How to Make a Chair Slipcover: Easy DIY Guide

Want to give your favorite armchair a fresh new look without breaking the bank? You absolutely can! With a few basic sewing skills and some fabric from your local Joann Fabrics, learning how to make a slipcover for a chair is totally achievable. The concept of upholstery can seem intimidating, but this DIY guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy to transform your furniture. Even better, a custom slipcover, like the kind seen on HGTV, allows you to change your decor with the seasons!

Making Your Own Chair Slipcover: A Simple Guide

So, you’re thinking of giving your favorite chair a fresh new look? Awesome! Making a slipcover is a fantastic way to update your furniture, protect it from spills (we’ve all been there!), and express your personal style without buying a whole new piece. This guide will break down the process, showing you how to create a chair slipcover that fits beautifully and looks amazing.

First things first, let’s talk about the big picture. We’re going to tackle this project in manageable steps. Think of it like baking a cake – you wouldn’t just throw everything in the bowl at once, right? Same here! We’ll start with planning and measuring, move onto cutting and pinning, and finally sew it all together.

Here’s a roadmap of what we’ll cover:

• Gathering Supplies: It’s all about having the right tools at your fingertips before you even begin.
• Measuring Your Chair: This is the most critical step for a perfect fit! We’ll go through it very precisely.
• Cutting the Fabric: With the measurements, it will be a piece of cake.
• Pinning and Fitting: Ensuring the slipcover drapes beautifully and fits snugly.
• Sewing the Slipcover: The moment you transform fabric pieces into the final product.

Let’s jump in and start preparing!

Gathering Your Supplies – Setting Yourself Up for Success

Before you get started, you’ll need to assemble your arsenal of tools. Having everything ready from the get-go makes the process much smoother and less frustrating. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fabric: Choose a durable, washable fabric that complements your decor. Consider things like canvas, denim, cotton twill, or even upholstery-weight fabrics. The amount of fabric will depend on the size of your chair.
• Measuring Tape: A flexible measuring tape is essential for accurate measurements.
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter: Sharp scissors designed for fabric or a rotary cutter with a cutting mat.
• Pins: Lots of pins! These will hold your fabric pieces together while you fit and sew. Ball head pins are very helpful and easy to use.
• Sewing Machine: A reliable sewing machine is crucial. Make sure it’s threaded and ready to go.
• Thread: Choose a thread that matches or complements your fabric.
• Seam Ripper: Just in case! We all make mistakes, and a seam ripper will be your best friend.
• Pencil or Fabric Marker: For marking fabric.
• Paper for Pattern Making: Large sheets of paper for drafting pattern pieces.
• Ruler or Yardstick: This will assist you in straight lines, in cutting and pattern-making.

Measuring Your Chair: The Key to a Flawless Fit

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a great-fitting slipcover. Don’t skip this step or rush through it! Precision here will save you headaches later. This part can be a little time-consuming, but trust me, it’s worth it. Have a friend help you out if possible – extra hands always make things easier.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential measurements you’ll need to take:

Measurement	Description	How to Measure
Seat Width	The width of the chair seat, from side to side.	Measure across the widest part of the seat.
Seat Depth	The depth of the chair seat, from front to back.	Measure from the front edge of the seat to the back where it meets the backrest.
Back Height	The height of the chair back, from the seat to the top.	Measure from where the seat meets the backrest to the highest point of the chair back.
Back Width	The width of the chair back, from side to side.	Measure across the widest part of the chair back.
Arm Height (if applicable)	The height of the arms, from the floor to the top of the arm.	Measure vertically from the floor to the highest point of the arm.
Arm Depth (if applicable)	The depth of the arms, from the front to the back.	Measure from the front edge of the arm to the back where it connects to the chair back.
Chair Height	The overall height of the chair, from the floor to the top of the backrest.	Measure vertically from the floor to the highest point of the backrest.
Overall Width	The widest width of the entire chair	Measure the widest point, including any arms or decorative elements.
Circumference of Base	The distance around the bottom of the chair.	Use your flexible tape measure to circle the base. It might be easier to do this in sections and add it up.

Important tips for measuring:

• Always measure twice to be sure! It sounds repetitive, but accuracy is key.
• Add extra inches for seam allowances (usually 1/2 inch) and for wiggle room (1-2 inches) where necessary, especially for areas that might be strained when someone sits.
• Note any unusual shapes or curves. You might need to make darts or pleats to accommodate these.
• Write everything down clearly! Create a measurement table like the one above to stay organized.
• Consider taking photos of your chair from different angles. These can be helpful references later.

Cutting the Fabric

Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to translate them into fabric pieces. This is where your paper pattern-making comes in handy. Remember those extra inches we talked about adding for seam allowances and wiggle room? This is where those will come in handy.

• Create Paper Pattern Pieces: Use your measurements to draft pattern pieces on your paper. Label each piece clearly (e.g., "Seat Front," "Back Left," "Arm Right").
• Pin the Pattern to the Fabric: Lay your fabric on a flat surface, ideally folded in half to cut two identical pieces at once. Arrange your pattern pieces, leaving space between them for seam allowances.
• Cut the Fabric: Carefully cut around the pattern pieces, following the marked lines. Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter for clean, precise cuts.
• Mark the Fabric: Transfer any important markings from your pattern pieces to the fabric using a fabric marker or tailor’s chalk.

Pinning and Fitting

This is where you’ll see your slipcover start to take shape! Pinning allows you to test the fit and make adjustments before you commit to sewing.

1. Start with the Main Pieces: Begin by pinning the main pieces together – the seat, back, and sides. Pin along the seam lines, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other.
2. Fit the Slipcover on the Chair: Carefully slip the pinned fabric onto your chair. Don’t force it! You want a snug but not overly tight fit.
3. Adjust as Needed: This is your opportunity to fine-tune the fit. If the slipcover is too tight in certain areas, add more fabric by letting out the seams and repinning. If it’s too loose, take it in by pinning closer to the seam line.
4. Mark Adjustments: Use a fabric marker to note any adjustments you make directly on the fabric. This will help you when you sew.
5. Add Details: Pin any decorative elements, such as ruffles or trim, in place.

Sewing the Slipcover

Finally, it’s time to transform your pinned masterpiece into a finished slipcover!

1. Sew Along the Pinned Seam Lines: Carefully sew along the pinned seam lines using your sewing machine. Remove the pins as you sew.
2. Reinforce Seams: For added durability, consider reinforcing the seams by sewing a second line of stitching close to the first.
3. Finish the Edges: Finish the raw edges of the fabric with a serger or a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.
4. Add Closures: Depending on the style of your slipcover, you may need to add closures such as zippers, buttons, or ties to secure it to the chair.
5. Give It a Final Fitting: Once you’ve finished sewing, turn the slipcover right side out and give it a final fitting on the chair. Make any necessary adjustments.

So, there you have it! With a little patience and these simple steps, you can easily make a slipcover for a chair and give your old furniture a brand new life. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics and patterns to really personalize your space. Happy sewing!