If you have some old, outdated dining room chairs, you may be looking for ways to update the look of your space. Here are some tips on how to cover dining room chairs that are both easy and affordable.
First, consider the style of your home. If you want a more formal look, choose a patterned fabric for your new chair slipcovers.
However, if you prefer a more casual appearance, pick a fabric in soft colors or an earth tone such as brown or khaki. Next, measure the width and depth of the chair seat and back and add about two to three inches to each measurement.
Then measure from the top of the back all the way down to where you want your chair slipcover to stop at the front edge of the seat and add one inch. Finally, buy enough fabric to match these measurements so it will fit snugly over your dining room chair with pins or clips.
Measure the length of your dining room chair
Measure the length of your dining room chair. The width and depth of the chair seat and back should also be measured, including adding two to three inches to the measurement.
Finally, measure from the top of the back all the way down to where you want your chair slipcover to stop at the front edge of the seat and add one inch.
The fabric should be bought that is equal in length to these measurements so it will cover snugly on your dining room chair with pins or clips.
Measure the width and depth of the chair seat and back
Next, measure the width and depth of the chair seat and back and add about two to three inches to each measurement.
Then measure from the top of the back all the way down to where you want your chair slipcover to stop at the front edge of the seat and add one inch. Finally, buy enough fabric to match these measurements so it will fit snugly over your dining room chair with pins or clips.
Add one inch in height at the front edge of the seat
The fabric should be long enough to cover the seat and back of the chair. You will need to measure from the top of the back all the way down to where you want your chair slipcover to stop at the front edge of the seat and add one inch.
The fabric should be wide enough so it will fit over your dining room chair with pins or clips. Measure the width and depth of the chair seat and back, then add about two to three inches to each measurement. Remember, if you have a very large kitchen table, you may need a wider piece of fabric for your new chair coverings.
Buy enough fabric to match these measurements
Buy enough fabric to match these measurements, so that it will fit snugly over your dining room chair and with pins or clips.
You can either choose a contrasting color for the seam at the back of the chair or use a coordinating color. To add extra style, you can add some lace, tassels, or fringe to your chair slipcovers.
Begin covering your chair with pins or clips
Begin by covering your chair with pins or clips. Make sure the fabric is pulled taut over the seat but not so tight that it will distort the shape of the seat itself. Once you have pinned the fabric to one side of the back, go to the other side and do the same thing.
Be careful not to bunch up any fabric in between pins or rows of clips. Your first row should be a good distance from the edge of the seat so it will be hidden when you get to that part later on.
Next, measure how much fabric you need for each side panel. Add two inches to each measurement for seam allowance and then cut your fabric into two pieces this size. Unpin one side panel and lay it down with the right side facing up, matching your measurement marks with those on your chair slipcover and pinning or clipping it in place.
Now unclip your other side panel and lay it out next to its matching piece with right sides together, carefully matching all markings like before.
Pin or clip this second panel in place and then unpin or unclip one more time to make sure both panels match nicely and there are no wrinkles or bunched up fabric anywhere before proceeding onward to steps four through six.
Sew the fabric around the edges, leaving a few inches open for stuffing
Once you have the fabric cut to size, make two seams along the raw edges of the fabric. Sew the seam with a large stitch length (about four stitches per inch) and bulky thread to prevent it from coming apart.
Sew all of the way around, leaving about two inches open at one end for stuffing. Next, turn the fabric inside out so it looks like a big pocket and stuff it with either batting or leftover upholstery material.
You may even want to use an old pillowcase as an alternative to batting or upholstery fabric. Seal off the opening by sewing a zig-zag stitch across it in both directions and pull together tightly around the corners. Finally, fold over the edges of these seams and sew them down to create a nicely finished edge.
Stuff the edges tightly with quilt batting or cotton balls before sewing closed
If you are using a lightweight fabric, stuff the edges tightly with quilt batting or cotton balls before sewing closed.
This will help it to keep its shape over time.
First, measure the width and depth of the chair seat and back and add about two to three inches to each measurement.
Then measure from the top of the back all the way down to where you want your chair slipcover to stop at the front edge of the seat and add one inch. Finally, buy enough fabric to match these measurements so it will fit snugly over your dining room chair with pins or clips.
Cinch closed securely, then sew in place and tie off
The last step is to sew the fabric in place securely. Secure it by cinching together and sewing in place. Tie off any strings you may have missed, then cut off any excess fabric. That’s all there is to it!
Conclusion
Fabric shopping can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be!
First, figure out the measurements of your chair and buy enough fabric.
Then, you’ll need to select the style of fabric that matches your home. Once you have everything you need, measure and pin the fabric around the chair and then sew the fabric together.
Finally, cinch the fabric tightly, secure it with a few stitches, and tie off. Once that’s done, your chair is ready for an adorable new look!