I’ve been working on creating slip covers for the 55 Bellwood. Before it got so hot here I was outside polishing the exterior but let me tell you, this heat is sweltering. Not that I’m complaining as I much prefer summer rather than the brutal cold winters. However, in this kind of heat it’s nice to have a “indoor” project to accomplish.
I’ve got one slip cover finished and starting on the other this week. It’s funny because when I initially thought about doing slip covers I brought one of the seats into the house and stared at it for a week. Every time I’d walk by it, I’d tilt my head and ponder. I suppose I was gearing up my plan of attack and the best way to do the covers. Finally, I decided that thinking time was over and it was time to actually get it started. So armed with my fabric, piping and trusty antique Singer sewing machine I dove into the project.
As you can see with the seat shown above, the vinyl (which is original) is old and ripping. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be save-able. At some point I plan on reupholstering these in vinyl, probably this winter.
In the meantime though these slip covers will do the trick. I know what you all must be thinking…why in the world would I choose such a light color? Yes, I have a 3 year old who is known for loving marshmellows and ending up with sticky fingers. However, I was trying to keep the color close to the original as possible with the covers and will do the same with the vinyl. I used drop cloths for the fabric believe it or not. It is cheap and close to the color I wanted so that worked well. Plus it’s sturdy fabric and I can throw the covers into the wash and bleach them if need be.
The material looks extra wrinkly in the picture above as I don’t have the backings sewn on yet. I really like the piping around the edge. It just gives it a nice finished look. Granted, these aren’t professional but I’m really happy with how they turned out.
And here is the finished product…TA DA!
One down…one to go. I’ll show you all how they look in the trailer once both are finished. I hope you like them! I may even do up a tutorial for those of you that want to make your own!
Here is what they look like in the trailer. I think they turned out pretty good!
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Really nice! What a great idea it was to use drop cloths, not many fabrics are sturdier than that, and they look terrific!
Great Idea! Yes please show a tutorial…novice seamstress here and I need to make covers for my camper too 🙂
These look great! We are trying to decide if we even want to keep the seat cushions in our camper. We will spend such a small amount of time inside and want to keep cleaning /upkeep time to a minimum. With two large dogs, the hair will be everywhere. We are considering drop cloth for the remainder of the fabric in the camper though. I appreciate the durability and I really like the way it looks on your photos.
We just aquired a ’65 Hiawatha camper this weekend. I also need to recover the seats. They were just gross and smelled bad! A tutorial on your slip covers would be GREATLY appreciated! Your covers turned out beautiful! Thanks, Stephanie ~ “Romantic Treasures”
Hi, Kelle, your seat covers look fantastic. Love that you use an antique Singer…what model? Anyway, a tutorial would be awesome. I love the old sewing machines, but I don’t really know how to sew ?!? I just found some great fabric for practically nothing, lots of bright colors and so cheap I could gamble with it. But, truthfullly, I wish I’d seen this post last week! I love the basic color of the dropcloth. Classy but neutral, and you could decorate with any color accents you want. So, yeah, I’ll be waiting for that tutorial. Blessings, Carolyn
Hi Carolyn, I have a Singer Featherweight and then an antique Singer that is in a cabinet. I too love the older machines. They are work horses!
I agree with everyone, I think they look wonderful I picked up a helpful tip about covering cushions in a trailer. I apologize to the person with this idea because I can’t remember where I read about it. Anyway, the suggestion was to sew each side of the cushions in different fabric. This allows you to change the mood and decor in the trailer whenever you want to freshen up the look . I have kept each bottom cushion a single solid color but covered each side of each top cushion in a different patterned fabric. This just allows for more flexibility and you can change the whole mood of the trailer with just a flip of the cushions.
Can you make mine
You did a fabulous job! I would be busting my buttons if that were my handiwork! The piping makes all the difference.
Thank you so much Lynn!
It looks wonderful! The piping really does add a little something extra!
HI there.
You did a beautiful job covering the seats! They look absolutely amazing and the piping is a really nice touch.
I too sew on an old Singer sewing machine. It’s an old treadle machine and it still works great and will sew any fabric, including canvas, denims and heavier types of material. It is a true work horse. ( I also have a newer machine, but it won’t sew the heavier fabrics as well as my old treadle.)
My husband and I have an older slide-in truck camper and I am going to be recovering the pullout sofa. I was thinking that I would like a white fabric, so I really like the idea of using a drop cloth! What an ingenious idea!! You’re brilliant!
Thanks for the inspiration! I hope my reupholstering job turns out as great as yours!
Hi. The curtains and cushions are wonderful. I would love to see the tutorial on redoing the cushions if it is available. Will try to find the drop cloths – definitely a good idea!!
Linda Ramthun
Wow. You did a fabulous job and the cushions look wonderful. Drop cloth idea was ingenious.
Love, love, love the cushion covers!! This week we picked up our little sweetie, 59 Shasta Airflyte, and I have been up every morning at 4:30 AM obsessing/searching for cushion ideas! These are exactly the look I envision. I would really enjoy seeing the tutorial. PS – love your blogs and everything about your site. Thank you for the great information!
I was thinking of using canvas drop cloths myself! Crazy! Instructions would be awesome.
A step by step tutorial would be great! I made my curtains which is easy, but the cushions, and gaucho bed are way more than I think I can handle. Maybe with your visual help it can be done! :):)
Pam
13 foot ~ 1966 Kit Companion!
I loved these I think we have the same size seats would you be willing to make another set for me to buy from you ??appleby.barbara04@gmail.com
Late to the party, here, but drop cloths are frequently used to make painted floor cloths. So u could stamp a repetative motife or paint a design using acrilic paint miked with fabric medium and set with a heat gun. I get my medium from dharmatrading.com