Tanya's Hot Gumbo Studio: Ironing Board Cover Tutorial. SUPER EASY!


My old tabletop ironing board cover was in awful shape. Spray starch really did leave a mess on the surface.


The tag indicates that the cover should not be washed. I washed it anyway, but, it really didn't help.

I picked up a yard each of two sewing-themed fabrics on eBay. It probably took less than a third of the width of the fabric to make an ironing board cover. I decided to make two since I couldn't choose between the fabrics. Plus, when one is in the wash, the other is ready and waiting!

While I was at it, I cut two layers of wool felt to the exact size of the foam pad to make my ironing surface extra padded. I find I get a better result with the thicker ironing pad.

I used the old foam pad for my "pattern". I laid it on the BACKSIDE of the fabric I would use for my new cover. Be sure to line it up with the straight of the grain (equidistant from the selvedge).

Using a seam gauge and an air-soluble fabric marking pen, I marked dashed lines two inches out from the pad all the way around.

Then, I joined the dashed lines to make a cutting line.

I made my second cover...I just laid my first cut out cover atop the other fabric and cut around it (on the straight of the grain again).

I serged the edges to finish them. However, you could use fusible hem tape, or a turned and stitched hem (1/4 turned down, then straight stitch). You could also do a zigzag finish all the way around. You could even just cut them with pinking sheers. I plan to wash mine a lot...so, serging was the way to go.

Fold the hem allowance in 1 inch. PIN IT! I also like to press at this point. It makes hemming so much easier.

Here is another shot of the pinned seams. I just gathered the curves a little by pinching and pinning. Now stitch it all the way around. I used a 3/4 inch seam.

I used a big safety pin to insert polished cotton twine into the channel made by hemming (just like you would thread the drawstring through your hoodie). It is washable and durable and can be snugged tightly without breaking.

I layered, face down, the new cover, two felt pads, and the old foam pad salvaged from the ironing board. By turning the board upside down, I was able to get the cover and pad layers on perfectly aligned and cinched very tight without calling for assistance!