How to Make a Tailored Slipcover for an Armed Chair

Create a pattern for the seat cushion and arms. Remove the seat cushion from the chair and use newspaper to make a pattern of the cushion top, the strip between the top and bottom and the arm end caps, adding 1 inch to each edge for seam allowances.

Measure the chair. To create the pieces for the body of the chair you will need to take eight measurements to create four pieces. For the back piece measure the height of the chair from just above the legs to the top and the width from side to side. Measure the seat back from the base the cushion sits on to the top of the chair and from side to side. The pattern for the seat and front will be in the shape of an inverted T. Measure the length and width of the seat for the bottom of the T. Measure the height and width of the front of the chair for the crossbar of the T. For the side arm piece measure from the bottom of chair above the legs up and over the arm to the seat base for the height and from the back side of the chair to front side for the width. Add 1 inch to all measurements for seams.

Cut the slipcover pieces. Using the measurements from Step 2, cut one back piece, seat back, seat and front piece. Cut two side arm pieces and label each piece on the wrong side of the fabric with dressmaker's chalk. Using the patterns from Step 1, cut two cushion pieces, two arm end cap pieces and one connecting strip.

Construct the seat cover. With the right side of the fabric against the chair, pin the back piece to the seat back piece at the sides and top. Pin the T-shaped seat and front piece to the seat back piece. Pin the two side arm pieces to the seat and front piece and to the seat back piece where they meet over the arm. Sew in 1-inch seams and replace the cover on the chair. Pin the arm caps to the slipcover, connecting the side arm piece to the seat and front piece. Sew the arm cap seam and return the slipcover to the chair. Adjust seams where necessary for a tight fit. Serge or zigzag stitch all seams. Trim and clip the corners.

Attach the slipcover to the chair. Turn the slipcover right side out and slip over the chair. Starting at the front, pull the cover under the chair and staple securely to the wood frame. Fold the cover for a neat finish over the legs.

Construct the seat cushion. Sew the ends of the connecting strip together in a 1-inch seam. Sew the cushion top, the front, sides and 1 inch on each side of the bottom cushion to the connecting strip. Insert the seat cushion and slip stitch the opening closed.