DIY Recliner Cover

Use a measuring tape to measure the body width of the recliner from the floor front at the base of the footrest, over the back, and ending at the floor behind the chair. Increase the measurement by 6 inches, and write it down.

Measure the recliner cushion length from the right side to the left side. Increase the measurement by 2 inches, and write it down.

Measure the recliner arm length, starting at the floor under the arm and ending at the start of the seat cushion. Increase the measurement by 12 inches, and write it down.

Measure the side width of the recliner from the front edge to the rear edge. Increase the measurement by 2 inches, and write it down.

Sketch the recliner measurements on a piece of paper to get an idea of the three pattern pieces, two arm pieces and one rectangle body piece.

Use scissors to cut the pattern pieces out of washable decorator fabric, using the adjusted measurements. Drape the body piece over the recliner so the right side of the fabric faces down. Pin the arm pieces to the body piece at the correct location for the chair, with the right sides of the fabric together.

Sew the arms to the chair body piece with a 1/2-inch seam to create a "T"-shape, using a sewing machine filled with coordinating thread Drape the cover over the recliner so the right side of the fabric faces down.

Pin the right back edge of the arm to the right back edge of the body. Repeat on the left side of the cover. Sew the edges together with a 1/2-inch seam.

Hem the open front edges by turning 1/4 inch of the fabric to the wrong side and pressing it with an iron to hold in place. Turn the fabric until another 1/4 inch and press with an iron. Sew the hem close to the inside turned edge.

Turn under 1/4 inch on the lower edge of the cover and press with an iron to hold in place. Turn the edge under another 1/4 inch, and press with an iron. Sew close to the inside turn edge to secure the bottom hem.

Drape the slipcover over the recliner so the arms line up and the front edges fall at the sides of the footrest. Tuck excess fabric into edges of the seat cushion.