Richard Rain, Slipcover cutter/designer Return to the home page
Frequently asked questions
Here
are some questions that I had been asked over the years. I hope they answer most
of your questions about slipcovers.
Q: I have a hide a bed sofa and I would like to be able to open the bed but
not have to remove the
A:
Yes. A long zipper is placed under the seat cushions; on the edge of the
deck to the inside arm
Q:
I would like to cover the upholstery but not the legs. Can it be done?
How?
A: Yes. We do this by using one side of Velcro tabs on the bottom of the
slipcovers and the other
Q:
What are the different kinds of skirts that are used on slipcovers?
A:
The most common are:
Kick
pleats,
Gathered and
Closed Boxed.
Other styles are:
corner gathered,
Q: What is the advantage of lining the skirt?
A: By lining the skirt,
it lays smoother. Also there is no hemline at the
bottom. There are usually
additional charges for lined skirts.
Q: What does railroading the fabric mean?
A: When you look at the fabric and the selvage runs on top and bottom that is railroaded. If you look at the fabric with the selvage to the left and right of you, then you have it running up and down. There are some fabrics that are printed railroaded. Most of them will be upholstery fabrics.
Q:
What can be done if I have dark pattern upholstery on my furniture and I
want to use a slipcover
A: Most of the time creating a separate slipcover out of lining will take care of the problem. The advantage of having a separate cover made out of lining is that it can be used with any other cover you decide to have in the future. The way we make the lining slipcover is without cording.
Q:
Is it okay to wash the slipcovers in my home washing machine?
A: Most fabric manufactures don’t recommend regular washing. We also do not recommend it. By washing the slipcovers, you run the risk of shrinking, lost of sizing, and fading of some of the color. We recommend only reliable dry cleaning.
Q:
I have a chair that the cushion is in bad condition. Can you replace the
cushion at the same time
A:
Yes. We can replace the foam and/or replace the dacron batting.
If the upholstery on your
furniture cushion is in bad shape the replacement
Q:
What does it mean to have the seams overlocked on a slipcover?
A: When a piece of fabric is cut, it leaves a raw edge. With friction of normal use, the edge will begin to fray and eventually reach the seam causing the seam to separate. By overlocking the raw edge, it seals the seams and prevents the fabric from fraying.
Q:
What happens after I purchase the fabric and make the appointment to
cut/measure the Slipcovers?
A:
The slipcover cutter/designer will come to the location of the furniture
you want covered. He will bring the fabric, or
the customer may have the fabric. Once he is there. he will
pin fit the fabric to the furniture. This process takes approximately one
to two hours per furniture
depending on style and complexity of the slipcover. (once
in the workroom) Next step is to “trim the covers” that is cut the skirt,
cut cushions to size
and cut
Q:
Can a recliner be slipcovered?
A: Yes and No. A recliner can be covered as a regular chair as long as it's not opened or reclined. When the recliner is opened or reclined, the shape changes thus pulling on the seams. We do not recommend slipcovers for recliners. (Note: slipcovers made for recliners have no guarantee.) A cover can be made for the back and arm covers. Cushion cover can be done, if it comes off the chair.
There is room for more questions,
please ask: fabricslipcovers@comcast.net