Cord Cover How-To

For you seasoned sewers, this will be so very apparent.  I may help you avoid some of the pitfalls, however.  A cord problem presented itself when I changed the orientation of the living room, moving the area rug from side-to-side to up-and-down.  That left this small glass accent table with a lamp in the middle of it.  The cord had nowhere to hide.

See?  A big, fat Ewwww!  Now, normally, I don't get all bothered if a cord is hanging behind a table dangling down a wall--don't even notice it, there are too many other things to worry about.  This much exposed dangle, even challenged my sensibilities.  I really needed to do something about that cord!

Here are some simple directions on how to make your own cord cover or cord sleeve, I guess it could even be a cord scrunchie!  (Note:  I'll edit out my mistakes, so you don't have to encounter them).

Cord Cover Instructions

• Cut 4 strips of 52" - 54" fabric at 4 1/2 to 5" wide
• Sew together end to end into one long strip
• Turn ends up 1/4-1/2" for a narrow hem
• Fold fabric together right sides in, pin
• Stitch - I would suggest "breaking" in the middle leaving an open space, so you only have to turn half of your tube at a time.

I used this turning tool, but you don't have to have a special tool.  (I think the photo is focused somewhere in the middle, as I used my macro setting, it's kinda hard to tell.)

• Turn your fabric so it's right side out, you don't even have to worry about sewing up the spot you didn't stitch, no one will ever notice it.
• Slip onto your cord and scrunch

I rooted around in my sewing room and found two fabric samples to try.  I thought it would be fun to have you help me decide which one was best, but...

Fun-Sized Chick thought this sheer one called too much attention to the cord, making it more obvious.  Me?  I think it looks like a fabric lamp intestine!  Another, Eww!

 

Here's Option #2, the gold one.  After I took the photo (top, left), I put the cord under the chair.

I like this one much better, and think it blends into the decor landscaping more.  What would your vote be?  Let me know if you've tried this--I cut mine 4" and wish it were a bit fatter.  I really had to jam the plug part through on the gold one because the fabric was thicker.  Feel free to let me know if you prefer just the plain cord, too.