Day Bed Cover

Slipcovers are a great way to dress up a piece of furniture, so why not a bed? Here's a fitted cover that will really give your daybed a polished look. And, since this one is actually two covers in one, it's versatile as well.

Materials:

sturdy cotton fabric by Waverly or Covington
- two coordinating fabric covers for mattress and bolster pillows
scissors
measuring tape
iron
thread
pillow foam inserts

Steps:

1. Measure the daybed--length, width and height of mattress.

2. Cut fabric pieces for the inside slip (mattress) cover according to the following :
 - Inside mattress slip cover requires two fabric panels--one for the top and one for the bottom.
 - One continuous side band fabric panel.
 - Two fabric panels for the zipper band.
 - Add approximately 1/2 inch on every panel for seam allowances.
 - For each end side piece, add about 1 inch extra in width for the zipper.

Inside slipcover
1. Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, baste the zipper panels with right sides together along the length and press the seam open. Attach the zipper along this seam (figure A) then open the basted seam with a seam ripper.

2. Using 1/2-inch seam allowance, stitch the ends of the zipper panel to the ends of the side panel--right sides together.

3. Mark the center end of the piece on each end, the center of the side panel and center of the zipper panel. With the right sides facing, start at the center point , stitching one half of the side panel to the bottom of cover panel. Stop eight inches from the zipper panel and backstitch. Repeat around the other side.

4. Match the zipper panel to the center mark then stitch the zipper panel to the bottom panel in the same way. After rounding the corner, fold the side panel excess (extension) to the inside, so that it forms a loop of fabric around the zipper. Pin and stitch through all the layers, continuing until you meet where you stopped on the side panel. Repeat on the other sides.

5. Attach the sides and zipper to the bottom (figure B). Repeat those steps to attach the top part of the cover. Remember to unzip the zipper before stitching to turn the fabric right side out.

Outer slipcover
1. Cut fabric pieces for the outside slipcover and ties:
 - Measure and cut one long continuous fabric piece for the outside slipcover by measuring the entire circumference.
 - Add 1/2 inch seam allowances to the ends and one inch hem allowances to the sides.
 - For the width of the mattress, add a two-inch drop to both sides and include one-inch seam allowance .

2. With right sides together, sew the ends of the mattress slipcover.

3. Using a one-inch seam allowance, turn 1/2 inch seam allowance on each open edge and press. Turn another 1/2 inch and press (figure C). Pin and stitch.

Ties
1. Measure and cut 12 ties. Experiment with the tie length to ensure that the ties are long enough to make one or more bow ties. There are three sets of ties to hold the cover in place (figure D). The other six ties are used for the bolster pillows.

2. Mark tie placement (figure E) one at the halfway point and the other set of ties at the quarter point, spacing evenly.

3. Fold in the raw edge of the ties at each end and press.

4. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, right side out and press.

5. Open up the strip then fold each long edge to the center crease line and press (figure F).

6. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press again.

7. Topstitch each tie closed (figure G). Attach to mattress cover and tie in place.

Inside bolster cover
1. Measure three panels:

- For the long pillow panel measure the length and the circumference and add 1 /2 inch to each side for the seam allowance.

- For the circular (end) pieces, trace the foam insert (figure H) and add 1/2 inch seam allowance.

2. Sew the long panel with right sides together, leaving a slit for turning right side out.

3. Pin the side (circular) pieces in and stitch in place. Allow for 1/2-inch seam allowance.

4. Turn the cover right sideout, insert the bolster pillow form or stuffing, and slipstitch the opening closed.

Outside bolster cover
1. Measure the pillow around the circumference width and leave about four to five inches so you'll be able to see the inside cover . Plus, add an extra inch for the ends.

2. Using a one-inch seam allowance, turn 1/2 inch on each open edge and press. Turn another 1/2 inch around the entire panel press and stitch.

4. Attach ties to the outside bolster cover.