How to Make a Cover for a Padded Straight Back Chair

Give your old dining chairs a new look with simple slipcovers.

If your dining room is stocked with straight back chairs that need a little pick-me-up, try a simple trick for giving old chairs a face-lift: make slipcovers for them. With only beginner-level sewing skills you can create slipcovers that will hide any flaws in the wood or padding as they provide a new pop of color. Make several different colors and change them every season to keep giving your old furniture fresh new looks.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Measure the chair back at its widest point; add 1 inch and call this measurement A. Measure the height of the back from the top to the seat; add 1 inch and call this measurement B.

2. Cut two pieces of fabric that measure A wide by B long.

3. Position the fabric pieces together with the right sides facing one another. Pin around the edges to hold them together using straight pins.

4. Use your sewing machine to sew a straight seam up one side, across the top and down the other side of your chair cover. Position your seam 1/2 inch in from the outside edge of the fabric, then go back over the edge with a zigzag stitch to make it extra sturdy.

5. Fold the bottom edge of the slipcover toward the wrong side of the fabric by 1/4 inch, then 1/4 inch again. Sew a straight stitch around the folded edge to create a hem.

6. Turn the cover right side out so it resembles a pillow case. Slide it down over the back of your chair to cover it.

Tips & Warnings

• If the back of your chair is padded, measure around the padding to account for the extra width.

• Use holiday fabric for a festive look or a solid color for something more subtle.

References

• Matt and Shari: Chair Back Covers
• In My Own Style: How to Make a Simple Slipcover for Dining Room Chairs