Updating the look of a room is possible by covering a chair.If you're interested in a quicker solution that can also be changed out easily, look into buying slipcovers.You will soon have an updated look that you can be proud of.
Step 1: Use needle-nose pliers to remove the fabric from the chair.
If you can't use the fabric as a pattern for the new fabric, try to not rip it.If you write "back of chair" on the fabric from the back of the chair, you can mark it with its location and direction.Dining room chairs have seats that can be removed with a screwdriver.If this is the case, you should remove the seat completely so it's easier to work with.
Step 2: The chair's batting and foam should be replaced if they are in poor condition.
A chair has a base of foam, batting, and a top layer of fabric.The foam and batting of the chair can be stained, musty, or worn out.Match the sizes of new foam and batting if this is the case.Attach the batting around the edges of the chair seat with the foam.If you're replacing a chair that's been in use for 10 or 15 years, you won't need to replace foam or batting.The materials may need to be replaced if the chair is older than that.
Step 3: Cut out the new fabric using the old fabric as a guide.
The new fabric should be laid on a flat surface.Use the fabric you removed from the chair as a pattern to cut out the new pieces; just add about 2 to 3 inches around the edges of each piece so you have enough room to staple it into place later on.To know where the new pieces of fabric are supposed to go, mark them.
Step 4: Attach the new fabric to the base of the chair with a staple gun.
Pull the fabric taut on the top of the chair seat so it isn't baggy.Stick a few sewing pins along the edges to hold the material in place and use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the chair around the bottom of the frame.Put a staple in every 2 inches around the perimeter of the chair.If the seat is round, pleats should be created around the edges.To secure the corner, fold the material into a triangle so that it's flat against the seat and staple it down.
Step 5: Attach a dustcover to the underside of the chair.
The fabric on the underside of the chair is hidden by the dustcover.If you want the dustcover to fit the bottom frame, cut it out.It's a good idea to staple the material around all its sides.You should look for upholstery-grade fabric when shopping for dustcover material.Don't put your chair seat back together just yet.
Step 6: The chair's back has some piping on it.
The back of the chair has piping that goes along the edges to create a seamless transition from the front to the back.Measure the same amount of piping from new material if needed and use a 2 inches wide swath of fabric to fold over the old piping.If you want to keep the pattern on the outside, sew along the edge of the piping with a straight stitch.You can skip this step if your chair back doesn't have fabric on both sides.Attach the fabric to the back of the base with a staple gun and treat it the same as the chair seat.
Step 7: The back of the chair has piping between it and pieces of fabric.
Put the pieces of fabric in the back of the chair so that the patterned sides are touching each other.Place the piping down along the edges of the fabric by folding back the top edge.Pin along the edges of the material to replace the top piece of fabric.You need to pin the pieces in place.It would be difficult to have something upside down.
Step 8: Attach the top back pieces with a straight stitch.
To secure the piping in place, carefully move the fabric to your sewing machine, and then sew all along the edges.If you can, sew as close to the piping as possible so that it won't wriggle around when you put it on the chair.If there is a lot of excess fabric around the edges, trim it off so it doesn't make your seam look bulky.
Step 9: Attach the fabric to the back of the chair.
Put the seat cover over top of the chair's back.Make any necessary adjustments by positioning the piping along the edges of the chair.Attach the fabric to the back frame with a staple gun.If you can, put the staple down as far as possible so that it's not visible from the front.It is possible to fold or pleat the fabric around the edges of the chair to keep the material flat.
Step 10: If needed, disassemble the chair and secure the loose fabric.
If you detached the chair seat at the beginning of your project, you should screw it back in.If there are any loose pieces of fabric, secure them with another staple and check the chair.To glue down the excess fabric, you could use fabric glue.
Step 11: Measure your chair to find out what size cover you need.
The chair's height and width can be measured with a flexible measuring tape.You don't want to forget your measurements, so write them down on a piece of paper or a note on your phone.A lot of slipcovers are sold as one-size-fits-all, but there are variations of size that will help you pick one that's more suited to your chair.
Step 12: You can shop online and in stores.
There are many fabrics, patterns, and colors that you can choose from.Consider the other design elements that are already in the room where the chair goes, and try to match that style for a cohesive look.If you're buying online, make sure to ask about return policies.
Step 13: If you have chairs that are unique, order a custom-made cover.
If you can't find an option in the stores or online that will fit your chair, it's a good idea to have a slipcover made.It will be more expensive than a ready-to- buy option because you'll be paying for the material, labor, and shipping.Depending on the company you use and the complexity of your order, you might pay anywhere from $200 to $2000 for a custom slipcover.
Step 14: It's a good idea to wash your slipcover before using it.
It's always a good idea to wash your slipcover before putting it on your chair because it may have come into contact with some chemicals while it was being manufactured.Make sure the cover is dry before using it.On the gentle cycle, slipcovers can be washed at home.Line-dry the item, or put it in the dryer.
Step 15: You should wash the slipcover every 3 to 6 months.
It's a good idea to regularly clean your slipcovers.If you notice they are dirty between cleanings, pop them in the washer and it won't hurt anything.Spot treat stains as they look to keep your slipcover looking new.