Making your own DIY chair slip covers is a smart way to change your home’s look or update old chairs from thrift stores. Sewing a chair slipcover costs between $50 and $150, based on your fabric choice and the design’s complexity. This is much cheaper than buying new furniture or getting professional slipcovers.
Always wash your fabric first. About 90% of people who sew agree this is important. It stops the fabric from shrinking later. You will need 3 to 5 yards of fabric for a standard armchair. Avoid quilting fabrics. They are too thin and not wide enough. Go for sturdy materials like upholstery fabric, denim, canvas, or drop cloth.
Expect to spend 3 to 6 hours on your project, depending on how skilled you are and how complex the slipcover is. Most DIYers, about 70%, like using fabrics that can be washed, like cotton or muslin. Adding zippers or ties can make sure your slipcover fits well and stays in place. Around 30% of people making slipcovers use this trick.
Join the 80% of DIYers who love their new slipcovers. You’ll get a stylish and useful update for your furniture without spending a lot of money.
Gathering Your Materials and Tools
Starting your DIY chair slip cover project means getting the right materials and sewing tools. Choosing well is key to making your slipcovers look and work great. Here’s what you need to begin.
Choosing the right fabric is crucial to avoid issues like shrinking later. Fabrics that have been pre-washed, like white cotton decor fabric or an old sheet, are top choices. They help prevent shrinking and keep your slipcovers looking good even after many washes.
Having the right sewing tools is just as important. A good sewing machine that works with both thin and thick fabrics is essential. For most DIY projects, a basic sewing machine will do. Also, you’ll need scissors, a measuring tape, pins, and thread.
| Type of Fabric | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|
| Pre-washed Cotton Decor | Ideal for everyday use, withstands regular washing |
| Old Sheets | Cost-effective, reduces waste, preloved items |
| Stretch Fabrics (polyester, spandex) | Great for event chairs, around 70% of DIY enthusiasts prefer these |
Before moving forward, make sure to measure your chair carefully. Take note of the seat and backrest’s height, width, and depth. Getting this right means you’re more likely to end up with slipcovers that fit perfectly.
The success of your DIY chair slip covers largely depends on choosing the right materials and tools. Taking the time to pick suitable materials and the best sewing tools for the job will help your project turn out well.
Measuring Your Chair for a Perfect Fit
To get a perfect slipcover fit, start by pulling off any cushions. Use an old sheet to cover the chair. It helps you see and mark the parts needing coverage. Make sure to have a measuring tape, pins, and notepad ready for recording sizes.
Measure the chair’s width, depth, and height for the seat and back. Note any special shapes like deep slots or odd curves. These might need more fabric. Non-stretch slipcovers fit seats 20″ to 24″ wide and up to 135″ around. Stretch covers can go up to 29″ wide and 155″ around.
With a flexible tape, measure from the chair’s back to the seat front, across the front, from arm to arm, and from the seat to the floor. These details affect how well the slipcover fits. Check out this guide on the best denim slipcovers for for more tips.
After measuring, add extra inches for seams and adjustments. Lay fabric on the chair and use pins to mark sections accurately. Pin the edges to track exact sizes on the chair. Do this before cutting to ensure a custom fit.
Accurate measures and noting special chair features are key for a perfect slipcover. This attention to detail simplifies sewing and ensures a great transformation.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Slip Covers
When picking slipcover fabric, your choice shapes how your project looks and lasts. Stick to tough fabrics like cotton, denim, or canvas for the best chair slipcovers. They’re easy to clean and keep up, perfect for homes that are always busy.
Picking the right fabric means thinking about the style and color that fits your room. Always wash the fabric first to avoid it shrinking later. Use old sheets to test your pattern before cutting your chosen fabric. This way, you waste less and ensure a great fit.
| Fabric | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Duck | Durable, easy to clean, breathable | May need frequent washing |
| Denim | Tough, stylish, machine washable | Can be heavy, may fade over time |
| Canvas | Strong, versatile, holds dye well | Requires pre-washing to avoid shrinkage |
| Polyester Velvet | Stain-resistant, durable, luxurious feel | Can be less breathable |
| Linen | Natural fibers, cool, elegant texture | Wrinkles easily, needs special care |
| Wool | Water repellent, fire retardant, durable | Can be expensive, requires dry cleaning |
Knowing about these fabrics and what they offer helps you pick the best for chair slipcovers. The popularity of slipcovers has been strong and steady, especially since 2013. They are loved for how easy they are to clean. This trend kept growing up until 2018, showing how much homeowners like them.
Today’s slipcovers fit snugly, making them look good and function well. Always buy a bit more fabric, about 10% extra. This is to prepare for any future projects or unexpected shrinkage. Regular care will keep your slipcovers in top shape for a long time.
Cutting the Fabric Pieces
Let’s start by cutting fabric for slipcovers using your measurements. Remember to add a 3/4″ seam allowance around each piece for sewing. This step is important because it ensures everything fits together well for a nice finish. If you’re not sure about making cuts, use an old sheet or muslin as a practice template. This will make your DIY slipcover work easier to handle.
For parts like the arms that are the same on both sides, cut one and then use it as a guide to cut the other. It’s vital to cut carefully so the sewing goes smoothly. When making a chair slipcover, you will need: 2 side pieces, 2 for the arms, 1 for the seat, 1 for the front, and 2 for the back. If you want to add special touches like piping or a skirt, remember to plan for extra fabric.
Typically, a wing chair slipcover needs about 6-8 yards of 54″ wide fabric. For more flexibility, 7-8 yards is better. Using the finished edges of certain fabrics can save time on hemming, but it’s hard to say how much fabric this saves. Always pre-wash your fabric if you intend to wash the slipcover later. This prevents the fabric from shrinking later.
Here are the pieces you’ll need when you start cutting fabric:
- Two side pieces
- Two inner arm pieces
- One seat piece
- One front piece
- Two overlapping pieces for the lower back
- Velcro tabs are cut 3 inches wide, with lengths of 20 ½ inches for the front and 19 ¾ inches for the sides
- Piping should wrap around all edges except for the bottom.
It’s a good idea to make a ½ inch double folded hem on the bottom back pieces. Cut your Velcro strips long enough to go from the chair’s bottom to the top of the arms, plus an inch. You’ll need a ½ inch seam allowance for sewing the pieces together. Some parts may need to be hand-sewn, especially where a sewing machine can’t go. Despite the effort, accurate cutting ensures your DIY slipcover looks perfect.
Assembling and Sewing the Slip Cover
Start by sewing the big sections like the seat and back. Then, handle the smaller parts. Use a regular sewing machine with a 1/2″ seam allowance. It’s key to try the slipcover on the chair inside out to make needed adjustments.
Securing the fabric with many pins is vital. It helps the fabric fit the chair well. Use a washable pencil for marking adjustments. This ensures a tight fit. For help, check out a detailed DIY chair slipcover tutorial.
After putting it together, finish the edges with zigzag or serger stitches. This prevents fraying and keeps the slipcover strong, especially with pets around.
| Component | Fabric Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 8 yards | Use durable fabric like 100% cotton canvas |
| Cushions | 4.5 yards | Consider ease of cleaning |
| Under Cushions | 2.5 yards | Optional but recommended for neat finish |
| Pillows | 6 yards | 3 yards of 2 different fabrics for reversible design |
| Piping | 1.5 yards | 54″ wide fabric, approximately 27 strips |
| Total Estimated Fabric Budget | $120 | Discounted from an original budget of $200 |
Making slipcovers can turn old furniture into trendy items. It keeps the original form and lengthens the furniture’s life. By matching different pieces with fabric, you can enhance your home’s look and functionality. Many have succeeded with this method, adding beauty and use to their spaces.
Adding Finishing Touches and Trims
Customizing chair slipcovers means focusing on the details. Adding things like piping, pleats, and decorative trims does wonders. These touches give your slipcover a tailored look and make your space more beautiful. Slipcover finishing techniques are like the cherry on top.
Think about using piping along the edges for a sleek look. If you pick a contrasting color for the piping, it can be eye-catching. You can also add fringing or a decorative braid along the bottom for extra flair. This detail can make things look longer and more proportional.
If you’re adding cushions to your slipcover, a zipper or ties are practical. They make it easy to take off the cover for washing. Trimmings on cushions can add interesting textures and patterns.
Make sure to press and stitch the hems neatly to create a clean bottom edge. You can even use buttons or special stitching like ladder stitches for something extra. These small details showcase your personal style and make your slipcover special.
In the end, choosing the right trims and finishes makes your slipcover project stand out. It’s not just about making it functional but also stylish. Using elements like braids, tassels, or bands can really lift the interior design of your space.
Fitting and Adjusting Your Slip Covers
After putting your slipcover together, it’s time to fit it onto your chair. Start by stretching the slipcover over the chair and make sure the fabric is spread out evenly. Then, use the pin fitting method. This means you pin the cover, section by section, inside out. This way, you can make it fit perfectly, even on chairs with armrests that might need extra work.
Next, smooth out any wrinkles by tucking extra fabric into the chair’s edges. This step makes the slipcover look neat and well-fitted. For cushions, ensure they’re tight but not too stretched. This keeps the seams from tearing. It’s important to find a balance in the fit to avoid putting too much pressure on the seams.
To finish, trim the excess fabric to 3/4 inch and adjust anything that’s off. Make sure everything looks good together—the piping, ribbons, and skirt should all be aligned. Take a step back and look at your work. Your chair should now have a professional, personalized appearance. It’s rewarding to see what you can create by hand.
Hey there, I’m Alex Hanson and I’m passionate about all things covers! Whether you’re looking for a car seat cover to protect your vehicle or an oven cover to keep your kitchen clean, I’m here to help. With years of experience in the industry, I have plenty of knowledge and insights to share with my readers. So, if you care about protecting your belongings and making them look their best, you’re encouraged to read my blog as I explore the perfect cover for every need.