Home on the market, and upholstery looking old? It's time to bring fabric to the rescue.

My two wicker chairs desperately needed updating. I was tired of their dreary, stiff, brownish-red slipcovers and uncomfortable seats.

I wanted something light and lively, and I already owned the perfect fabric. It was the same yardage I used in my tutorial to construct a fake bed and bed skirt for bedroom staging.

I'm not averse to making mistakes, as long as I can learn from them. What I learned when I sewed these slips was "Think ahead," and, "Take your time."

You would think I already knew these rules! What can I say except, "Impatience took over my mind."

My covered cushions look okay, but I knew they could look better. Specifically, here's what I did wrong and how I will make slipcovers differently in the future.

Think about seam placement

Since each seat cushion was square, I cut out two squares of fabric for each, sewed these together, then squared off the corners.  I didn't realize that the front seam on the seat didn't have to be a seam at all. I could have simply wrapped the yardage around the front of the foam cushion, and sewn three seams.

The best upholstery and slipcovers have matched patterns where seams join. I could have had this seamless, custom look, but I blew it by not thinking ahead.

Aim for a custom fit

By cutting out just two panels of fabric and placing the seam midway on the sides of the cushion instead of on the edges, my slips look like they might have been purchased ready-made instead of custom-fitted. Had I cut side pieces, the look would have been classier.

Add batting for softness

Another oops I made was not wrapping the foam cushion in a layer of synthetic batting. Batting softens the hard edge look of a square of foam. I've used this method before to make cushions that look both more professional and more comfortable.

Take time for details

Rushing also meant that I did not take time to add piping. Skipping the steps that would require me to buy or make piping and sew it into the seams meant forgoing a custom look.

Takeaway

I hope next time I sew slipcovers, I'll take my time and think ahead. Meanwhile, I still like the new look my wicker chairs have. To my credit, I did replace the worn-out fiberfill stuffing with new foam cushions. Much more comfortable!

The red fabric had lived its best days, 
and I love my new orange swirly fabric.

Get the look, get the book

Need help staging your home on the market? I can help you decide what to spruce up, what to clean, how to get organized, what to get rid of, how to update and refresh what you own, and so much more. Download my ebookDIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. 
Here's an example of the transformations 
Slipcover Queen Kristi at Pink and Polka Dot creates. 
Notice the self-piping and cute pleats.