Make an Easy Headboard Slipcover

Update a basic wooden headboard with a simple slipcover using no staples or batting just interesting fabric, ties and a monogram.
Light blue bedding and rustic headboard slipcover

Cover It Up

If you have an outdated, battered headboard, simply cover it up. Holly Mathis of Holly Mathis Interiors made an easy slipcover with minimal sewing. The best part? It's easy to replace as you change your bedroom's design style.

By: Holly Mathis

Materials Needed:

  • sewing machine
  • 3-4 yards of fabric
  • thread to match fabric
  • pins
  • scissors
  • tailors' chalk
  • pencil
  • tape measure
  • iron and ironing board
  • wooden dowel, pencil or chopstick

Source Headboard and Footboard

Scour thrift stores for a wooden, upholstered or metal bed frame with an interesting-yet-simple shape. For instance, we chose a simple curved headboard and footboard with charming, cabriole legs that will look nice peeking out under the slipcover.

Choose a Head and Footboard

Choose a Head and Footboard

Trace Headboard and Footboard Onto Fabric

Fold fabric in half, pinning right sides together and lay on flat surface. Place headboard on top of fabric then trace headboard's outline onto fabric using chalk. Repeat, tracing the footboard onto folded and pinned fabric.

Tracing the Head and Footboards

Tracing the Head and Footboards

Measure and Mark for Seam Allowance

Measure out three to four inches from the headboard's chalked outline to accommodate seams. Mark both headboard and footboard templates with seam-allowance chalk line.

Step 3 Holly Mathis Slip Covered Headboard Project

Cut Fabric

Carefully cut along seam-allowance chalk lines for both the footboard and headboard. Remove outer pins as you cut, pinning the cut pieces together, still with the fabric's right sides together.

Sew Top Seam and Hem Sides

The slipcover's sides will be held together using fabric ties, so it's only necessary to sew together the top seam. Double hem sides by folding fabric under twice, pressing with an iron between folds. Tip: For a no-sew alternative, use fusible web tape to hem sides and bottom.

Sew and Hem the Slipcover

Sew and Hem the Slipcover

Determine Length Then Hem Bottom Seam

Place slipcover on bed and pin length where desired amount of leg shows. If you don't wish to show the legs, hem the slipcover so they are covered. Hem with topstitch using thread that will blend with fabric or, for a no-sew option, use fusible web instead.

Hem the Fabric

Hem the Fabric

Make Side Ties

Cut several three-inch-wide strips of fabric, each 20 inches long. Fold in half and press, sewing together one end and all but the last two inches of the long side, leaving one end open so tie can be turned inside out. Slide a pencil, dowel or chopstick into tie to help with turning the fabric right side out. Finally, fold in unfinished fabric and hand stitch.

Sew on Ties

Hand stitch ties to sides of slipcover. Tip: For a no-sew alternative, use ribbon or twill tape and attach with permanent fabric glue or fusible web. Add one to three ties to each side of the slipcover. The number of ties depends on the size of the headboard and slipcover's potential to shift. For instance, in a child's room, more ties would be a good idea.

Sew on the Ties

Sew on the Ties

Add a Monogram

Because the sides are open and not sewn, it is very easy to take the piece to a local monogram or embroidery shop for personalization once the slipcover has been sewn. Tip: When selecting placement for your monogram, keep in mind that you'll want it to be visible when pillows are added to bed. Our monogram is eight inches tall, centered on the slipcover and is positioned three inches down from the top.

Bed With Headboard Slipcover, Bolster Pillow & Pot of Roses

Monogrammed Headboard Slipcover

A monogrammed headboard slipcover adds a personal touch to this bed. A mix of coordinating pillows tops the subdued coverlet, while a vase of roses adds a slash of color on a bedside chair.

Optional: Pillow-Case Style Slipcover

Rather than leaving the sides open, sew them together for a fitted slipcover. We chose a bold fabric pattern for modern appeal. Simply trace headboard onto fabric following steps one to four above, then rather than sewing just the top, sew all four sides together. Tip: Be sure to measure carefully and allow for the width of the bed when planning seam allowances. Like the steps above, leave the bottom open and hem it to the appropriate length.

Weathered Nightstand and Stylish Headboard

Weathered Nightstand and Stylish Headboard

A weathered bedside table is trimmed with books, a neutral toned lamp and a stylish black-and-white headboard slipcover for a collected-over-time look. The mix of patterns in the headboard and bed pillows and book-page wreath hanging above the bed add color and texture to the neutral bedroom.

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