Slipcover a Parsons Chair from Start to Finish
 
Instructors: Jonathan Bennett and Mimi Owaske
Friday, March 5 – Saturday, March 6, 2027
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, with a 1-hour lunch on your own
Class size: Limited to 6 students (minimum 4)
Prerequisites: Intro to Sewing Soft Furnishings or similar, demonstrable experience
 
Master the Art of the Custom Slipcover
Team-taught by Jonathan Bennett and Mimi Owaske, this two-day workshop takes you through the full process of slipcovering a Parsons chair, start to finish. You'll pin-fit, cut, and construct a tailored slipcover on a real chair frame, learning the pattern-drafting and fitting techniques that separate a professional slipcover from a bedsheet thrown over a seat.
 
Once you've got the fundamentals down, Jonathan and Mimi will turn you loose to design your own custom details — a tailored skirt, a scalloped edge, or another finishing touch you dream up yourself. It's a chance to put your own creative stamp on a classic technique while still working within a structured, supportive setting.
 
Class Projects
A fitted slipcover for a Parsons chair
A custom design detail of your choosing (skirt, scalloped edge, or similar)
 
What You'll Learn
Pin-fitting fabric directly to a chair frame
Drafting a custom slipcover pattern from your fitting
Constructing a tailored, upholstery-style slipcover
Designing and executing your own decorative detail
Working with drapery lining as a draping fabric
Finishing techniques for a clean, professional finish
 
What to Bring
Each student will have use of a 5' x 10' worktable, a sewing machine, and a sewing kit — all provided. Slipcovers will be constructed in drapery lining for the purposes of demonstration; fabric remnants may also be available, depending on stock. Students are welcome to bring their own Parsons chair to work on, or use one of ours. You'll take your finished slipcover home at the end of class.
 
Note: Students are encouraged to bring their own fabric scissors. If you do, be sure to comply with all travel regulations regarding carry-on versus checked bags.
Who Should Take This Class
This class suits sewists with basic machine experience who want to learn slipcover construction and try their hand at original design work.
 
Class size is capped at 6 to keep instruction personal, with a minimum of 4 students needed to run. Reserve your seat today.