How to make an ironing board cover

Until last week I hadn't used my sewing machine in a long time. I didn't sew while we were house-hunting. Even before we started house-hunting I was slack in the sewing department. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I made something using my sewing machine. Slack-O, I know!

It was mostly out of practicality that I returned. I'd just bought an ironing board for our new place and was having trouble finding an affordable ironing board cover in a design that I liked. The shop I bought the ironing board from didn't stock ironing board covers (go figure!) and the designs in stores or online just weren't doing it for me. I know it's just a cover for an ironing board, but hey, if you're going to spend money on something why not spend it on something you actually like?! 

And I'm so glad I did take the time to make it (it really doesn't take that long) because, even though it was just a simple sewing design, choosing the fabric I liked(the fabric I mentioned in this post), designing the pattern and sitting at my sewing machine to make something has really inspired me to sew more. :) 

What should I sew next?

Making this ironing board was so quick, easy and satisfying (is it weird how much crafting satisfies me?!) that I want to share the tutorial with you. It's a very simple project that would be perfect for beginners. In fact, if I ever post sewing tutorials on my blog they are most likely a Beginner Level project because I am a sewing novice myself. The only sewing lessons I've had was making a rectangle bag and pyjama shorts in Design & Technology at High School. So any tips and tricks are truly welcome!

You will need:

• 4m of cotton fabric (I got 4m of fabric just in case but used less, you could probably use 3m)
• 3m of elastic (I got 4m just in case and used less. Yes, I do that a lot. ha!)
• Thread + bobbin that match your material
• Fabric scissors
• 1 safety pin
• Pins
• and of course....an ironing board!

I picked up this Tefal ironing board from Victoria's Basement at half price! Bargain!

As for the cover, I only spent about $6.50 on fabric and $5.00 on elastic. 

This project is just ticking all of the boxes isn't it?

Ok, let's get started on the making part...

Step 1

Place your fabric on the floor (wrong side facing upwards), then place your ironing board upside down* in the middle of the fabric.

Step 2

Use fabric scissors to cut around the board approximately 10cm away from the board.

*Tip: If you don't want to flip your board you could place your fabric on top of the upright board, use pins to keep the fabric in place then cut the fabric(See pic below).

Step 3

Fold approx. 1cm from edges then press with your iron.

Step 4

Fold over approx. 2cm of edge then press again (so the rough edge is concealed inside).

Tip: Fold the excess fabric on the corners so when you're fabric is on the machine the folds are folded towards you. This will make it easier to sew over the thicker pieces of fabric.

Step 5

Hold in place with pins.

^That photo sort of looks like a bad quality ad for Tefal. It wasn't intentional, promise!

Step 6

Sew along edge, as close to seam as possible so the elastic will be easy to insert. Leave a 5cm gap open at the middle of the wide end of the cover. Backstitch on each side of the gap.

Step 7

Put your safety pin through one end of the elastic then feed the pin through the gap of the cover all the way around to the other side of the gap.

Step 8

Place your ironing board cover over your ironing board. Shuffle it into place, ensuring it's flat and even(its going to be a bit scrunched underneath, it's okay - no one will see under there).
One you're happy with how it fits, pull the elastic tight and tie in a bow. I made a big bow so it'll be easy to take off and wash/swap with another cover for a change.

Voila!
You have just made an ironing board cover!!!
How easy was that?

Please post any questions, tips, tricks, words of wisdom in the comments section below.

H a p p y   s e w i n g!