Fabulous Ironing Board Cover

Intro: Fabulous Ironing Board Cover

Make the menial task of ironing something spectacular!!

Cover that cold metal ironing board with something cheerful and lively!!

MATERIALS:
1 3/4 Yards Cotton or Linen 45" or 60"
1 3/4 Yards Non Fusible Fleece
4 Yards Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape
4 Yards 3/8" Elastic
2 Buttons

PLEASE NOTE: that all measurements are based on a standard - full size ironing board.

This instructable can easily be altered to fit any ironing board by adjusting the yardage. All steps remain the same.

Recommendations:
It is best to use one piece of fabric that has not been pieced together. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen work best.

Please do not use synthetic fibers as your top surface as they could melt while ironing.

Please read through all instructions prior to beginning this project.

For purchase - please visit my etsy page at
http://www.bleuview.etsy.com

STEP 1: Creating Pattern

With the ironing board open, turn upside down and lay on back side of fabric.

STEP 2: Mark Fabric

Using a writing utensil that will show on your chosen fabric, make a dashed line 2.5" (6.35 cm) around the perimeter of the of the ironing board.

When complete, draw a line connecting the dots - this is your cutting line.

STEP 3: Cut Fabric

Cut along line.

Lay cut out fabric on top of fleece. Using fabric as a template, cut out fleece to same size.

STEP 4: Baste Stitch

Baste stitch fleece to back side of fabric.

STEP 5: Mark Middle

Fold ironing board cover in half.

Mark middle of the wide side of the board with a pin.

STEP 6: Bias Tape

Piece together bia tape (if needed).

Unfold bias tape and stitch ends together.

STEP 7: Stitch Bias

Open bias tape.

With fleece side up, line up open edge of tape with edge of cover just to one side of marked middle (pin from step 5).

Curl edge of tape into itself to create a finished edge. Start stitching, using the crease closest to the edge of the cover as a stitching guideline.

Continue all the way around the cover. Just short of the marked middle, cut tape and curl onto itself to created a finished edge on the other side of the pin.

** There should be a gap of approximately 1-2" between finished edges of tape (where you have marked the middle with the pin).

STEP 8: Stitch Elastic in Bias

Let the bias tape fold up, curling around the raw edge of the fabric.

With fabric side up on your sewing machine platform,
slide the elastic inside the bias tape, keeping it on the top side of the fabric.

Stitch, creating a tube for the elastic to move in.
Elastic should be able to move freely within bias tape.

Continue to stitch all around the perimeter of the cover.

***IMPORTANT - do not stitch through the elastic while stitching the bias, this will not allow the elastic to function properly.

STEP 9: Stitching Elastic

Finish stitching just short of marked middle.

STEP 10: Gather Elastic

Pull elastic so edges of cover are gathered making sure not to let the elastic slip inside your bias tunnel.

STEP 11: Final Gathered Cover

When finished gathering, cover should look like a shrimp.

STEP 12: Add Buttons

Cut excess elastic and hand stitch buttons (or any other accent) to prevent losing elastic in bias.

STEP 13: All Done!

Slip over ironing board. Pull alstic to fit cover properly and tie.

Happy Ironing!

Comments

[stefrandolph]

I used these instructions and they are great. As I was flipping my ironing board over to measure, it basically fell apart - the bolt holding the legs together came out and I saw it was rusting underneath. Yuck. So I bought a new (better) board on craigslist for cheap and this cover still fit!

I used a bodkin to pull the elastic through the bias since I didn't want to risk sewing the elastic.

[abilmom]

great instructible! I just made my own cover with a little help from you. my favorite part=the buttons on the ends of the elastic, brilliant!

My cover is a little different, however. I didn't need the fleece lining, my ironing board has a padding my granny had put on it. Also I didn't have bias tape, so I cut the fabric extra big, then folded the fabric over 2x and stitched to make a self casing for the elastic. oh, and I did a gathering stitch just around the pointy end before sewing the casing. (it was like making a really big puffy sleeve!)
Before measuring and cutting I got my fabric wet and machine dried it, soo glad I did, it shrunk a lot. I used "duck cloth" which comes in such cute prints now.

[MissAbbyNormal]

Hmm, I went stupid and messed up adding the photo!

[MissAbbyNormal]

Thanks! That was very easy to follow!

I had bought a cheap mini ironing board for my sewing room, and while it's fine formy needs, it was covered with this cheap, thin muslin that was starting to fray when I  took it out of the box. And it was just stapled on, so there was no way to take it off to clean it.

I found the fabric for $1 at the Goodwill, and I think it's a huge improvment.

[carolee1945]

I was so frustrated!!! My ironing board cover was all goofed up because I put a hot iron on stuff that melted. I needed a new cover, but none of the standard ones you can buy on Amazon fit!!! I am going to get going on this right now!!! Thank you for such clear directions.

[Mupton101]

This is great I can't wait to get started. Your instruction are so easy and I like the material you used. You can really see everything very clearly.
Thank you.
M from Wyoming

[madzac]

When I have made an ironing board in the past , I have used bias fabric for the feature material to get e really snug fit. The only downside of doing this is that it takes more material. it is well worth it
madzac

[bleuview]

Yes, that is a good idea to use the fabric on the bias. I have also made these on the bias in the past. Depending on the print or the amount of fabric I have, I do not do this. I have found that using good quality, heavier fabric in conjunction with the electic gives it a nice snug fit too.

[madzac]

I have made ironing board covers in the past and found it a good idea to use the top fabric on the bias to give a very good fit.

[dlwilcox]

i made this for my dad for fathers day, he LOVES it! his old cover was literally taped to the board to make it fit. very unsightly :( that thing was 20+ years old. thank you for the inspiration!

[bleuview]

So glad it your Dad loves it! Now he can do your ironing too!

[sunshiine]

This is totally awesome! Thanks for sharing your hard work!

[bleuview]

Thank you!

[b1russell]

Finally! One that FITS!!!  Thank you, thank you.

By the way, a tip for cheapskate - I mean frugal - ironers/sew-ers:  I was looking for a press cloth (read the instructions for iron-on interfacing after all these years!) and used one of my mom's linen dish towels - it started its life as a calendar.  Instead of using the faucet and wringing out the water, I just put the towel where I needed to press and sprayed with the cat deterrent bottle.  Worked like a charm!

[charlottejayne]

I have been searching the internet for instructions on how to make an ironing board cover, and although I have come across quite a few this is 'the' best one I have seen and will definitely definitely definitely be using these instructions to make mine. Although I might add Insul Bright to my one as an additional form of padding as my ironing board is metal mesh. Thanks again for such great, easy to read and understand instructions. From an ADDer.

[inkstainedheart]

Awesome--I've been needing to make a new cover. Nice instructable!

[catoricrafts]

Very useful and easy to follow, thank you!

[FrugalSewing]

The link to your Etsy page isn't working. Are you still selling these?

[bleuview]

Opps! Sorry for the bad link - I have corrected it. I currently have 2 styles for sale. Thanks for asking.

[jessiep]

If you'd like your project included in the Sew Useful Contest, be sure to add a link to your its Etsy page.