SLIPCOVERS FAQ
An Overview:
Slipcovered furniture is the heart of Rachel Ashwell® style. Our shabby chic couch and furniture covers can be made to look sleek or frilly, fancy or plain depending on the fabric and whether it has detailing such as ruffles or welts. There is a myriad of fabrics, detail choices, and ease of care which are all factors when choosing slipcovered furniture. All of our slipcovers are handmade in Los Angeles, CA.
How are your slipcovers constructed?
Each slipcover is custom fit to each frame style. The fitting of a shabby chic couch and furniture cover is crucial depending on the body of furniture. When slipcovering a piece of furniture, the piece is measured first. Then like a haute couture gown, the fabric is custom cut to size. All seams are over locked, skirts lined and then sewn into a slipcover. (Seams are overlocked to prevent fraying when the piece is machine washed) A cotton cord is used inside the welt. Attached to the deck of the slip is a Rachel Ashwell label to help set the slip in the place when putting it back on the frame. All Rachel Ashwell slipcovers feature a zipper closure for a more tailored fit and ensure easy care and removal. Slipcovers are pre-shrunk; they are machine washable and can be tumble dried.
Because each shabby chic couch and furniture cover is made to uniquely fit each piece, we do not make any pre-made slipcovers.
In NY and LA, we work with contracted slip makers who offer housecalls for custom slipcovers and upholstery for non-Rachel Ashwell® made furniture and Rachel Ashwell® frames built prior to 2010.Travel fees apply and pricing varies. To inquire, please contact customerservice@shabbychic.com providing photos of your piece and your home address for housecall pricing.
What fabric options do you offer?
Rachel Ashwell® offers a wide variety of fabrications designed and created by Rachel Ashwell® and her design team. Rachel Ashwell® uses these fabrics in adult bedding, accessories and of course, slipcovered furniture. Rachel Ashwell® fabrics are pre-washed, although slight shrinkage still may occur. Please CLICK HERE to view our entire collection of fabrics. Rachel Ashwell® also carries an assortment of outside vendor fabrics as an option to our customers. These are fabrications/prints that Rachel Ashwell feels compliment her own line of fabrics. Please contact one of our associates at customerservice@shabbychic.com for further information on these complimenting fabrics.
Do you offer CFA?
A CFA (cutting for approval) may be requested for furniture orders when the customer is concerned about dye-lot variation. Once your order is placed (to secure the fabric), upon request, production will send a cutting of the specific fabric and roll/dye-lot the slipcover/fabric by the yard will be cut from. It is then at the customers discretion whether to approve or reject the cutting/dye-lot. If a customer rejects the dye-lot there is no guarantee time frame on when the next dye-lot will be available. Rachel Ashwell® does not accept responsibility for any dye-lot variation in shabby chic couch and furniture cover fabric. Production of the furniture frame proceeds while waiting for the CFA approval from the customer, meaning that made to order furniture is not eligible for cancellation/refund.
Do you offer COM?
COM (Customer’s Own Material) is available as an option. Customers have the option of choosing a shabby chic couch and furniture cover fabric outside the lines we carry in the store or online for upholstery/slipcover use for their frame. We are not responsible for fabrics not purchased at Rachel Ashwell®. There will be a separate charge for COM fees which includes a cutting and processing fee. Our associates will request that a COM form be filled out and accompany the fabric shipped to our corporate office. Instructions of where to send the fabric will be provided once the order is placed and paid in full.
How should I care for my slipcovers?
All Rachel Ashwell® slipcovers are pre-washed, however slight shrinkage may still occur. Shabby chic couch and furniture covers and fabrics should be laundered in cold water and tumble dried on low when caring for them. Our slipcovers are constructed with zippers for a more tailored fit and easy removal/application, and are designed for home machine washing and drying. We recommend closing all zippers on the slipcovers before washing. We do not recommend dry cleaning or bleach. Dry cleaning is a chemical process which causes the fabric to weaken and disintegrate. Dry cleaning can also fade the colors in a fabric more quickly than machine washing. Rachel Ashwell® is not responsible for stains, shrinkage, or mistreatment/care of slipcovers.
Do you replace slipcovers?
Slipcovers for frames built 2010 or later may be purchased through one of our associates. Please contact customerservice@shabbychic.com for assistance. After 34 years, our subcontractor who has made our slipcovers from patterns for frames made between 1989 through 2009 is no longer in business. For Los Angeles and New York residents who own pieces made prior to 2010, we are able to make slipcovers by way of housecall only, where our vendor travels to the home to cut and measure directly on frames. If you reside outside of these regions and you are able to find a local slipcover professional in your area, we are happy to work with you on a fabric by the yard order if you wish.
Do you replace slipcovers for pieces that are not Rachel Ashwell®?
We are able to replace shabby chic couch and furniture covers for non-Rachel Ashwell® frames by way of housecall only, for residents in the Los Angeles and New York areas. For other residents outside of these areas, we recommend inquiring locally with a professional who offers slipcover/upholstery services. We are happy to work with you on your fabric by the yard order if you wish to purchase Rachel Ashwell® fabrics.
Can I customize my slipcover?
Customizing slipcovers is always available to our customers. From a contrasting welt to using multiple fabrics, we can work with you on your request. In customizing anything, it is crucial that you discuss exact details with one of our associates. Please contact us for customization inquiries by emailing customerservice@shabbychic.com