TUTORIAL: Steam Press Cover

As you've probably figured out, the majority of my tutorials (and products) come from a need.  This one is no different.  I have this steam press from Singer.

 I love my steam press - it makes the ridiculous amount of ironing I do somewhat tolerable.  I've had this for almost 2 years now and as most ironing boards the cover started getting quite "used".  Thinking this was no big deal, I hopped on to the internet and typed in "Singer ESP2 steam press cover".  Do you know what came up?  Nada.  Nothing.  ZILTCH!

Really?  Maybe I typed it wrong.  I tried several other variations and still came up empty.  I jumped over to Singer's website and to my dismay, only found that others had commented that it was ridiculous that replacement covers were not made.  Seriously?  How do you not make a replacement cover for this????  I just don't get it...thankfully, I can sew.....

So, here I am....making a negative into a positive.  While I realize many of you probably don't have a steam press, you can use this technique for any small ironing board - so read on!



WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
1/2 yard of fabric
1/8" cord (the stuff you can buy in the grocery store works fine)
The original cover from your board


Lay the old cover on top of your fabric (right sides up) - cut around the cover leaving about 1.5" of seam allowance - if you have a serger, you can just leave 1"

Serge the raw edge all the way around.  If you don't have a serger, you will need to fold the raw edge under about 1/4" using your iron to crease it.

Following the curves of the cover, fold the serged edge (or folded edge) over (again if not serged) about 1/2" and use your iron to crease as you go

Cut a piece of cording long enough to go all the way around the perimeter of the cover and then add about 12"

Starting at one end of the cover and leaving about 6" tail hanging out, place the cord inside the crease as you go and slowly sew around the perimeter making sure not to sew the cord

 Continue until you reach where you started, but be sure to leave about 1/2" open so you can pull the cord to tighten when it is on the cover.  Make sure to backtack to secure the stitch.

Put the cover on your board and tighten.  That's it! 

I hope that this tutorial helps those of you who have a steam press and sew (or know someone who does).

For those of you who don't sew but are looking for a replacement cover for a Singer ESP2 steam press, I've decided to offer these particular covers (customizable of course) in my Etsy shop.