How to Sew a Living Room Chair Cover

Fit the Fabric to the Main Chair

• 1

  Lay the fabric length across the inside of the back of the chair.

• 2

  Fold the fabric in half lengthwise.

• 3

  Lay it down on the back of the chair. Move the cushion out of the way so it may fall on the seat deck.

• 4

  Pull the fabric back, allowing the edge to extend 2 inches past the top back edge of the chair.

• 5

  Place the fabric down along the inside of the back of the chair, along the seat deck and down the front edge.

• 6

  Make a mark 6 inches from the floor.

• 7

  Add 12 inches and mark.

• 8

  Cut at this mark.

Fit the Fabric to the Arms

• 9

  Lay a piece of folded fabric across the arm. Allow one edge to lap onto the seat deck.

• 10

  Extend the other edge 2 inches past the outside top edge of the arm.

• 11

  Mark where the arm meets the deck.

• 12

  Add 5 inches and mark.

• 13

  Cut at this mark. Repeat for the other arm.

Fit the Fabric to the Outside Back

• 14

  Place the fabric edge 2 inches above the top of the chair.

• 15

  Be sure to follow the curve of the chair.

• 16

  Measure 6 inches from the floor.

• 17

  Mark at this measurement.

• 18

  Cut at this mark.

Pin in Position

• 19

  Pin the first panel to the top back panel of the chair. Edges should extend 1 inch beyond the chair. At the front edges of the chair, pin a 1-inch double fold.

• 20

  Split the center of the fold (you only cut through one layer). This becomes your 1-inch seam allowance for the two pieces.

• 21

  At the center top of the chair, smooth the fabric toward the deck of the chair. Pin seams. Shape around the arms, clipping as needed.

• 22

  Allow the fabric to extend into the deck for 5 inches and at the arms 3 inches.

• 23

  Fit the outside back from the center top and work outward, pinning as you go.

  Fit the arms. Ease fabric around curves.

Cover the Cushion

• 24

  Measure the top of the cushion and add a 1-inch seam allowance. Cut two pieces of fabric this size. This is the top and bottom fabric.

• 25

  Measure the depth of the cushion and add a 1-inch seam allowance. Cut four bands this wide and as long as each side of the cushion plus 1 inch.

• 26

  Pin bands to the sides of the cushion top and bottom fabric.

Sewing

• 27

  Sew all pieces together at their pinned lines.

• 28

  Insert bias or welting as usual and sew where you wish them to be in the finished cover.

• 29

  Work one section at a time.

• 30

  Sew cording around the arm plate.