How to Figure the Yards of Material Needed to Cover a Chair

While the quickest way to extend the life of a battered, but still comfortable upholstered chair is to make a slipcover, sometimes it is preferable to reupholster. More work is involved, but it will take less material than a slipcover, which is made to slide over the old upholstery. Since upholstery fabrics are usually more expensive than the material used for slipcovers, and the time and effort involved are more extensive, it pays to measure carefully to find the amount of yardage needed for your upholstery project.

Seam ripper
Upholstery hammer or tack remover
Scissors
Roll of butcher paper
Marker
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the old pieces of upholstery from the chair, disassembling each section carefully. You may need to remove tacks with a hammer or tack remover and open seams with a seam ripper.
- 2
  Lay each section of the chair upholstery on a large sheet of paper. A roll of butcher paper works well for this. Draw carefully around each section, creating a pattern piece. Be sure to allow for seam allowances and the extra needed for cording. Carefully cut out the paper pieces.
- 3
  Create a model of your proposed yardage by marking a space on the floor or a large table, or create “yardage” with butcher paper. Upholstery material varies from 36 to 60 inches wide, so you need to have an idea of the width of upholstery fabric you plan to purchase.
- 4
  Fit your pattern pieces onto the model yardage. Fit them as efficiently as possible, but remember to allow extra for matching patterns, especially if you plan to purchase fabric with a large design or plaid. Also, arrange your pattern pieces so they will be on the straight grain of the fabric. Add for any additional needs, such as covers for the arms and headrest.
- 5
  Measure the length of your mock paper “yardage” once all the pieces are arranged. This will be the amount you need to purchase.

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