Easy to Make Chair Covers A Beginners Guide

Materials and Techniques: Easy To Make Chair Covers

Transforming your chairs into stylish and comfortable pieces is an exciting endeavor. This guide provides you with the essential materials and techniques to create your own easy-to-make chair covers.

Common Materials

The choice of fabric plays a significant role in the final look and feel of your chair covers.

• Cotton: A versatile and durable fabric that is easy to work with. Cotton is a natural choice for chair covers, offering breathability and comfort.
• Linen: Known for its durability and natural texture, linen adds a rustic charm to chair covers. Linen is a strong fabric that can withstand frequent use.
• Velvet: A luxurious and elegant option, velvet adds a touch of sophistication to your chairs. It is known for its soft texture and plush feel.
• Microfiber: A synthetic fabric that is soft, durable, and stain-resistant. Microfiber is a practical choice for chair covers, especially for high-traffic areas.

Sewing Techniques

Understanding basic sewing techniques will ensure a professional finish for your chair covers.

• Straight Stitch: A fundamental stitch used for joining fabric pieces together. It is a simple stitch that is easy to master.
• Zigzag Stitch: A versatile stitch used for finishing seams and preventing fraying. Zigzag stitch adds a decorative touch to your seams.
• Serger Stitch: A specialized stitch used for finishing seams and creating a professional look. Serger stitch provides a neat and secure finish.

Measuring a Chair

Accurate measurements are crucial for creating a custom-fit chair cover.

• Seat Width and Depth: Measure the width and depth of the seat cushion.
• Seat Height: Measure the height of the seat cushion from the floor.
• Back Height: Measure the height of the chair back from the seat cushion.
• Back Width: Measure the width of the chair back at its widest point.
• Armrest Length and Width: Measure the length and width of the armrests.

Creating a Basic Slipcover

A simple slipcover can transform the look of your chair with minimal effort.

1. Cut the Fabric: Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric for the seat and back, using the measurements you took. Add seam allowances to all edges.
2. Sew the Seams: Sew the side seams of the seat and back pieces together using a straight stitch.
3. Finish the Seams: Finish the raw edges of the seams using a zigzag stitch or a serger stitch to prevent fraying.
4. Attach the Back: Fold the top edge of the back piece under and sew it to the bottom edge of the seat piece.
5. Add a Hem: Fold the bottom edge of the seat piece under and sew it to create a hem.
6. Create the Opening: Cut a rectangular opening in the back of the slipcover to allow for easy access to the chair.
7. Finish the Opening: Finish the edges of the opening using a zigzag stitch or a serger stitch.

Design and Style Ideas

Transforming ordinary chairs into stylish statement pieces is as easy as draping them in custom-made covers. Whether you’re seeking a minimalist aesthetic or a playful pop of color, chair covers offer endless creative possibilities.

Designing with Solid Fabrics, Easy to make chair covers

Solid fabrics are the perfect canvas for creating a clean, modern look. Choose fabrics like linen, cotton, or velvet in neutral tones like white, gray, or black for a timeless and elegant feel. Consider incorporating textures for added visual interest, such as a linen blend with a subtle weave or a velvet with a soft sheen. For a bolder statement, opt for a deep jewel tone like emerald green or sapphire blue.

Creating Playful Patterns

Embrace bold, printed fabrics to inject personality and whimsy into your space. Floral prints, geometric patterns, or abstract designs can add a touch of vibrancy and excitement. Consider using a printed fabric with a contrasting background color for a more dramatic effect. For a cohesive look, choose a fabric that complements the existing décor or theme of the room.

Adding Decorative Elements

Enhance the visual appeal of your chair covers with decorative elements.

• Ruffles: Create a romantic and feminine touch with delicate ruffles along the edges of the cover. Experiment with different ruffle widths and fabrics for a personalized look.
• Piping: Piping adds a touch of sophistication and definition to the chair cover. Choose a contrasting color or fabric to highlight the edges or create a bold accent.
• Buttons: Buttons can be used for both functional and decorative purposes. Use buttons to secure the cover in place or as an eye-catching embellishment on the back or arms of the chair.

Comparing Chair Cover Styles

• Slipcovers: Slipcovers are loose-fitting covers that are easy to put on and take off. They are ideal for protecting furniture from spills and wear and tear. They are available in a wide range of fabrics and styles, making them suitable for any décor.
• Fitted Covers: Fitted covers are designed to hug the contours of the chair, providing a more tailored and polished look. They are typically made from stretch fabrics and feature elastic bands or ties for a secure fit.
• Loose Throws: Loose throws are not technically chair covers but can be used to add a layer of warmth and style to your chairs. They are often made from plush fabrics like fleece or chenille and can be easily draped over the back or seat of the chair.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Creating chair covers is a rewarding project, and with a few helpful tips and tricks, you can achieve professional-looking results. These techniques will help you choose the right fabric, prevent slipping, and address common challenges, ensuring a smooth and successful process.

Choosing the Right Fabric

The fabric you choose will significantly impact the look and feel of your chair covers. Consider the style of your chair, its intended use, and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for.

• Formal Settings: For formal dining chairs, opt for luxurious fabrics like velvet, damask, or brocade. These fabrics add elegance and sophistication to the room.
• Casual Settings: For everyday use in living rooms or bedrooms, choose durable and easy-to-clean fabrics like cotton, linen, or chenille. These fabrics are comfortable and practical for everyday wear and tear.
• High-Traffic Areas: In high-traffic areas like hallways or entryways, select fabrics that are stain-resistant and easy to clean. Consider microfiber or performance fabrics that resist dirt and spills.
• Pet-Friendly Fabrics: If you have pets, choose fabrics that are resistant to pet hair and shedding. Microfiber or synthetic blends are good options for this purpose.

Preventing Fabric Slippage

Fabric slippage can be a common issue, especially with smooth fabrics or chairs with rounded shapes. Here are some techniques to prevent this:

• Use a Non-Slip Backing: Attach a non-slip backing to the underside of your fabric. This creates a secure grip on the chair and prevents sliding.
• Secure with Velcro: Sew Velcro strips to the underside of the fabric and the chair. This provides a strong and adjustable hold.
• Use Safety Pins: For temporary fixes, use safety pins to secure the fabric to the chair. This method is best for quick adjustments or short-term use.

Addressing Common Challenges

Fitting chair covers around arms and legs can be tricky, but with a little planning, you can achieve a seamless fit.

• Arms: For chairs with arms, create separate covers for the arms and attach them to the main cover using zippers or Velcro. This allows for a snug fit around the arms and prevents bunching.
• Legs: For chairs with legs, consider creating a fitted cover that extends down the legs. This creates a more polished look and prevents the fabric from bunching around the legs.
• Irregular Shapes: For chairs with unique or irregular shapes, take careful measurements and create custom patterns. You may need to add darts or pleats to accommodate the curves and angles.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Having the right tools and supplies on hand will make your chair cover project much smoother. Here’s a list of essentials:

• Fabric: Choose the fabric based on the chair’s style, intended use, and desired aesthetic.
• Measuring Tape: Essential for taking accurate measurements of your chair.
• Scissors: For cutting fabric and other materials.
• Sewing Machine: For stitching the fabric together.
• Sewing Pins: For holding fabric pieces in place before sewing.
• Thread: Matching the color of your fabric.
• Iron and Ironing Board: For pressing seams and removing wrinkles.
• Safety Pins: For temporary adjustments and securing fabric.
• Velcro or Non-Slip Backing: For preventing fabric slippage.

Easy to make chair covers – While the idea of DIY chair covers might seem appealing for the thrifty soul, the reality is that crafting a truly presentable cover can be a laborious task. Before diving into a project, it’s essential to consider the sheer variety of chair cover types available, ranging from simple slipcovers to elaborate, tailored designs.

For a comprehensive guide on the different types of chair covers and how to choose the perfect fit for your needs, consult this resource on different types of chair covers. Ultimately, the decision of whether to DIY or purchase pre-made covers comes down to your budget, time constraints, and desired aesthetic.

While crafting DIY chair covers might seem like a harmless pursuit, let’s not forget the underlying message of consumerism. The endless cycle of buying, altering, and discarding is a symptom of a larger issue: our throwaway culture. Instead of endlessly covering up furniture flaws, consider a more sustainable solution: protecting your floors with flexible chair leg covers.

These covers provide a simple and effective way to preserve your floors while minimizing waste, a much more responsible approach to furniture care.