one way to make an ironing board cover

Over the weekend I recovered my ironing board. It seems like I always wait so long, and then when I finally get around to it, I kick myself for putting it off. (Same thing happens with my dull rotary cutter blades. I'm sure I'm not the only one, right?)

This is the before...just for a point of reference. It was actually worse in person. (Gross, I know.) Anyway....I know I could go out and just buy a new one, but they never fit quite right and the fabric selection is usually lame. I had plenty of supplies on hand (ahem) and it was a good Saturday morning project. I'm quite pleased with the results! I took photos along the way, so I could share the instructions with you, too.

Supplies needed:

-1 3/4 yards fabric** (I used quilting cotton, but a home dec or light canvas weight would also work)
-scrap batting (enough for 2-3 layers)
-4 1/2 yards of double fold binding*
-3 yards of 1/4" elastic
-basic sewing supplies

*double fold binding is basic quilt binding. I cut my strips 2.5" wide, joined them together end to end, then folded it in half lengthwise and pressed. If you need more extensive binding instructions, please see this tutorial.

**the fabric shown is Fly a Kite by October Afternoon for Riley Blake (2012)

Instructions:

Cut a layer (or two) of batting using your ironing board top as a template. I used two layers because while my batting is lofty, it's not super thick and I want my ironing board to be nicely padded.

This is a great way to use up batting scraps! If you have smaller batting pieces, simply zig zag a few together to make the pieces longer.

Cut another layer of batting, but this time let it drape off the sides a few inches. Set the batting aside.

Take the main fabric and cut it lengthwise, then trim off the selvage edge. It should measure about 20" x 63". You can save the other half for another ironing board cover some day, or you could share it with a friend.

Place the fabric on the floor, right side down and then place the ironing board on top of the fabric.

Measure and mark  2.75" from all of the edges of the ironing board. By the way, I love my Clover fine tip water soluble marker. It works perfectly for this!

Cut it out using a sharp scissors/and or a rotary cutter. (I did some of each.)

Now we will add the binding. Take the double fold binding strip and pin it to the bottom edge of the main fabric. In the photo the top pin is near the center mark. The bottom pin is where you will start sewing.

Use a 1/4" seam allowance and sew the binding to the main fabric. Take your time going around the curved edges. You will need to leave a tail at the beginning and the end of the piece. Once you sew around the final curve, back stitch and cut the threads.

You should have a loose tail at each end.

Trim the ends so they overlap by 1/2". Open up the strips, then sew the ends together using a 1/4" seam. Finger press the seams open.

Fold the strip in half once again. Take it back to the sewing machine and stitch the remaining section down using a 1/4" seam allowance. The binding strip should now be fully attached to the main fabric.

Finger press the edges, rolling the fabric back and forth to make a nice crisp edge.

Top stitch the entire piece.

Since your are sewing around curves, the binding will kind of stand up in certain places. It's ok. No worries!

Working on the bottom edge once again, place two pins about 2" apart. This will be the starting and stopping points of the second seam.

Sew on the inside edge of the binding. This will create a casing for the elastic. Back stitch at the beginning and the end of the seams.

When you are sewing, you will have to gather/pleat around the curves. It doesn't have to look pretty, since it will be hidden inside. Just make sure that you sew several small pleats as needed, not one big unruly one.

Use a safety pin to thread the elastic through the casing. This will take awhile.

 Gather the fabric as you work.

Once you get the elastic all the way though, distribute the gathers as evenly as possible. Make sure neither of the tail ends retract into the casing.

Place the layers of batting on top of the ironing board, then place the cover over all the layers. Tie the elastic and trim the excess tail ends, if necessary.

Tuck the ends inside. This is my favorite part about making my own. No awkward Velcro strips, no loose ends or strings dangling. Everything is neat and tidy and hidden. Hurray!

It looks pretty dandy on the back....and on the front!

I think it's time to break it in! The kids started school today, so it's perfect timing.

Speaking of my kids...they didn't want me to take first day of school photos at all, but were ok with it once I said I wouldn't post them here or on Instagram. It kind of makes me sad, but I can also understand where they are coming from. They started grades 8, 6 and 3. I can't believe it! On the other hand, helloooooo sewing time! :)

Happy Monday to you!