How to Cover a Chair Seat for the First Time

Assess how the chair seat is attached. If the seat is a drop seat and it can be removed from the chair with a screwdriver or by simply turning upside down, remove it now. Otherwise, you will be able to upholster directly to the frame of the chair.

Position a piece of 2-inch upholstery foam over the seat of the chair. Trace out the shape of the seat with a marker. Cut around your traced lines with a manual or electric utility knife. Smooth around the edges with sandpaper if desired.

Spray a layer of adhesive on the chair seat, then place your upholstery foam over it. Allow the glue to dry slightly to set the foam in place. Spray another layer of adhesive over the top of the foam and cover with cotton batting. Smooth out any wrinkles to create an even layer. Staple the batting to the underside of the seat or chair's frame.

Create a pattern for your upholstery fabric. Position a piece of muslin cloth over the chair seat. Trace out the shape you need with a pencil or marker. Fold the piece of fabric in half vertically and check for symmetry. Add two inches to each side of the traced lines and cut out your pattern.

Lay the muslin cloth over your new upholstery fabric, print-side up. Trace around your pattern. Cut out your new material and position in place over the chair seat. Pulling taut, attach the fabric to the underside of the seat with a staple gun. Trim off excess around the stapled edges.

Reattach the seat to the chair if needed.