Making a slipcover for a chair is a cheap and easy way to update an old, outdated, or worn chair, and it also gives you a chance to match the chair's appearance to the décor of the room.Depending on the material and the size of the chair, Slipcovers can be bought for as little as $20 and as much as $150, but they're not terribly difficult to make on your own.The method that best matches your skill level is found here.
Step 1: Measure your chair.
To make a fabric slipcover that's tailored to the shape of your chair, you'll need to begin by taking and writing down precise readings of the chair dimensions.Here's a list of the measures you'll want to take to make sure the chair is right for you.
Step 2: Pick out the right fabric.
You should purchase enough fabric to fit your chair's measurements, plus a little extra for hemming and mistakes.Choose a fabric that is sturdy, like denim, thicker cotton/hemp blends, canvas, or twill.The fabric is available in a wide range of sizes, from 36 inches to 100 inches.If you want to avoid sewing separate pieces of fabric together, it's best to buy one of the wider widths (60 inches or more).Some chairs are bigger than others, but as a general rule, about a 60-inch-wide fabric should be enough for a standard armchair.
Step 3: Purchase tracing paper.
You need tracing paper to make the initial pattern.The most common types of paper used for pattern tracing are freezer paper, Swedish tracing paper and medical exam table paper.The paper is thick and inexpensive, but it is harder to see through.It is easy to see through Swedish tracing paper, but it is expensive.The medical exam table paper is very inexpensive and easy to see through, but it is thinner and more prone to wrinkling.
Step 4: There is an outline of the chair.
It is important to trace the pattern for each section of the chair onto tracing paper before attempting to assemble it.Without a clearly traced pattern, you will end up with an ill-fitting cover.Carefully draw the back, front, seat, and arms of your chair on the tracing paper.Take the initial measurements and compare them to your tracings.You can draw a pattern for the skirt on tracing paper if you want to put it on the chair.You need a strip of fabric if you want it to hang from the bottom of the chair to the floor.
Step 5: The chair needs to be vacuumed.
It's important to clean the chair before the cover is on to remove any dirt and dust.The chair can get musty if you don't clean it before covering it.
Step 6: The patterns need to be cut out.
Cut out each pattern after you traced each section of the chair onto your tracing paper.A 2-inch margin around hems is required.This allows for a seam allowance when sewing.To cut out the paper patterns for your chair, use a pair of scissors and an X-acto knife.Make sure you take your time with this step, it can lead to mistakes in your slipcover.
Step 7: The patterns can be traced onto your fabric.
Begin by laying out the wrong side of your fabric.Make sure your paper shapes fit on the fabric by laying them down.Cut the shapes with a pair of fabric scissors after tracing the edge of the piece.Tailor's wax is one of the most common ways to mark fabric without leaving a permanent mark.Only lightly on the back side of thick fabrics.
Step 8: Put the front and arm pieces together.
If you want to sew the seams in place, you need to match the pieces of fabric up and pin them together.Attach the cut-out for the front of the chair to the arm cuts where they would naturally meet.
Step 9: Join the front and back pieces.
Pin in the back piece to the piece from the previous step.Then sew the pieces together.A piece of baggy fabric should fit over the back and arms of your chair when you're done.
Step 10: You can join the seat and bottom pieces.
Pin along the seams if you want to match the seat piece to what you have already assembled.Put the seams in place.The sides of the seat should meet the "arm" sleeves.
Step 11: The skirt should be sewn to the seat.
Attach a strip of skirt material to the seat of the chair.It should hang so that it isn't pooled on the floor.The skirt material crosses over itself in the back of the slipcover, so try to position the spot where it won't be easy to see.
Step 12: The chair has a new cover.
The cushions and arms of the chair need to be Tucked in.If you sit down, your slipcover should conform to the weight of your body.You might need to rip out and re-sew the seams if it doesn't work out.
Step 13: You can choose a sheet of material.
A pattern of material that is large enough to completely cover your chair is a good choice.Most chairs should fit a piece of fabric.There are some fabric ideas that should work well for this project.An old quilt fabric was purchased from a store.
Step 14: Put your fabric over the chair.
The pattern of the material should be laid across the chair as you would like it to be.Put your fabric over the top of the chair so that it covers the entire chair and drapes to the floor.
Step 15: Put the fabric in the folds of the chair.
Use your fingers to push the fabric into the folds around the chair.If you want the fabric to lay smooth, you need to smooth out any folds that are visible and make darts from the folded fabric.Most fabric stores have fabric glue that you can use to stick your slipcover in place.It's a good idea to hold your slipcover over the chair to prevent it from falling or slipping off.The top of the original chair fabric should be covered with the new slipcover material.It will be helpful to have a friend help you here by pointing out where to put the glue.Before fabric glue sets, it is usually very easy to set.Pull the fabric up and re-position it if you make a mistake.Most fabric glues take about two to four hours to set, but different products will have different drying times.After a few days, fabric adhesives can be washed safely.For more specific instructions, check the product's label.
Step 16: Excess material should be trimmed off.
After the glue has dried, you can use a pair of scissors or a fabric knife to trim the loose bottom portion of your slipcover.The "skirt" should hang an inch or two above the floor.As you go, make sure to cut in a straight line.Attach a long, skinny strip of material around the bottom of the skirt to make it look new if you make a mistake.
Step 17: Take a measurement of your chair.
Measure the height, length and width of the chair using a measuring tape.Carefully measure these things.If you're spending a lot of money on a piece of furniture, you want it to fit.
Step 18: Go shopping for the same thing.
Home furniture and decorating items can be found at most stores and websites.Depending on the material and the size of the chair, the price of a slipcovers can range from $20 to $150.Most slipcovers will be advertised as fitting certain sizes of chair, so make sure you have your measurements handy as you shop.If you're shopping at a brick and mortar store and need help choosing the right size, talk to an employee.If you're unsure, buy a bigger slipcover than you think you need.It's difficult to make a slipcover bigger, but you can pull, sew, and trim it.Pick a fabric that is fairly sturdy, like denim, thicker cotton/hemp blends, canvas, or twill.
Step 19: The chair should be vacuumed.
You'll want to remove any dirt and dust from your chair before you put on the new one.If you want to prevent the chair from getting musty underneath its cover, you should periodically remove the slipcover and vacuum it again.
Step 20: The chair needs to be pulled over.
Tuck the fitted edges of the cover into folds around the seat after pulling the slipcover on.Attach strings or ribbons to the front or back of the cover.These ties are added to the slipcover to keep it tight.Use a tight knot, but not one that's too tight to undone, as your slipcover may change size and shape with repeated use and washing.