How to Make a Slipcover for a Folding Chair

This slipcover is made in 2 pieces so that it is stationary for folding. You can make these slipcovers in about 3 hours.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2-1/2 yds Fabric
• 3 yds 1/2" elastic
• Thread
• 2 medium to large safety pins
• Sewing machine or may be hand sewn.
• Flat foam or batting if desired.

1. Measure the seat back and chair seat separately.
   For the back, measure from top to bottom and side to side. Add 3". For the chair seat, measure from top to bottom and side to side. Add 3". To make a pattern, transfer the seat back measurements to newspaper. Draw the diameter onto the newspaper. Do the same for the chair seat.

2. Using the newspaper patterns, pin each piece to the fabric and cut.

3. Using the fabric you have cut for the seat back, fold the edge in by 1" with wrong sides together and press. Next fold the raw edge in by 1/4", wrong sides together and press. The result will be a finished edge that will form a pocket for the elastic. Turn the seat back so that the wrong side is facing you. Sew along the edge. Leave a 1" gap, by stopping your sewing 1" before you reach the end. Repeat this step for the chair seat.

4. Measure 2 strips of elastic. Measure the diameter of the chair back and subtract 1". Cut the elastic to this length. Measure the diameter of the chair seat and subtract 1". Cut another strip of elastic to this length.

5. Turn the seat back so that the right side is down. Attach a s safety pin to the elastic cut for the seat back and pin the strip of elastic to the seat back next to the gap in stitching. Attach another safety pin to the other end of the elastic. Insert the safety pin into the gap and thread the elastic through the pocket. Hold both ends of the elastic and stitch together. Stitch the gap closed. Repeat this step for the chair seat.

6. You now have 2 slipcovers for the folding chair. Cover the seat back and cover the chair seat and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• If you want padding you can sew a thin (approx. 1/4" or less) piece of foam to the wrong side of the cut fabric a diameter that fits 2-1/2" from the edge of the cut fabric for both pieces. Batting may be used instead of foam.
• Read all the instructions before beginning.

[sandhillkar]

on 2/4/2009 Great instructions! What a way to improve the look of a folding chair! You can even use holiday fabric!