Homemade Fleece Tube Covers?

inzeos · Mar 5, 2010

Curious if anyone has any good links, pics or tips on sewing up fleece PVC tube covers?

cindyv3737 · Mar 5, 2010

Here is a posting that showed how to make covers.

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12847&highlight=make+tube+covers

Twilight Chinchillas · Mar 6, 2011

I have a quick question regarding sewing your own tube covers. I made my first one. I mad it a little taunt on the top, but not to tight since the fleece will shrink in the wash. The inside appears to be a bit to loose. What the heck am I doing wrong? Is it supposed to be that loose? How tight is to tight, and how loose is too loose? The PVC pipe I have is 6 inches in diameter.

Chin_Up_Sunshine · Mar 6, 2011

So, I've only made my two (and I can assure you they aren't top quality) but I've noticed they are a little looser inside the tube as well. I think it's just a product of not being as stretched out over the pipe. The first one I did was way too loose so I sewed the second much closer so I had to stretch it more but it's still about the same. Maybe someone else has a tip that I didn't catch.

Twilight Chinchillas · Mar 6, 2011

The first one I felt like I gave birth to it! This one is for someone else, so I didn't prewash the fabric since I'm a bit OCD and want it to look "new". When I measured I gave about an inch allowance before sewing, did the hem etc.
It was just to spendy to order pipe from someone so scouted 3 stores before finding an irrigation pipe company to purchase from, and no way I could use that much pipe! So thought maybe I'd try my hand and make some to go with my swings, since people like the matchy type of stuff.

Tanya · Mar 6, 2011

The inside appears to be a bit to loose. What the heck am I doing wrong?

It takes practice to make perfect tube covers

I use the same pattern for all prints that I have. However, I pay attention to how much each fleece print stretches and make necessary adjustments. In general, you need to subtract about 1/4" or more (depends of fleece, thickness of pipe) from the width of the pattern that goes inside the tube (just measure the length of the tube and see what part of pattern should go inside, outside, and what part will be folded over). You can use chalk; any transitions should be smooth.