DIY Reversible Dining Chair Covers: A Quick & Easy Seasonal Decor Project

Updated at: 09/05/2025

Transform your dining room with the seasons – without breaking the bank or spending hours on complex upholstery projects! Reversible dining chair covers offer a remarkably simple yet effective way to refresh your space and instantly change its ambiance. Whether you're embracing the warmth of autumnal hues, the crispness of winter whites, or the vibrancy of spring blooms, a custom-made, reversible cover allows for a quick and easy update that perfectly complements your décor. This adaptable approach eliminates the need for multiple sets of chair covers, saving you both money and valuable storage space.

Forget expensive reupholstering or complicated sewing techniques; this project is designed for absolute beginners. With just a few basic materials and a little patience, you can achieve a professional-looking finish. Ready to learn how to create your own stunning, reversible dining chair covers? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Fabric (3/4 yard per side)
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Iron
Safety Guidelines
  • Always pre-wash fabric before sewing to prevent shrinkage and ensure a proper fit after washing the finished covers.
  • Use sharp scissors and pins to avoid accidents during cutting and pinning. Be mindful of your fingers!
  • If using a sewing machine, familiarize yourself with its safety features and operation before starting. Never reach into the moving parts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Measure and Cut Fabric

    • Measure chair width and depth, add them together, and add 2 inches for the chair width of your cover. Measure from the chair seat to the top of the chair back, add half the depth plus one inch for seam allowances.
    • Cut two pieces of fabric for each side of the cover (four pieces total) based on your measurements.
    Cut the fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric for each side of the cover (four pieces total) based on your measurements.
    Measure and Cut Fabric

  2. Create First Cover

    • Sew the top seam with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, press the seam open.
    • Sew the side seams with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, press the seams open.
    • Align the top and side seams, sew perpendicularly across the corner to create the chair shape. Measure and mark the depth of your chair back before sewing to ensure accuracy.
    Box the corners: Align the top and side seams, sew perpendicularly across the corner to create the chair shape. Measure and mark the depth of your chair back before sewing to ensure accuracy.Box the corners: Align the top and side seams, sew perpendicularly across the corner to create the chair shape. Measure and mark the depth of your chair back before sewing to ensure accuracy.Box the corners: Align the top and side seams, sew perpendicularly across the corner to create the chair shape. Measure and mark the depth of your chair back before sewing to ensure accuracy.
    Create First Cover

  3. Create Second Cover

    • Repeat steps 3-5 for the second cover.
    Sew the second cover: Repeat steps 3-5 for the second cover.
    Create Second Cover

  4. Combine and Finish Covers

    • Place the two covers right sides together, pin the bottom edge, and sew 3/4 of the way around, leaving a 7-10 inch turning opening.
    • Turn the cover right side out, close the turning opening by hand stitching or top stitching.

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Tips

  • Choose light to midweight fabrics so they drape well and don't add bulk.
  • Fabric doesn't need to coordinate, as long as it doesn't show through.
  • Use pins to mark locations for sewing for accuracy.
  • Add decorative elements like ties, piecing, or ruffles after the basic cover is sewn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Fabric Measurement

Reason: Using fabric that's too small or too large leads to ill-fitting covers that look sloppy and may not stay in place.
Solution: Accurately measure your dining chairs and add extra fabric for seams and ease.

2. Ignoring Fabric Type

Reason: Choosing the wrong type of fabric can result in covers that are difficult to sew, shrink in the wash, or lack durability.
Solution: Select a sturdy, easy-to-sew fabric like cotton canvas or linen that is pre-washed to prevent shrinking.

FAQs

What type of fabric is best for reversible chair covers?
Medium-weight fabrics like cotton canvas, linen, or even durable upholstery fabrics work well. Avoid anything too thin or delicate, as they might tear easily. Consider the drape and desired level of formality when selecting your fabric.