that it can be used with any other cover you decide to have in the future. The way we make the lining slipcover is without cording and skirt.

Q:  Is it okay to wash the slipcovers in my home washing machine?

A:  Most fabric manufactures don’t recommend regular washing. We also do not recommend it. By washing the slipcovers, you run the risk of shrinking, lost of sizing, and fading of some of the color. We recommend only reliable dry cleaning.

Q:  I have a chair that the cushion is in bad condition. Can you replace the cushion at the same time the slipcovers are being made?

A:  Yes. We can replace the foam and/or replace the Dacron batting. If the upholstery on your furniture cushion is in bad shape the replacement foam and/or Dacron can be placed directly in the slipcover’s cushion cover.

Q:  What does it mean to have the seams overlocked on a slipcover?

A:  When a piece of fabric is cut, it leaves a raw edge.  With friction of normal use, the edge will begin to fray and eventually reach the seam causing the seam to separate. By overlocking the raw edge, it seals the seams and prevents the fabric from fraying.

Q:  What happens after I purchase the fabric and make the appointment to cut/measure the Slipcovers?

A:  The slipcover cutter/designer will come to the location of the furniture you want covered. He will bring the fabric, or the customer may have the fabric. Once he is there. he will pin fit the fabric to the furniture. This process takes approximately one to two hours per furniture depending on style and complexity of the slipcover. (once in the workroom)  Next step is to “trim the covers” that is cut the skirt, cut cushions to size and cut fabric on the bias for cording. At this point, the seamstress takes over: sews the covers, overlocks the seams, then presses them. At this time, they are also inspected. Once the covers are completed, an appointment for delivery is scheduled.  On the delivery, a cutter will install the slipcovers to assure fit. From the day of cutting/pin fitting, it takes somewhere between three to six weeks for the slipcovers to be ready for delivery; all depends on the complexity of the work to be done.

Q:  Can a recliner be slipcovered?

A:  Yes and No. A recliner can be covered as a regular chair as long as it's not opened or reclined.  When the recliner is opened or reclined, the shape changes thus pulling on the seams.  We do not recommend slipcovers for recliners. (Note: slipcovers made for recliners have no guarantee.)  A cover can be made  for the back and arm covers. Cushion cover can be done, if it comes off the chair.

There is room for more questions,

please ask: fabricslipcovers@comcast.net