EASY DROPCLOTH BENCH SLIPCOVER

 

 

EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!I’ve had an idea swirling around in my head for about a year now. I wanted to make a sew-easy slipcover for the bench in the dining room. I’ve looked at lots of decorator fabrics for the slipcover, but I couldn’t find anything that I felt worked with my rug. Then I had a lightbulb moment… why not use a dropcloth! They are so inexpensive and durable and a light neutral color I’m so fond of! Don’t you love when an idea becomes a real tangible thing… and is so much better than you ever imagined! This dropcloth slipcover was easy to make and I’m thrilled with the way it looks in my dining room. If you can sew a straight line you can make a bench slipcover! I’ll show you how…

Today is DIY TIPS AND TRICKS! I’m teaming up with some of your favorite bloggers (and mine too!) to bring you great home decor ideas! Make sure to check out the posts at the bottom of this post!

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EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!

The dining room bench at StoneGable gets a whole lot of use! I bought a lovely bench from World Market. It is sturdy and has wheels, which makes it so easy to use. The detailing on the legs and base is beautiful!

Over the years I repainted the legs and reupholstered it to work with my ever evolving dining room! Now, it’s time to change it again!

EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!

From start to finish this dropcloth slipcover took a couple of hours (and that included ironing all those pleats!) If you try this project, and I hope you do, make sure to measure twice and cut once! You may also want to wash and dry the dropcloth to prevent it shrinking in the dryer when the finished slipcover is washed.

I tried to make the directions as easy as possible… and very detailed too! If you have done any sewing at all this should be a very easy project!

I bought a heavy duty painter’s dropcloth that measured 5 foot x 20 foot. I used the edges of the dropcloth to make the pleated ruffle because they were already hemmed! So much less work!

All seam allowances were 1/2 inch.

The slipcover cost under $20.00 and I have lots of dropcloth material left over to make pillows! 

Let’s make a… 

DROPCLOTH BENCH SLIPCOVER!

EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!

 

MATERIALS:

  • 1 large painter’s dropcloth

 EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!1. Measure the length and width of bench you are slipcovering. Make sure you measure how long you want the dropcloth slipcover to hand over each side. The body of my finished slipcover measurements were 29 x 68 inches (without ruffle).  Next, determine how long the ruffle should be. I wanted the ruffle on my slipcover to be 4 inches long.

Now let’s work on the dropcloth!

The edges of my dropcloth were hemmed so I used them to make the ruffle. I measured a 4  1/2 inch border (4 inch ruffle plus 1/2 inch seam allowance) around the dropcloth and marked the measurements on the dropcloth with a pencil. 

I cut along the marked pencil lines. I ended up with 4 – 4 1/2 inch strips of hemmed dropcloth.  Two long lengths and two shorter lengths.  Set them aside.They will become the ruffle.

2 and 3. Now, let’s get a straight edge so we can cut out the body of the dropcloth slipcover. Near one long edge of the slipcover, cut a 1 inch slit. Holding the fabric with both hands, with the slit in between,  rip the fabric into two pieces. The raw edge is now straight. This is the edge you will begin measuring for the body of  slipcover.

Measure out the slipcover body and mark it on the dropcloth with a pencil.

Cut out the body of the slipcover adding 1/2 inch to each side of the dropcloth for seam allowances. I cut the body of my slipcover 30 x 69 inches.

EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!

4. Measure a 1/2 inch seam allowance around the edges of the slipcover. Mark the seam allowances with a pencil on the WRONG SIDE of the fabric.  (I did this on my work table but forgot to take a picture of it until I had the body of the slipcover on the bench). 

5. Put the body of the dropcloth slipcover on the bench WRONG SIDE UP and position it so that all sides are even.

My slipcover ended at the bottom of the wooden detail on the bench. The 1/2 inch seam allowance hung beyond that. 

Start at one long side and pin the top of the slipcover to the upholstery as you position it properly.  If you look carefully, you can see the little yellow heads of the pins. I did this to hold the slipcover to the bench once it was in the proper place.

6. Make the corners of the slipcover by pulling the corner fabric out and making a triangle. See image above. Make sure the edges at the bottom of the fabric match. Pin the fabric so it is taut. Do this on all four corners. 

Make sure you can gently lift up the corners. If they are too tight or too loose adjust them so they easily glide off the corners, but still fit tightly.

EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!

7. Draw a straight line using the pins as a guide with dress chalk or a pencil.

8. Sew along the line making a neat corner. Do this to all four corners. Turn the body of the slipcover to the right side and put it on the bench making sure it fits. Adjust as needed.

Cut the excess material away from the corner leaving about a 1/2 inch raw edge to the seam.

9. Make the ruffle. Take the dropcloth slipcover off the bench and turn inside out. Use the cut lengths with the finished edges to make the ruffles.

With right sides and raw edges together, gather the ruffle onto the body of the slipcover. Make small pleats and pin each one.

I did not measure the width of the pleats, I just eyeballed it.  Pin the ruffle around the edge of the entire slipcover body.

Sew the ruffle onto the slipcover using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Turn the dropcloth slipcover to the right side.

At this point, you can decide if you want to leave it naturally rumpled or ironed. And if you want a traditional ruffle or a pleated one. If you want a pleated ruffle iron each pleat with a hot iron.

Put the dropcloth slipcover on the bench and enjoy!!!!

I Scotchguarded my slipcover so spills will wipe off!

I think the two dining room chair are next! This project could be a little addictive!!!!

EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!

 

EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-bench-in-dining-room-stonegableblog-2

GET THE LOOK

||  Charcoal Linen Paige Dining Bench || painter’s dropcloth  ||

Now, join me in visiting these creative and inspiring blogs!

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STONEGABLE

EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-thumbnail-stonegableblog-2

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EASY DROPCLOTH SLIPCOVER-Here's an EASY. step-by-step diy to make a pretty slipcover from a painter's dropcloth. If you can sew a straight line, YOU CAN make this!

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56 Comments

  1. Don’t you just love dropcloth? There is so much that you can do with it. The possibilities are endless! AND it’s so very cheap!! Your slipcover is beautiful, your directions are great and I love the ruffles!! Thanks Yvonne and have a great day!!

  2. Angie Slaughter says:

    Thank you, Yvonne, for this wonderful tutorial. I have a tired, worn looking bench that needs a makeover. Now, I know just how to spruce it up.

  3. I love the slipcover! I’ve yet to do anything with drop clothes. I don’t know why because I do like the look. Your instructions are very good – we make weekly stops at Lowes – I’ll have to stop by the paint dept. Thank you Yvonne, have a great day!

  4. Beautiful. Think the time spent ironing all those pleats was well worth it.

  5. So pretty, but I also loved your bench before.

    I was thinking of using a dropcloth for curtains in the office/tv room, but was wondering how heavy that would be.

    I have never worked with a dropcloth before – so any suggestions would be so helpful
    Thank you Yvonne.

    Much love,
    Rose

    1. Hi Rose! I’m going to make dropcloth curtains for a guest room soon. I’ll make sure to share them in a post.

      1. Thank you so much Yvonne.
        I look forward to seeing that post.

        Rose

  6. You gave me an idea. I’m gonna make some new pleated slip covers for my breakfast room chairs! Thanks for the ispiration!

  7. Great tutorial, drop cloth is such a great fabric and easily washable. Loving this tutorial!

  8. Love the bench dropcloth slipcover! Three questions: did you wash your dropcloth before you cut; what ratio did you use for cutting the the ruffle sections – two or three times the length of the side; do you plan to wash your slipcover or have it dry cleaned should it become soiled?

    1. Hi Linda, I do suggest you wash the dropcloth before sewing it. The second question is harder. I did not have a ratio with the ruffle. Because I used a large dropcloth with lots of finished edges I knew I would have plenty for the ruffle. I probably make the ruffle pleats about an inch to an inch and a half apart. Hope this helps.

  9. anita roth says:

    So helpfully! I have been wanting to make a slipcover for a bench we use as footstool it has been looking pretty bad. Its still in good condition but needing some TLC!

  10. Carole kozak says:

    I recently did the same thing to make slip covers for the backs of my dining chairs. I added brown and ivory check fabric I had to sew a ruffle and a sash to tie in the back in a little bow and they were so pretty I used just what I had on hand and have enjoyed them immensely. I love your bench in the drop cloth so pretty and casual. I enjoyed your post.

  11. Treva Mills says:

    That is the neatest cover idea. I love the pleats. I have never worked with drop cloths but I plan to use one on my sofa very soon.
    Thank you for the cute bench.

  12. Yvonne, that is genius!! I love it!! I have a small ottoman that needs a slip cover, have been wondering what to do with it, now I know!

  13. Yvonne you are a very talented decorator and all around nice lady but see I am not as talented as you.When I start reading directions to make a simple slipcover my eyes glaze over. Unfortunately I will be spending my days reading your blog and dreaming of talents I do not possess.Thank you however for your kindness and willingness to show others how to improve their home…

  14. Thank you for the inspiration!

  15. Oh I am a sucker for pleats! This is so pretty and the perfect thing for a dining room. So easy to pull off and throw in the washer. Hope your summer has been lovely Yvonne. <3

  16. Love it, I need to make a couple of these for some small ottomans!!

  17. You did a lovely job!! I think the dining room chairs would look great redone with the drop cloth, too. Great idea to make it spill proof. I recently made a pair of curtains from two drop cloths. I already had clips up, so I just adjusted the length I wanted, folded the top over like a valance, and clipped with the rings. They were a bargain at $20.00 for the pair and like you, I love the fabric. Because I wanted the two panels to match, I made sure that the lot number was the same on the two packages. I was able to find them in the store at my local Walmart. There was a seam through the middle of each one – it adds a great detail to the curtains. I washed and dried before hanging, but I didn’t iron them. I’d like to buy another drop cloth to make some pillow covers. I’ll make sure and pick up some fabric guard at the same time.

  18. Melinda Brakensiek says:

    I think I will take this technique and make a tablecloth for our kitchen table! Gotta go to Lowes!

  19. I love your dining room table! Where did you say you got it from?

  20. Well, I cant find any cloth dropcloths in France at our big hardware store. Do they still exist in the states??

    1. Dianne Lanier says:

      Try the internet!

  21. Saved the tutorial for drop cloth slipcover will try it in the fall

  22. I have a beautiful bench I spent much to much money on. I hate the material I chose, but was not sure what to do about the ugly material. Thanks to you, I now know exactly what to cover it with. DROPCLOTH, I love the look of using DROPCLOTH. Now i just got to try and make it as pretty as yours. Thank you

  23. Kathryn Barton says:

    Well I just ordered my drop cloth and will be working in that project very soon. A perfect winter project. Thanks for such good directions.

  24. Dianne Lanier says:

    You are so clever…I will definitely do this!!

  25. You are a great inspiration!

    If you don’t mind could you please give me information about your head of table chairs as well your rug.

    Thank you and I will continue to be inspired by you!!

    Leslie

  26. Where do you buy your drop cloths? The quality varies from different stores.

    1. I agree Marcia! It’s more a matter of a brand of dropcloth than the store! Look for a drop cloth that is heavy duty and has a tight weave.

  27. Jacque Avant says:

    Love the idea of the drop cloth for the bench. I got my drop cloth at Lowe’s and like the weave. Thank you for another great idea. Love your blog.

  28. I just used drop cloths for drapes on my porch. You have started a movement!

  29. Bettie Paul says:

    Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve been wanting to cover my bench for a long time. I needed a push to get going and this is it. Loved your setting. Peaceful.

  30. Drop cloth looks good and is a great idea. I have never worked with this material but there is always a first time.
    Thanks.

  31. Linda Markling says:

    I Love your dinning room. What is the top of the table made from? I noticed the legs are different. Did you make this table yourself? Very pretty!

    1. Hi Linda, The top of my dining room table is concrete. I love it! It must have been treated with a sealer because nothing stains it or sticks to it.
      As for the legs, they are wooden. The table is a two piece item. Base and top. Hope this helps!

  32. What a wonderful idea! I’m so glad I found your blog! (wish I’d found it sooner!) I’ve been trying to decide how to cover the benches of my dining room trestle table, & this idea fits the bill perfectly. Thanks very much!

  33. Thanks for this illustration. We have a puppy in the house and he loves the big ottoman in the family room. A simple, washable, cover will be the ideal thing to solve many problems.

  34. Painters drop cloths are great. Just a couple of thoughts to avoid disappoint. I learned some do have seams that can run through the cloth. Remember these are intended to be used while painting so to the manufacturer it doesn’t matter. So you might want to open them and check for seams before washing them. I found the big box stores will let you return. Also paint stores have a better quality of drop cloth and different sizes from the big box stores. And if you would like a lighter color and softer feel to the cloth then wash with detergent and bleach. I didn’t care much for the scent of the cloth before washing it.

  35. Connie Fowler says:

    This slipcover is so pretty, Yvonne! Did you just make it up yourself? Wow, such patience, and I’m very impressed with your creativity and ability to come up with something so nice. I don’t think I’d ever attempt something like this, but I am inspired to think about how I could use a dropcloth in my own home. Great post, as usual.

    1. Hi Connie, I did sew this myself. It’s quite easy to work with drop cloths. I hope you will give it a try

  36. Beverly Poag says:

    Used a drop cloth to cover a small Victorian loveseat to go at the end of my bed. Didn’t put a ruffle around the edges, but since I saw how you did yours…USING THE HEMMED PORTION OF THE DROP CLOTH IS GENUIS!…I just might tackle that! Thanks for the tip!! Love your table and chairs!!

  37. I love what you created here, you did an absolute fabulous job to your bench. the pleats ruffles just nailed it.

  38. Madeline Bailey says:

    Looked at all the bench covers on YouTube & Google and yours is the best. It’s the pleats, and the proportion is correct too. I have a bench I missed up the upholstery trying to clean it, and the color doesn’t match my re-decorating.

    Your “natural” style is my style too, but I have some white cotton iKea curtains (well one of them) I want to use. They’re more ivory, than white. What fabric would match or coordinate for the pleats? I see it has to be thin fabric s and lots of pleats to pull this look off, and that’s what I want to do?

    Or forget that and go right for the canvas to have the cover and pleats be the same fabric? Thanks in advance…

    1. I’d make the slipcovers in one fabric. I think that is way easier and looks classic.

  39. I inherited my childhood dining room trestle table and benches . I didn’t want to alter the original wood by upolstering it, so I cut and covered foam and slipped the cover on, I love it, next the trestle legs get chalk painted !