Replies

1. 
   carolfresia | Dec 02, 2003 04:46pm | #1

   Carla, do you think that something constructed like a fitted sheet would do the job? You can elasticize all the way around the edge, not just at the corners, for extra gripping power, and maybe add a strap or two that would hold the sides in place during use--fasten the straps with Velcro and then you should be able to remove the covers easily.  If you want to cover both sides of the futon, you could make a cover that opens up down the center of the back, and along both ends, with Velcro; this would be somewhat less combersome to put on and take off than the conventional envelope style cover.

   Carol 

1. 
   marijke | Dec 02, 2003 10:32pm | #2

   I have not sewn any covers for futon mattresses, but I use a fitted sheet to cover the futon couch. A fitted sheet is much easier to toss in the laundry than the futon cover, easier to replace, too. I am using a dark green fitted sheet over a dark green futon cover, because my main reason is protecting the futon from little kids' spills and dog fur.

   If you wanted such a cover for a change in style, you'd probably need to use a fabric that's a little denser than a sheet. But you could use a full-size fitted sheet as a pattern.

   Marijke

2. 
   Crafty_Manx | Dec 02, 2003 10:37pm | #3

   Assuming the cover to be constructed like a box, you could put a zipper around three edges (two short sides and one long one) where the botton piece of the cover joins the sides.  The last long side would then "hinge" open; you could lay the futon inside the cover and zip it closed, similar to closing a duffel bag.

   What we used to do with the couch was to get a piece of the heaviest denim we could find, usually 60" wide by the yardage needed for the length of the seat cushions plus tuck-in room.  The denim was laid over the cushions and tucked in all around.  This protected the couch from dog hair and dog nails and dog slobber (or just do gin general), and was easy to remove and wash as needed (two covers came in hand here, one could be washed while the other was on the couch).  The advantage to denim was it was still soft enough to lay on and, being 100% cotton, it was easy to bleach it of its blue color and re-dye it to match the rest of the room.  I never got around to embellishing it with stamps as was my original plan; we went for a slipcover instead as the blue couch suddenly did not match the new brown rug.

   I am not sure if this would work for your futon as well as it did for a couch; you'd have to wrap the cover up and over the part that forms the back cushion as well as covering the seat part (though you could seam two pieces and place the seam in the "crease").  I think it could be done though, and I hope this helped.

   ~Cat

2. 
   stitchmd | Dec 03, 2003 12:06am | #4

   I did it using a purchased duvet cover which I took in to fit the futon, leaving some ease for removing and replacing. I think I also sewed a 45 degree short seam at the corners to make it boxier. I did this years ago and the cover is still holding up well in my basement rec/guest room.

1. 
   sewhat | Dec 03, 2003 03:53pm | #5

   Thank you everyone for your ideas and suggestions.  I had never thought about using denim--great idea.  Elastic around the edge sounds good as well.  Well, I do have some "food for thought" so I am going to go back to the drawing board and see if I can incorporate some of your ideas and come up with covers that fit and are easy to take on and off--I have a queen size, a love seat and a very large chair with an ottoman (all futons) to cover. 

   Thanks again, and have a great day.

   Edited 12/3/2003 7:57:05 AM ET by ckaya748

3. 
   nmog | Dec 06, 2003 03:42am | #6

   Hello.  I did the same thing to my futon last year.  I made a fitted sheet - type thing to go over it, and added two bands of 1/2 inch elastic from one side to the other (they went behind the mattress).  That way, the cover doesn't slip off.  I found that when I did this project I didn't put enough ease into the cover,and when you sit on the futon the cover doesn't exactly sit in the mattress crease.  I hope that makes sense - the cover seems too shallow.  Also, give yourself an extra inch or two of length in the fabric that goes around the mattress.  That way, if your futon really changes shape when it's up or down, the mattress will still be covered.  Good LUck!

   Nicole

1. 
   sewhat | Dec 06, 2003 11:10pm | #7

   Nicole,

   Thanks for the tip regarding the ease.  I know exactly what you are talking about.  My current futon covers are so worn out that they bag and I have to tuck them in to that crease area.  I guess that would be a case of too much ease.

   I am in limbo right now as to what fabric to use.  I want something washable with the appearance of a good upholstery fabric.  I don't want much, do I.  Ha-Ha.  I decided with the two Boxers, fawn would definitely be a good color to choose.  It would probably be easier just to get rid of the dogs!!!  Of course, that would never be an option.

   The elastic has been suggested now a couple of times or so, and it certainly makes sense to me.  I hope I can locate the "perfect" fabric soon, as I am anxious to get this project underway.

   Have a great weekend, and happy sewing.

1. 
   nmog | Dec 07, 2003 06:16am | #8

   When I made my cover I used clearance Home Dec fabric that was 100% cotton. However, it has a very thick weave, so it was almost the same weight as the futon mattress itself. Something of that weight might wear well (with the animals). It is rather bulky for my washer, though.

   Good luck!

   Nicole