DIY Simple & Straightforward Chair Cover Tutorial

Updated at: 19/05/2025

Tired of looking at that worn-out dining chair or wanting to refresh your living room's aesthetic without breaking the bank? Then you've come to the right place! This simple and straightforward chair cover tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful, custom-fit cover for your chairs, using readily available materials and minimal sewing skills. Forget expensive upholstery services; with a few basic supplies and a little patience, you can transform your old chairs into stylish statement pieces.

This project is perfect for beginners, requiring only basic sewing knowledge and a willingness to learn. We'll be focusing on a classic, easy-to-follow design that offers excellent results, even for those new to DIY projects. Ready to get started and breathe new life into your furniture? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create stunning chair covers together.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Fabric
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Straight edge
  • Sewing machine
  • Chalk
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp scissors or fabric shears to ensure clean cuts and prevent injury. Dull blades can cause fabric to fray and increase the risk of accidents.
  • If using a sewing machine, be mindful of your fingers and keep them away from the needle at all times. Use a seam ripper, not scissors, to remove stitches if needed.
  • Before starting, measure your chair carefully to ensure you have enough fabric. Adding extra fabric for ease of fitting and shrinkage is recommended.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Measure and Cut Fabric

    • Measure the chair seat and back.
    • Add seam allowances (2 inches on each side for double hem).
    • Cut the fabric to the calculated dimensions (40 inches x 57 inches in this example).

  2. Shape the Seat Section

    • Measure and mark the fabric for the seat section.
    • Fold the fabric and mark the width section.
    • Cut out the corners to create a box shape.
    Cut out the corners to create a box shape.Cut out the corners to create a box shape.Cut out the corners to create a box shape.
    Shape the Seat Section

  3. Sew the Seat

    • Stitch the corners together, creating a 1/4 inch seam allowance and a curved top edge.
    Stitch the corners together, creating a 1/4 inch seam allowance and a curved top edge.
    Sew the Seat

  4. Hem the Edges

    • Create a 1-inch double hem around the edges.
    Create a 1-inch double hem around the edges.
    Hem the Edges

Read more: DIY Super Cute Whale Shower Curtain: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Tips

  • To make the corners look more curved, create a curve at the top edge when stitching.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Measurements

Reason: Taking inaccurate measurements of the chair leads to a cover that's too tight, too loose, or doesn't fit properly.
Solution: Carefully measure the chair's dimensions multiple times before cutting the fabric.

2. Improper Fabric Choice

Reason: Using a fabric that's too thin, too stiff, or prone to wrinkles will result in an unflattering and poorly fitting cover.
Solution: Choose a medium-weight, slightly stretchy fabric that drapes well and is easy to work with.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make a chair cover?
You'll primarily need fabric (consider the chair's dimensions and add extra for seams), measuring tape, scissors, sewing pins, thread, and a sewing machine (or needle and thread if hand-sewing). You might also want fabric shears for cleaner cuts.
How do I measure my chair for the chair cover?
Carefully measure the seat width, seat depth, seat height, and back height of your chair. Also measure the back width at its widest point. Add extra inches to your measurements to account for seams and desired looseness or snugness of the fit.
What type of fabric is best for chair covers?
Durable fabrics like cotton, linen, or even sturdy upholstery fabrics work well. Consider the fabric's weight and drape; a heavier fabric might be better for structured chairs, while a lighter fabric works for more casual styles. Choose a fabric that's easy to clean and maintain.