How To Make An Ironing Board Cover

Design and make a customised ironing board cover

Posted by Claire E

About

I've had mixed experience with pre-made ironing board covers - they are big enough, I don't like the print, the middle layers are not thick enough and you can feel the metal frame underneath. Making your own is a great way to avoid these issues and this tutorial will show you how to make one.

Please note: You should only use 100% cotton materials otherwise you won't be able to use the highest setting on your iron.

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You Will Need (5 things)

  • Cotton for your top layer
  • Calico or similar (a cotton sheet will also work)
  • 100% Cotton Batting
  • Cotton Bias Binding
  • String or elastic

Steps (6 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

    You need to create a pattern for your cover. Remove your current cover and see if there is a polyurethane pad included. If so, pin that to your fabric and add an extra 7cm before cutting. Do this for the cover, the muslin and batting.

  2. 2

    Create a sandwich with your layers in the following order, from bottom to top: muslin, batting, cover. Baste into place. If you have ever made a quilt you can understand that this is the most time consuming part as you ensure you don't get any creases or bumps!

  3. 3

    Create your bias tape, if making your own. Open the tape and pin one edge to the raw edge of your sandwiched cover. Begin at the end where your elastic/string pulls tight. Machine sew all the way round.

  4. 4

    Fold over the bias tape and stitch along the line you have just sewn, this will create a case for your string or elastic. Ensure that you leave a gap to insert the string/elastic.

  5. 5

    Using a safety pin, thread your elastic/string all the way round. Another way to do this, if you're feeling brave and using string (elastic tends to be too wide) is to encase the string as you pin the tape but be careful not to get it caught in the stitches. Remove your basting stitches.

  6. 6

    Put your new cover onto your ironing board and pull the elastic/string until the cover is taught. Tie off with a knot/bow.