How to Sew a Living Room Chair Cover

Constructing a slip cover for a living room chair can dramatically change the way your room appears. The average yardage to cover a typical wing chair is 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 yards for 48-inch wide fabric. Having the ability to change the fabric coloring and print can save the expense of upholstery charges.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Scissors
• Pins
• Pencil
• Sewing machine

Instructions

Fit the Fabric to the Main Chair

1. Lay the fabric length across the inside of the back of the chair.

2. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise.

3. Lay it down on the back of the chair. Move the cushion out of the way so it may fall on the seat deck.

4. Pull the fabric back, allowing the edge to extend 2 inches past the top back edge of the chair.

5. Place the fabric down along the inside of the back of the chair, along the seat deck and down the front edge.

6. Make a mark 6 inches from the floor.

7. Add 12 inches and mark.

8. Cut at this mark.

Fit the Fabric to the Arms

1. Lay a piece of folded fabric across the arm. Allow one edge to lap onto the seat deck.

2. Extend the other edge 2 inches past the outside top edge of the arm.

3. Mark where the arm meets the deck.

4. Add 5 inches and mark.

5. Cut at this mark. Repeat for the other arm.

Fit the Fabric to the Outside Back

1. Place the fabric edge 2 inches above the top of the chair.

2. Be sure to follow the curve of the chair.

3. Measure 6 inches from the floor.

4. Mark at this measurement.

5. Cut at this mark.

Pin in Position

1. Pin the first panel to the top back panel of the chair. Edges should extend 1 inch beyond the chair. At the front edges of the chair, pin a 1-inch double fold.

2. Split the center of the fold (you only cut through one layer). This becomes your 1-inch seam allowance for the two pieces.

3. At the center top of the chair, smooth the fabric toward the deck of the chair. Pin seams. Shape around the arms, clipping as needed.

4. Allow the fabric to extend into the deck for 5 inches and at the arms 3 inches.

5. Fit the outside back from the center top and work outward, pinning as you go.

   Fit the arms. Ease fabric around curves.

Cover the Cushion

1. Measure the top of the cushion and add a 1-inch seam allowance. Cut two pieces of fabric this size. This is the top and bottom fabric.

2. Measure the depth of the cushion and add a 1-inch seam allowance. Cut four bands this wide and as long as each side of the cushion plus 1 inch.

3. Pin bands to the sides of the cushion top and bottom fabric.

Sewing

1. Sew all pieces together at their pinned lines.

2. Insert bias or welting as usual and sew where you wish them to be in the finished cover.

3. Work one section at a time.

4. Sew cording around the arm plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Work with the straight of the fabric grain. Do not stretch the fabric while pinning. Practice with old material first.

References

• "Better Homes and Gardens Sewing for Your Home"; Don Dooley; 1975