Simple Stool Slip Cover

Here is an easy way to change the look of a simple square upholstered stool. The picture on the top shows the original stool. The picture on the bottom is the slip covered stool in "Zebra" (color - Steel) available at Calico Corners.

The slip covers below are made from a remnant of Italian fabric (top) and a remnant of embroidered linen fabric (bottom) also purchased from Calico Corners.

Requiring only a minimal amount of fabric and simple sewing, this project can be completed in less than 1 1/2 hours. The button-tufted stool is from West Elm and measures approximately 16" square x 18" high but similar inexpensive cube style stools can easily be found at a variety of other places including Target and Marshalls Home Goods.

Directions:

1. Determine fabric measurements - Measure top and four sides of stool. Add 1 inch to length and width of stool top for seam allowances. Add 1 inch to width of stool sides and 2 1/2 inches to height of stool sides for seam and bottom hem allowances. Cut out all five pieces according to measurements. Note: The slip covers shown were made of home dec fabric and required only 1 yard of fabric. If you plan on matching up patterns or using 44" wide fabric you will require additional yardage. Also, if you plan on washing your slip cover, it is always a good idea to wash your fabric before you cut out your pattern pieces.


2. Sew sides - Place two side pieces right sides together along "height" sides, making sure both pieces of fabric are going in the same direction. Using 1/2" seam allowance, sew together. Repeat with additional two side pieces. Place these two pieces right sides together along "height" sides. Sew together along both matched edges forming a ring. Using an iron, press seams to one side.


3. Bottom hem - Using an iron, press bottom edge of ring (slip cover sides)under 2". Fold raw edge under towards pressed seam forming a 1" bottom hem. Sew bottom hem.


4. Attach sides to top - Turn ring inside out. Mark center point of each side of slip cover top and each side of slip cover side. Placing right sides together and matching raw edges, line up and pin center points of slip cover sides with slip cover top. Pin and sew around entire top using 1/2" seam allowance.


5. Turn slip cover right side out and place on stool. Enjoy!