How to Make a Slipcover for an Iron Headboard

The process of making a slipcover for your iron headboard involves taking measurements of the headboard, purchasing fabric and batting for the slip cover, sewing it together, and placing it over the headboard. This type of project can be accomplished by most do-it-yourselfers with a little training on using a sewing machine. This article describes the tools, materials, and steps needed to accomplish this task.

Step 1 - Measure the Iron Headboard

The first step in the process of making a slipcover for your iron headboard is to take measurements of the headboard. Using a tape measure you need to measure both the length and width of the headboard. This will give you the dimensions you need when you go to purchase the materials needed to make the slip cover.

Step 2 - Purchase Fabric and Materials for the Slip Cover

With the measurements that were taken in Step 1, go to a fabric store and purchase the fabric material needed for the slip cover. Choose a neutral fabric that is either machine washable or easy to care for by hand in case it is dirty. You also need to allow an extra 1 to 1-1/2 inch of slack to account for the padding.

For the padding, use a cotton batting material that you will sew into the slip cover. Cotton batting is easy to work with and cut so purchase as much as you need.

Step 3 - Cut the Fabric

With the fabric in hand, use the fabric scissors to cut the fabric into four large squares to form the slip cover. Leave an allowance of up to 1 to 1-1/2 inch on the edges in order to close the top and sides of the slipcover when the batting is placed inside. It may make sense to outline a pattern for the slipcover before using the fabric scissors to make the cuts.

Step 4 - Cut the Cotton Batting

In addition to the fabric, cut two square pieces of the cotton batting to be placed in the fabric slipcover, using the fabric scissors. Place the batting on top of two pieces of fabric and place the other piece of fabric on top.

Step 5 - Sew the Slip Cover

Using a sewing machine, sew the ends and the top of the slipcover. Fold the ends and top and bottoms in while you guide it through the sewing machine in order to seal the batting inside the slipcover. Take the two pieces you placed the batting inside and sew the ends and top only together, leaving room at the bottom. If you are not comfortable using a sewing machine you can sew the pieces of the slipcover together by hand.

Place the completed slip cover over the iron headboard and you have completed this project.