Recovering a headboard

[ceebee007]

Has anyone ever recovered a headboard?  Is is quite simple to do and what is the best kind of fabric to use? 

I am redecorating my spare room and feel that the velour headboard on the bed is looking a bit dated.

Am I right in assuming that I can cover over the original velour?  Would I need to hem the new stuff first or is it sufficient to just turn it under before stapling?

[AliFlump]

My mum recovered hers by putting the new  material straight on and just stapling it tightly at the back she folded it over so you couldnt see the frayed edge. it looked nice

[mystress]

Hi ceebee,

Have you ever thought of making what is in effect a "loose" cover for your headboard?

Take the material that you wish to use for the headboard,and a backing material for the back of the headboard(or if you have enough of the original use that).

Lay the material on the floor,lay the heaboard on it and draw an outline round the headboard,allowing 1 to 2 inches for seams.

Cut out the material .Place front side of material face down,and tack to backing around drawn line.Sew on machine. Allow about 1" all round for geting on and off of headboard.Turn material "right side out" and slip over headboard.

This easy to do(easier than stapling),and also means you can just "whip" off the cover for washing,because headboards do have a habit of getting grubby quickly.

I hope this is clear?

[ceebee007]

Thanks for that mystress.  That's a good idea.  Can you tell me if I could just make the 'loose' cover without the backing since it will be going over the existing velour-covered headboard.  And what would be the best material to use?  Cotton?

[mystress]

ceebee,

When I say "backing" I really mean just the back of the slip over cover,I called it "backing just to differentiate it from the front!

I find you can use any fabric you like really,whatever pattern/texture etc takes your fancy;and as it is really just like an open ended cushion cover you could even use an old(matching sheet) to your bed linen;and think of the headboard cover like pillowcases,change it every time you change your linen?

Let your imagination run riot! LOL