Simply Slipcovers

Cover Your Basics

Tip No. 1. Decide if a piece is worth covering. Gina says people should decide if they really like the sofa's silhouette. If not, don't bother.

Tip No. 2. Before you have a fabric swatch made into a slipcover, wash it to test for durability and shrinkage. Gina recommends allowing 10 percent for shrinkage. For example, "If your upholsterer says you need 20 yards, buy 22."

Tip No. 3. Ask for the pattern. Many upholsterers make a muslin pattern before they make the real slipcover. You can use it for others later.