How to Sew a Cord Cover

I've got you covered

Clean up that octopus

Now you can clean up the look of any living area buy introducing your own custom designed cord covers. No longer do you need to put up with unattractive wires trailing across the floor of what otherwise would be an impeccably appointed room. There are a few different ways you may choose to make your custom cord cover.

What to keep in mind

There are a number of hurdles to keep in mind when creating a decorative electric cord cover.

Chandelier cord covers have to be big enough not only to cover the cord but also the chain that holds the fixture in place. If the cord continues on to a wall socket, you will have to decide whether to continue the cover to the wall, taper the cover at the swag hook or end the cover at the hook.

You may need to remove the cord from the lamp or other device that you intend to make the cord cover for. If you are putting the cover over a lamp cord, you may want to disassemble the lamp in order to remove the cord. Some devices like cordless phone bases and computers have cords with small ends that you can remove.

Ifyou are uncomfortable with removing a cord from a lamp there is another technique you can use.

1. Draw an outline around the lamp cord plug, or approximate the plug's size in some other method.

2. Once this has been done you will want to take the outline with you to a home improvement store. Go to the plumbing department and find a piece of PVC that is slightly larger than the size of the plug.

3. Take the PVC home with you to use as a form to size the cover when it is cut and sewn.

Another method of installing your cover

1. Apply electrical tape over the plug. Wrap the tape from the beginning of the cord over the plug until reaching the prongs.

2. Place a pencil between the prongs and continue wrapping the tape around the prongs and the pencil. (Make sure you use either an unsharpened pencil or one with a well-used tip.)

3. Wrap the tape around the pencil about half way to the tip.

4. The pencil can be used in much the same way you use a needle. It will allow you to easily thread the cord through the cover.

When sewing the cover also take care that you include plenty of gathers at the seam. Doing this not only makes a flexible cord cover, but also it will enhance the appearance of the finished product.

More information on cord covering