I have a cotton duck (type of material) slipcover in "natural" (i.e., off white) for a full-size sofa that I got from overstock.com for about $55. It's made with very few seams. I also have a red-haired mid-size mutt who loves to run in from the yard and bank off the sofa. This slipcover has withstood many washings, and with the addition of oxiclean, has always come completely clean. I love that the dog hair and grime simply disappears in the washing machine! I couldn't be happier! That said, it may not be the utmost in stylish, but that's a personal call.

I have never purchased canvas online, but I know I purchased a vanilla colored drop cloth from Home Depot that was HUGE, heavy duty, and washed like a dream. Held up on my couch for ages. Don't recall the maker but it was the priciest of the 2 or 3 brands they carried.

Best of luck!

I second Aunt Peaches (great name!) Canvas drop cloths are a great way to go. They come in huge sizes and they're inexpensive.

It needs to be a fabric you can wash in hot and be able to bleach. Most often, that means white denim. Prewash it before making the slipcover.

Personally, I'd have someone make it unless you are an incredible seamstress.

I have been thinking about white/off-white slipcovers myself and I have always red that denim is the way to go. Withstands countless washings, is sturdy enough and can be bleached.

I've made a few slipcovers and the softest fabric I've used thus far is 'brushed twill' - it really makes a lovely slipcover. But I've used canvas too and while a little stiffer in the beginning, it's also a nice choice. I'm not sure about the weight, but don't go too lightweight, or it will rip / wear easily. Let your sense of touch guide you. Strong but still not too stiff.
I recommend washing the fabric at least 2 times in hot water before sewing. One washing is not enough to accomodate the shrinkage on a fitted cover. I like to freehand cut and pin the fabric together on the sofa itself. Leaving it a little loose (about 1 inch give on all seams) so it won't be too tight later on. I like to leave 2-3 inches extra width at the bottom corners - then gather the excess and button it together. This creates a cute accent and also make it look more fitted. (or you could install a simple zipper in the bottom corners.)
There are plenty of books in the library that can help you with putting this together. If you can do basic machine stitching, you can make a simple slipcover. Of course there are people willing to do it for you. You can probably get a recommendation or two from the staff at your local fabric store. I hope this helps.

One more thing...don't overlook the canvas dropcloths others have mentioned. I've heard nice things about Home Depot's dropcloths. Abnd then there are some online websites. One that is local to me in Evanston, IL, but also online is Vogue Fabrics. It's like a very large fabric outlet. But I believe they have some bulk fabrics online. Joann, Hobby Lobby and Hancock offer online coupons that you can redeem in your nearby community.
Again good luck. Would love to see pics when the job is complete.

Sunbrella fabric or outdoor fabric wears really well and cleans up beautifully!

I'm actually looking to do the same thing with a second hand couch I bought, my problem though is that its a pull out so it's more complicated. Definitely look into painters drop cloths from Home Depot. But most of these are 100% cotton and will shrink an alarming amount, so wash before even thinking of sewing and cutting!

I only see cotton and polyester drop cloths online at Home Depot. Is this the drop cloth you're referring to? Sounds like a great idea.

I have also read that for a more casual look the canvas or cotton duck (and an easier fit with the cushions) avoid piping.

Pottery Barn makes great canvas slipcovers that are sturdy and well-made. We have one that we purchased years ago. They are pricey but discount website offer them for much less.

The cover we have is off-white. We love it, but it really does get dirty quickly. Within the first few weeks of purchasing the cover, we found that the slipcover does well in the wash, but the grime on the seats never completely washes out. To remedy this, we layer the cover with a textile to cover the seat and the back of the couch.

I used to make slipcovers for a living. canvas is a great choice. it actually gets better the more you wash it. be sure and per wash it a couple of times before it is sewn to preshrunk and soften it. I have ordered canvas from Chicago Canvas. their prices are great! they have many weights and come in varying widths - up to hugely wide as they sell canvas for theater backdrops. they will send you a sample. I haven't bought from them in a few years but am certain they are still around and probably have a website. if you decide to go with a linen, Grayline in new york is a great company - also on the internet.

one more thing - the drop cloths are great. I have them as draperies and slipcovers and a shower curtain. however if you don't want to many seams they might not be a great choice. the drop cloths are pieced together and have some seams throughout. I happen to like the random seams and think they look almost industrial, if that makes sense. just something you should be aware of because they come packaged and you won't know how they look until you pull them out.

How wide do you need the fabric?

You can "railroad" the canvas and run it horizontally. Then you can hide the seams under the cushions. You'd still need some seaming to fit it correctly around the back and arms. There's a Sunset Book called Slipcovers and Bedspreads that gives really good instructions on making a slipcover. If you can sew at all, you can do this.

Thanks to all for all the great ideas and fabric sources, I will definitely post a photo of the transformed sofa, (it was such a deal!). What a great website. The perfect forum to solve all things design related. Thanks again!

Curious about what tight back, bench cushion sofa you bought. They aren't so easy to find. I have one I bought in 1998 in blue from crate and barrel, made by mitchell gold, that came with an optional off-white cotton slip cover. Two moves later, and now that the blue has faded from sun, I'm kicking myself for not springing for the slipcover back then (but I only wanted the pretty blue sofa.) My local C&B says in theory the slipcover should be available, but they have to look it up by name, and I can't remember the name! I likely have the receipt with name buried in a file somewhere, but likely I'll need to call a headquarters office of c&b or mg to see if they can find the name. Or just have it reupholstered, or like you are seeking to do, a slipcover made.

Indeed, canvas is a bargain slipcover fabric, but definitely look for yard goods instead of dropcloths. You want a fabric that is consistent in texture and shrinkage. Cheaper fabrics can develop holes when washed, like a cheap T-shirt, due to the short cotton fibers used. Better cottons have long fibers that wear well. Denim Twill is excellent for durability.
I’ve been making slipcovers and washable furniture for over 20 years, and prefer to use better-quality fabrics that come from the mill pre-shrunk. They are then washed again before we sew. I’m not a fan of canvas because even after it is preshrunk, it will stretch when you sit on it, leaving the cushions baggy, then shrink again when you wash it. Definitely use piping on all seams as it strengthens the seams and gives the piece structure. Buy your piping from an upholstery shop, as they have a type that won’t shrink – cotton rope piping cord will shrink and make for an ill-fitting slipcover.
Ivory was our most popular slipcover color, until we introduced our neutral cottons that have a mingled, linen-like oatmeal texture. They look very stylish and perform very well. Bleach is not the only answer for cleaning, in actuality it breaks down the fabric so the slipcover will not last long if bleached heavily. I use many patterns and stripes, and use a clothing stain treatment like Spray and Wash for stains – it works great. Also, have a couple of extra yards on hand, so if a stain doesn’t come out you can replace that panel of the slipcover. For pets, we’ll make extra seat cushion covers to rotate in for washing since they get the most wear. The mingled color of a linen hides pet fur too.
For messy kids and large dogs, our commercial grade chenille velvet is fantastic – it washes beautifully and comes in many colors. It’s also very chic for a dressier room, and well worth the price. If you are looking for a deeper color for furniture that takes a beating, the chenille might be the answer.
Kerry Ann Dame
SlipcoverFabrics.com
PoshSurfside.com
PillowFolly.com

I was just @ World Maket today &,bought Their Luxe sofa. They "white" (Its ivory & identical to a dropcloth) is made out of brushed twill canvas. I also went to Michaels craft store today because I was looking for a product to bleach the slipcover nright white &,stumblrd across a roll of heavyweight artist canvas on a roll.Im not a big seamstress (I can run a straight stitch) so Im not sure if this is a good price or not,But They had "54 widex 3yrds for $99 of the heavyweight ..I was thinking about a 2nd attempt @ dropcloth curtians.My 1st attempt,The dropcloth I bought had a railroad stitch directly up the middle.I do know My Michael's accepts competitor coupons & JoAnn fabrics sends out a 50% off 1 item coupons all the.time..Thats how I'll buy it unless I can find it even cheaper.If anyone knows how to bleach the one I bought today without it.turning out with white spots all over it,Please let Me know! I guess Im much better @backsplashes,crown moulding & reupolstering anything I can with a staplegun then anything considered "domestic"..Im just kind of afraid to ruin a $200 slipcover (but I have no problem cutting a $200 piece of wood! lol

Sorry for all the typos! I knew better then to type this via my cellphone & the keyboard is just soooo tiny My fingers hit the wrong letters.I hope everyone understands "typo-neese"