Doing laundry is a chore that everyone needs to do, but adding a personal touch can make it more enjoyable. With this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make your own ironing board cover so you can turn an everyday task into something special! You’ll be able to customize the style and size of your cover with different fabrics and patterns, and you won’t need any expensive tools or equipment to get the job done. Let’s get started on creating your dream ironing board cover!
Supplies and Materials
You’ll need a few materials to get started, so let’s gather up what you need for your custom ironing board cover! To begin with, you will need fabric of your choice. You’ll want to make sure it is enough to cover the size of your ironing board. It’s best to purchase a couple more yards than you think you might need in case of an error or if you decide to add something extra to the design. Along with fabric, you will also need cotton batting and a pattern for your ironing board cover. A sewing machine is necessary for stitching the pieces together, and an iron will be helpful in fusing the fabrics together as well as pressing out any wrinkles after sewing. Don’t forget thread that matches the color of your fabric! Collect these items before beginning construction on your custom ironing board cover.
Next comes fabric selection. You can choose from many different types of fabrics depending on how much use and wear your cover will receive, such as linen or twill trousers for a formal look or canvas lounge cushion covers for a more casual feel. Consider using two different colors or patterns that match each other nicely when selecting fabrics; this will give your finished product an extra bit of pizzazz! Be sure to check that any fabric purchased has been pre-washed prior to cutting and constructing; this ensures that shrinkage won’t occur during laundering later on.
After gathering all supplies and selecting appropriate fabrics, it’s time move onto the next section which focuses on creating a pattern for our custom ironing board cover.
Fabric Selection
Choosing the right fabric for crafting a custom ironing board cover is essential. For example, if you’re looking for a hardwearing fabric suitable for frequent use, denim may be the ideal choice — it’s durable and can stand up to repeated ironing sessions. Another option is cotton quilt batting, which is heat resistant and offers natural fibers that won’t scorch when exposed to high temperatures. When selecting your outer fabric, it’s important to go with quality material; cotton fabric is an excellent choice as it’s both strong and soft.
When picking out supplies, make sure to get enough yards of cotton quilt batting or quilting cotton that will fit your ironing board’s shape and size; add a few extra inches of seam allowance depending on how wide your ironing board is. You’ll also need sewing pins, bias tape, matching thread, cord (for any cording detail), an ironing table cover pattern (or create one yourself!), and a fabric marker or tailor’s chalk — all of these items are necessary in order to make sure everything fits together perfectly! Lastly, don’t forget to buy some extra thread or a spool of zigzag stitch for attaching the casing around the raw edge of the cover.
Once you have all your materials gathered up into one place — whether you’re making a vintage style or cute ironing board cover — it’s time to start stitching! Follow an ironing board cover tutorial online (such as making a bowl cozy) or simply make wide strips that will fit over both sides of each section on the wide ironing board. Sew those pieces together with a simple knot at each end before adding in any cord details and finally attaching the casing around the raw edge with either zigzag stitch or bias tape. With just this simple project you can craft yourself an awesome new protective layer for your beloved old reliable steam-iron partner: your trusty old Ironing Board!
Pattern and Template
Creating a pattern or template for your ironing board cover is essential for achieving the perfect fit. To begin, you will need to find a flat surface such as a floor or table to lay out your fabric. Take into consideration that the heat from the iron may be present, so make sure to have an extra layer of batting between the fabric and ironing board. You should also have enough room in your sewing space to cut around the outer edges of the ironing board without any wrinkles forming. Once you have everything ready, you can start drawing out your pattern onto the fabric with chalk or tailor’s tape. Cutting along this line will give you a perfect shape that fits snugly over your ironing board.
Once all of your pieces are cut out, it’s time to piece them together using needle and thread, pins, and bias tape if desired. If you plan on using bias tape instead of sewing directly onto the fabric, there are many affiliate programs online that provide explicit instructions on how to make DIY bias tape quickly and efficiently. Make sure all pieces are sewn securely before moving onto attaching them to your ironing board cover with pins and then stitching them together firmly in place by hand or machine!
With all these steps complete, you’ll be able to proudly display your new homemade ironing board cover with confidence! With its perfect fit and professional-looking finish it’s certain to impress anyone who sees it – transitioning easily into being a conversation starter at parties and gatherings alike!
DIY Bias Tape
Using bias tape instead of sewing directly onto the fabric can truly elevate your homemade ironing board cover and give it a professional-looking finish. It is easy to find in many colors and patterns, making it simple to customize your project and add a personalized touch. Plus, many stores offer affiliate links or discounts if you use an email address associated with them, such as when shopping with ZJ Humbach. After purchasing the desired materials for your project, you can get started crafting!
When making DIY bias tape, start by folding fabric lengthwise with wrong sides together. Cut along the folded edge then press open each strip of fabric before cutting into 2 ½ inch wide strips. To create bias tape that is double-sided, fold each strip in half lengthwise and press again before stitching down the long side at ¼ inch intervals. Trim any excess threads that remain after stitching and make sure that all seams are pressed flat in order to ensure a snug fit on your ironing board cover.
The next step is to apply the bias tape around the edges of the cover where it will be exposed once complete. With right sides together, pin one end of the bias tape along one edge of the cover before wrapping around to meet up with other end on opposite side of edge. Sew down both ends together securely before trimming away any excess fabric or thread from overhanging seam allowance for a polished look. You’re now ready to move onto stitching and fitting your new custom ironing board cover!
Stitching and Fitting
Once you’ve got your bias tape all set, it’s time to get stitching and fitting your new custom ironing board cover! Start by laying out the fabric on a flat surface, pattern-side down. Place the bias tape around the edges of the fabric, pinning it in place. Use a needle and thread that matches the colour of your bias tape, then stitch along each side of the tape to attach it securely to your fabric. Make sure to fasten off securely at each corner when you finish sewing.
Next, take some measurements for your ironing board cover. Measure from one end of your board to the other, then double that measurement and add an extra two inches so you can tuck in any excess fabric when attaching it to your board. When measuring for length, measure from top to bottom plus two more inches. Cut out a piece of fabric using these measurements; this will be used as a lining for inside your cover.
Stitch together one long edge of both pieces of fabric (the outside piece and lining), leaving a half inch seam allowance which will form part of the hem later on. When finished stitching this side together, press open the seam and fold over half an inch twice towards wrong side; press again to keep in place as you stitch along folded edge with matching thread – this forms part of hemming process for neatening up edges before adding elastic or Velcro strips if desired. With that done, you’re ready to move onto upcycling options for giving old clothes new life!
Upcycling Options
Give your old clothes a new life by discovering the possibilities of upcycling! Upcycling can be a great way to make a new and unique ironing board cover. You can use an old shirt, blouse, trousers, or even an old skirt. Measure your ironing board and cut out the fabric accordingly. If you want something more durable, try using denim or canvas for longer lasting results. You can also find vintage prints that will give your ironing board cover an original touch.
You don’t have to limit yourself just to clothes; you can also upcycle materials like leather or suede from any number of items such as old jackets, boots, purses and lounge chairs. These materials provide different textures that will add interest and style to your ironing board cover project. Just be sure they are large enough when cutting them out for your project.
Adding some fun decorative details like buttons or embroidery is another way to make sure you have the most personalized ironing board cover possible! Choose bright colors in fabrics and trims so that it stands out against the dullness of regular chores like laundry and ironing – making it much more enjoyable!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to measure my ironing board?
Measuring my ironing board is a relatively straightforward task. First, I need to measure the length and width of the top surface, then take into account any protruding legs that may be sticking out. Furthermore, I should make sure to measure the thickness of the top surface, as this will affect how much fabric I’ll need for my ironing board cover. Once these measurements have been taken, it’s easy to use them to order or create a cover tailored precisely for my ironing board.
How do I ensure the cover fits properly?
With my mother’s hand-me-down, vintage ironing board, I find myself pondering how to ensure the cover fits properly. I’m reminded of the saying “measure twice, cut once”, and realise that this same principle applies here too. Taking out a tape measure, I take note of both the width and length of the board before heading off to purchase my fabric. After choosing my desired material – preferably one with good heat resistance and durability – I give it a good wash before measuring it against the board dimensions. To ensure an impeccable fit, I add an extra inch or two in allowances for seam binding and then with scissors in hand, set about cutting out my new ‘duds’!
Is there a way to make the cover waterproof?
Ironing out the wrinkles of life is like fixing a broken engine – it takes time and patience. I often find myself wondering if there’s a way to make my ironing board cover waterproof. After researching, I’ve come to understand that a simple layer of plastic wrap will do the trick. Not only does this provide an extra layer of protection against water damage, but it also ensures that any steam produced from ironing doesn’t escape and cause damage to my other clothes or furniture in the room. This simple technique takes my ironing experience to the next level and helps me get through laundry day with ease!
Conclusion
I’m so pleased with the result of my ironing board cover. Not only did I save money by making it myself, but I had a lot of fun too! It’s definitely worth noting that according to research, it takes at least five times as long to iron your clothes when you don’t have an ironing board cover – so this project has saved me time as well.
Overall, creating a customised and unique ironing board cover was an enjoyable experience that proved to be both practical and cost-effective. So if you’re looking for a way to spruce up your laundry room, why not give this DIY project a go? You’ll be surprised how easy it is to transform trousers, shirts and lounge suits into neat and tidy garments using nothing more than fabric, thread and boot lace!
