Make an ironing board cover

Ironing board cover
Ironing board cover
If you have an extra-wide ironing board like I do, you know it’s hard to find new covers for it. And when you do, they are usually just plain muslin. This could be the easiest sewing project you ever do, and it works for any size of ironing board. All you need is your old cover to use as a pattern. Best of all, you get to pick the fabric!

I chose a ticking fabric that reminded me of the old days. Like the pillows my grandma would have had. This one is a light wheat color.

Supplies

Classic harvest - CLCHAT
Classic harvest - CLCHAT

Thin cording (3/32")
Thin cording (3/32")

Cord stops
Cord stops

bodkin (optional)
bodkin (optional)
When you select your fabric, be sure to choose 100% cotton. Remember, you’ll be applying high heat to this fabric repeatedly, so it can’t be partially synthetic. I chose the light-colored ticking above. You’ll need the length of your ironing board. I used 2 yards, which was more than enough. I cannot stress enough that you should wash and dry your fabric before starting this project. I’m often lazy about this step, and I have sacrificed several ironing board covers to extreme shrinkage.

If you’re going to toss your old cover, you can just pull the string out and use it on your new one. If you’re going to save it as a backup, you can buy thin cording to use. I bought five yards and had some left over. If you want to tame the strings and hold them in place, you can purchase an inexpensive cord stop.

The bodkin on the right is optional, and addressed below in the tutorial.

Do save your current ironing board pad to use with the new one.

The first time I did this project, I thought it would be tough. Like I said above, I could never find extra-big covers for my oversized ironing board. I found a tutorial at A Room of One’s Own, and realized how simple it was. I will show you everything you need to know right here, but I wanted to give credit where it’s due.

Off with the old
Off with the old
Take the old cover off of your ironing board. If you’re keeping the string in it so you can continue to use it later, smooth out the edges as much as possible. If you’re transfering the string to the new cover, pull it out now.

Lay the old cover on top of the fabric and smooth out the edges. Leave a space for seam allowance.

Cut out the new
Cut out the new
Cut around the edge, leaving an inch or so to fold under for the string casing.

Save the pad!
Save the pad!
By the way, save the pad from the old cover.

Serged edge
Serged edge
Finish the edges of the fabric. I used my serger and was careful not to let the knife trim off too much of the edge. It’s hard to see because the thread is white. You can zigzag on your regular machine if you want.

Messy corners
Messy corners - no biggie
Pin under to make a casing. The corners won’t be smooth, but here’s the beauty of it all: it doesn’t matter one bit. Nobody will see this part anyway since it will be under the board.

Leave a hole
Leave a hole
At the small end, leave a hole to insert the string into the casing. I marked it with two vertical pins so I wouldn’t forget.

Bodkin open
Bodkin, open
Have you heard of a bodkin? They are only a few bucks and are a fabulous tool. You simply pinch the cord or whatever you’re stringing through a casing, and push the little circle up to tighten its grip.

If you don’t have one of these on hand, not to worry. You can just do it the old-fashioned way with a safety pin. Stick the pin through the cord and close it. Then scoot the pin through the casing till it comes out the other side.

bodkin, closed
bodkin, closed
If you’re like me, you probably have your doubts that this will hold. You figure that as you’re pushing it through the casing, the circle with slide down and the whole thing will pop open.

Never fear! It really does stay.

That's it!
That's it!
Put your new cover on the board and pull the strings tight. Stick your cord stops on the ends to hold it securely.