The Slipcover Diaries, Don't skirt the issues

The last major step for my ottoman slipcover was to add the pleated skirt. Since the shape is already defined, there is no pin fitting needed so I could work right side out. I put the slip cover on the ottoman right side out in order to pin on the piping (that I had made earlier).  Having the slipcover on the ottoman allowed me to measure while I pinned so that I could position the piping at the right height all the way around.

After pinning, I sewed the piping on then trimmed the edge. With piping sewn on, it was much easier to handle when I was ready to add the skirt. 

To make the skirt, I cut 8 inch wide strips; I needed three lengths of fabric, sewn together, to give me the length I needed.  Because of the pleating, I made the length 2 times longer (plus a little extra) than the perimeter of the ottoman.    I hemmed the entire length by turning the raw edge twice, pressed, pinned and sewed. 
I used one of my quilting rulers to help me space out the pleats evenly.  After putting in the first pleat, I layed the ruler along the pleat line, then pulled fabric back over the ruler to the 2 inch mark.  I pleated the length of the fabric, pinning and then machine basting the pleats in place.

Next I pinned the skirt to the top portion of the slipcover and sewed into place sewing right up against the piping.  This was much easier than I expected; everthing fit very nicely 

I left an opeing so I could meet the end of the skirt in the proper place.

All done!