I had the same problem - needed to cover a sofa but wanted to keep the cost down. First, I researched how to measure for a sofa (try Surefit.net for instructions) so I had the right size and type of slipcover I would need. Then I researched online to check out prices so I had an idea what was an acceptable price range for my budget (try Froggle, etc). Third, I keep my eyes open at every store I went to (Wal-mart, K-mart, Target, etc). I purchased my red sofa slipcover at Ikea for under $50 (my price limit was $80). Had I not done the research, I would have been too afraid to purchase this great deal. BTW, red is a great color. It looks great in my Americana office (red, white, and blue). Good luck and happy shopping!
Look for used drapes made of great fabrics in thrift stores or yard sales. Look for a box full of them. Then take your old slip cover apart and use it for a pattern using the drapery fabric. You may even be able to reuse the zippers. Good luck !
Take old jeans and cut them at the seams and sew them together. Looks real nice.
Dear Sarah, I've used inexpensive bedspreads for slipcovers (can sometimes find nice ones really really cheap at thriftshops and yard sales) ; a twin size spread will work on love seats and smaller couches; a queen size will work for larger couches usually.
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