How to Cover Patio Furniture in Fabric

Measure the length of the patio chair, from the floor in front and over the seat and back to the floor behind the chair. Measure the patio chair width from the edge of the right armrest to the edge of the left armrest.

Measure the side length of the patio chair, starting at the floor below the right arm and over the arm to the start of the chair seat. Measure the side width of the patio chair, from the front arm edge to the rear to the farthest rear point.

Increase the patio chair body length and width measurement by 2 inches for seam allowances. Sketch the measurements on a piece of paper to draft a visual pattern for sewing the cover.

Cut the patio chair cover using to sketch and measurements. There will be three pieces; one body piece and two arm pieces.

Drape the body cover piece over the chair and pin the arm pieces in the appropriate place so right sides are together. Remove the cover and sew the arm to the body with a 1/2-inch seam to create a "T" cover shape.

Drape the cover onto the patio chair with the right side facing down. Pin the chair back and front side seams on each side, marking the seam length for the best fit. Remove the cover from the patio chair and sew all four seams using the marked length.

Turn under 1/4 inch of fabric around the bottom edge and pin or iron to hold in place. Turn under another 1/4 inch to complete the hem. Secure the bottom hem by sewing close to the inside fold.