#767 Chair Cover

How to Make a Chair Cover

Create a tailored fabric cover for a dining chair using measurements taken directly from the chair. This project uses separate pieces for the chair back, combined front and seat section, and sides to create a fitted cover with a clean hemmed finish.

Fabric requirements will vary depending on the size and shape of the chair, so accurate measuring is essential before cutting.

Project Details

• Project number: 767
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Project time: Varies depending on chair size and sewing experience

What You Will Need

Materials

• Fabric suitable for the chair size and number of chairs being covered
• Matching thread

Equipment

• Tape measure
• Fabric scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Iron and ironing board
• Dressmaker’s marking pencil or tailor’s chalk

Measure the Chair

1. Measure the chair as shown in the project diagram, including the width, depth and height of the seat, chair back and sides.
2. Include the thickness of the chair sides, padding and upholstered areas in your measurements.
3. Add 3 cm to each measurement to allow for ease of fitting and seam allowances.
4. Multiply the total fabric requirement by the number of chairs you plan to cover.

Cut the Fabric Pieces

Cut separate fabric pieces for the following sections:

• Chair front and seat: Measure the front of the chair back and the seat as one continuous piece.
• Chair back: Cut one piece to cover the rear of the chair back.
• Chair sides: Cut two matching side pieces.

Make sure the side depth of the chair back is included when preparing the front and back sections.

Attach the Side Pieces

1. Place the two side pieces against the lower section of the chair-back piece with right sides facing.
2. Pin one side piece to each side of the back section.
3. Stitch the side pieces in place, leaving approximately 1.5 cm unsewn at the top of each seam.

Attach the Front and Seat Section

1. Place the chair front and seat section over the assembled back and side pieces with right sides facing.
2. Pin across the top of the chair back.
3. Continue pinning down one side of the back, across the top of the side section to form the seat, and down the front edge of the side.
4. Sew the pinned seam.
5. Repeat the process on the opposite side.

Shape the Top Corners

1. Fold each upper corner into a point, keeping the seam centred.
2. Measure the depth of the chair back.
3. Stitch across the pointed corner at the same measurement as the chair depth to square off the top.
4. Trim away excess fabric if needed, leaving an appropriate seam allowance.

Fit and Hem the Cover

1. Turn the cover right side out and place it over the chair.
2. Adjust the seams and check that the cover fits smoothly over the chair.
3. Pin the lower edge at the desired distance from the floor, leaving a 1.5 cm hem allowance.
4. Remove the cover and press the lower edge towards the wrong side by 5 mm.
5. Fold the edge over again by 1 cm, then press and pin.
6. Stitch around the hem and press the completed cover.