People have different preferences about whether or not to use chair covers. The cover is more comfortable to sit on and protects the chair from damage. However, it is quite difficult to clean. Some apartments are too cold in winter, so people are forced to spend money on warm covers for all the chairs and sometimes even sofas. But the service life of the furniture increases. The ideal option would be a handmade product, but not an expensive one from a store, but made with your own hands. This craft will become an important part of the decor. You need to learn how to measure chairs correctly and become a little more familiar with execution styles. Many step-by-step master classes on creating these products have been invented. You can also buy chairs with upholstery or ready-made covers, but the latter are difficult to find, and easy-to-clean separate models are even rarer. Capes are bought mainly for the kitchen.
Purpose of chair covers
This product performs several functions simultaneously.
The covers protect the chairs from dirt and premature wear of the upholstery and paintwork.
Chairs equipped with covers are much more convenient to use.
In public places, the use of chair covers creates an appropriate atmosphere and makes it easier to maintain cleanliness.
Covers serve as an excellent addition to the interior and can extend the life of old chairs.
In a home environment, covers made from durable material will help protect chairs from scratches and dirt, transform the interior of the room, and give old but beloved chairs a new life.
In restaurants and cafes, covers add a special solemnity to the atmosphere.
In offices, hospitals and other public places, covers protect chairs from wear and tear.
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Choosing fabric
When choosing fabric, you need to start from the purpose of the cover: everyday or festive. For the first option, it is advisable to sew capes from durable, easy-to-clean or waterproof materials, while taking into account the abrasion of the threads.
And for celebrations, you can look for removable furniture accessories made of shiny fabrics.
Cotton
The fabric is a budget option. The material quickly fades due to frequent washing and bright light. However, it is hypoallergenic, easy to wash and ideal for covers on children's or kitchen chairs.
Silk
The fabric is best suited for decorating a formal setting. Intricately cut slipcovers can decorate the furniture in the dining area for a festive lunch or dinner.
Biflex
The material is both dense and elastic, stretches well in any direction. Supplex does not wrinkle, is easy to wash and dries quickly. This is a universal option for office chair covers.
Flock and microfiber
Fleecy fabrics are pleasant to the touch, look like suede, are practical, and at the same time they are much cheaper. Excellent performance qualities allow us to sew European covers for high chairs in the dining room and kitchen.
Caring for fabrics is simple - stains can be removed with detergents.
Organza
The refined and airy fabric holds its shape well. Organza covers are an ideal option for decorating furniture at any special event. Transparent capes do not wrinkle. It is easy to create a product with curvy shapes or with original folds.
Spandex
The stretchy fabric is sold at affordable prices and is great for chairs in any room. Ideal for decorating furniture in banquet halls.
Gabardine
The fabric is quite thin, but elastic. Since the composition of the fabric can be different (cotton, wool, silk), it can be used to sew kitchen covers or elegant capes for living room furniture.
Scope of application
Most often, chair covers can be seen in home environments. They are especially in demand in the kitchen or children's room.
In office premises, medical and educational institutions, the use of covers is also justified.
Luxurious covers decorate furniture in the offices of high-ranking officials and very wealthy people. Such products are very expensive and are a kind of indicator of the status of the owner.
Creating a unique case requires craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and the imagination of a talented craftsman.
You can try your hand at creating a stylish interior addition at home.
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Choosing fabric for sewing
Sewing can be done from a variety of materials. It all depends on the final purpose of the cover. For daily use you need a practical and inexpensive fabric, and for the holidays you need a beautiful and elegant one.
In addition, they take into account the room in which the chairs are located, its purpose and its own interior.
Important! For everyday use, you should choose a wear-resistant material that can be removed and washed or knocked out at any time. One of the criteria is also the absence of electrification and absorption of contaminants. Some of the best fabrics for sewing are considered to be cotton, microfiber, linen or silk.
Cotton fabrics
Among them, the priority is satin, calico, denim or twill. Their key advantage is that they hold their shape well, do not cause allergies in sensitive people and are machine washable. Cotton fabrics are inexpensive and come in a variety of shades, colors and patterns.
They also have disadvantages : rapid fading and getting wet.
Linen fabrics
These include matting, linen itself and canvas. They are environmentally friendly, highly durable, dirt-repellent and can be subjected to intensive machine washing and intensive use.
Also, linen does not absorb dirt well, it is hypoallergenic and easy to care for.
Rough, minimally processed linen fabrics are ideal for everyday slipcovering. The disadvantages are: difficulty in cleaning and ironing, rough texture. Linen covers are suitable for everyday use in country or ethnic style rooms.
Flock and microfiber
These materials are new generation materials. Their main advantages were:
- Wear resistance;
- Attractiveness;
- No creasing;
- No deformation when washing.
Important! Despite this, microfiber and flock cannot be subjected to heat treatment: dry on a radiator and iron. This is not necessary if there is no creasing.
Silk
Silk fabrics include: brocade, satin, crepe-satin. Their advantages are that they are durable, noble and resilient. Silk fabrics make it possible to create spectacular folds and draperies. There are also disadvantages: high price, demanding care and washing, careful ironing.
Such canvases are suitable for creating holiday covers in classical and neoclassical, Indian and Arabic styles.
The first stage of making chair covers
Before you sew chair covers with your own hands, it is important to choose the product model wisely.
Chair covers are a prominent part of the room's design, so they should be in harmony with the rest of the home furnishings in style and color scheme.
Features of the cut
There are several varieties of cut shapes for chair covers. Three are suitable for the kitchen:
- For permanent, daily use products, tight-fitting covers are best suited. They fit as tightly as possible to the back of the chair and to its seat, so tightly that removing the cape can be quite difficult. This cut protects the soft parts of the piece of furniture well and covers small parts of the frame, starting from the back and ending with the legs.
- A loose cut allows you to quickly transform furniture. As a rule, this type of tailoring is used to create ceremonial holiday capes, which is why expensive fabrics are used to make them.
- Drapery covers are designed to cover unsightly parts of the chair or add comfort during their use. So, for example, if the seat upholstery of a chair is damaged, it can be covered with a cape with lower drapery. If you add foam rubber to the upper part, sitting on the stool will become softer.
Selection of material
Having decided on the product model, it is very important to choose the appropriate material to bring your idea to life.
The fabric for sewing covers must be dense and abrasion-resistant.
Calculations and measurements
Before you start sewing covers for kitchen chairs, stools for a children's room or any other furniture, you need to take measurements of the furniture and prepare patterns.
Sewing covers follows a general pattern, regardless of the furniture model:
- Take measurements. It is important to measure all the parameters of the backrest, seat, and recesses. It is important to pay attention to the legs. On some chairs they sometimes widen or narrow towards the bottom. It is required to write down all dimensions exactly to the millimeter.
- Draw up a drawing on tracing paper based on the measurements obtained and cut it out.
- Apply the stencil to the seat and back. Check whether the entire surface will be covered with this scheme and whether there is room left for a seam.
- Transfer the pattern to the canvas, cut it out, leaving 2 cm from the edges for seams.
- Next, all that remains is to sew on the sewing machine along the intended lines and overlay the seams.
Covers for different rooms
The most durable covers are required for chairs in the kitchen. They are more susceptible to moisture, high temperatures, dirt and abrasion.
For the living room, you should choose stylish products that harmonize with the interior of the room.
Chair covers for a child's room should be fun and easy to wash.
For organizations and institutions, the best option would be durable products in non-marking colors.
Sewing a chair cover
To sew furniture covers, you will definitely need a sewing machine. Considering the density of the material, it is necessary to select a sufficiently thick thread and needles of the appropriate number.
Patterns for chair covers are drawn with your own hands based on accurate measurements of all overall dimensions of the chair.
You will need to make a drawing of the chair and all its parts. The paper elements of the pattern can be “tried on” to the chair for clarification.
Making a pattern is quite a complex job that requires some experience. The final result directly depends on how correctly the parts of the pattern are drawn.
The outlines of the parts are applied to the material with a piece of soap or chalk. It is not recommended to use a marker or ballpoint pen. Traces from them will not be washed off subsequently.
The fabric is cut along the contour taking into account seam allowances.
The parts are connected using smooth machine stitching. The work should be done very carefully.
The most difficult part of the job will be making a cover that completely covers the entire chair. When cutting such a product, it is very important to correctly take all measurements and make an accurate pattern.
How to take measurements from a chair correctly
As in most cases, the first measurement is taken along the longest side - the height of the chair. If necessary, the length of the cover can be adjusted. After this, the height from the floor to the seat is measured. If the base of the chair is solid, without legs, then the sides are measured, and if with legs, then the distances between them, taking into account their own thickness.
Measurements should be taken at the widest point, usually near the floor.
Many people make the mistake of measuring the backrest in width and height between the frame - you need to find out the full parameters. You need to measure the seat in a different way. If it is raised relative to the level of the frame, then the readings are taken along the boundaries of the seat. And if at the same height, then along the edges of the entire structure, but if you need to sew a cape only on the seat, then it is better to measure only the soft part.
A seat of this size will be enough for comfortable sitting.
Simple chair cover
For beginning craftsmen, it is recommended to start working with the simplest models to perform.
For example, the cover may not completely stretch over the back of the chair, but partially cover it and the seat.
For fastening, the product is supplemented with ribbons, braid or other fastening parts.
It is easier to make a rectangular cover pattern. And the sewing technique for this model will be much simpler.
When making such a model, it is important to think through the elements that will help secure the cover to the chair for ease of use.
Trying on and sewing tips
When the drawings have already been prepared, all that remains is to make the layout and find out the material consumption. When sewing chair covers, an optical illusion occurs, as if only a little fabric is needed. Seams and decorative elements (ruffles, folds) “require” an additional amount of material and forethought from the craftsman.
Beginners will need an “experimental” case.
The pattern is placed on a perfectly flat surface. Dimensions are double-checked vertically and horizontally. Allowances are made along the edges. After eliminating all the shortcomings, shapes are cut out of the fabric with scissors. Trying is carried out several times. Based on its results, adjustments are made. If necessary, the workpiece is ripped apart, and again you will need to create a “test” cape.
The product should take on its final form after it exactly matches the contours of the chair.
The cut is sewn on a sewing machine. It must be borne in mind that the parts must be placed in the direction of the grain thread. Straight covers will fit better if their seams are equipped with zippers.
Using a ready-made pattern, you can practice and make patterns, fitting and sewing a cover for a certain type of chair.
Kitchen chair cover
For kitchen chairs, a cover is often sewn that covers only the seat. In order to sew a cover for a chair seat with your own hands, you also need to take measurements and draw a pattern.
Measure the size of the seat. The pattern will be rectangular in shape.
The fabric is cut with allowance for seams.
What style can it be used in?
To update the interior with a chair cover, you will need little, namely 1.5-2 meters of fabric. If the owner of the house does not know how to sew herself, she will have to seek help from an atelier. In any case, it will be clearly cheaper in terms of money than replacing the chairs completely with new ones. In addition, with the help of a new cape, if desired, you can emphasize the style in the interior.
Bright pink chair cover
If we talk about the material for sewing the cover, then cotton fabric will look great against the backdrop of rustic Provence or country styles. English country prefers covers with stripes or buttons. For eco-style, covers made from fabrics with coarse bast fibers are suitable. A burlap cape decorated with a sunflower looks very original. And to give your apartment design a modern touch, denim or denim fabric is the best choice. This canvas combines wonderfully with wood.
Black and white chair cover
For a classic interior, you will need more formal capes. They will add the missing aristocracy to the style. To sew covers of such an exquisite design direction, choose fabrics only in calm and noble tones. But believe me, discreet and at the same time luxurious red capes will look no less impressive in a classic interior design.
Satin purple chair cover
Advice for housewives! To sew a cover, choose only thick and strong fabric that can withstand constant physical activity and washing. This is especially true for chairs that are located in the kitchen and living room.
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Operating procedure
- First of all, you need to sew a soft base to the wrong side of the part with stitches, if it is provided for by the model.
- Then the main part of the product and its lining are folded “face” inward, aligned along the edge and machine stitched on three sides.
- The product must be turned inside out and ironed.
- Sew up the remaining edge.
- A braid is sewn along the edges to secure the cover.
The work is finished.
Chair back cover
If desired, sew a cover for the back of the chair separately with your own hands.
Work begins by measuring the dimensions of the back of the chair: height, width.
Taking these measurements into account, a pattern is drawn. The simplest version of the pattern will have the shape of a rectangle.
When taking measurements, you need to take into account the width of the side of the back.
Drawing and transferring the pattern to fabric
The paper is applied to the seat of the chair, secured with tailor's needles and traced around the edges. Make a reserve of about one and a half centimeters for allowance. Next, the part is cut out.
The pattern from the back is done in the same way.
Then a rectangle is drawn on the sheet, corresponding to the length of the legs and the width of the seat at the front of the “skirt”, and 10 cm of the pattern on the side, 5 cm at the bottom and 1.5 cm allowance for the top seam are added to it. The sides are drawn in a similar way. 15 cm is added to the edge next to the outer part of the back. A long, wide sheet is applied to the outer part.
- In the drawing of the back legs of the chair, 5 cm is added at the bottom and 1.5 cm for the allowance.
Patterns are smoothed out because any unevenness will interfere with sewing. Next, the drawing is transferred to the material, taking into account the position of the shared thread. You can draw on fabric with a pencil, a bar of soap or chalk. The pattern is made in two samples.
Operating procedure
- When cutting, be sure to leave seam allowances.
- The parts are placed right sides down and a machine seam is made on three sides of the workpiece.
- The product can be turned out, ironed and placed on the back of a chair.
The work is finished.
With your own hands, you can sew an original and comfortable chair cover, which, in addition to household functions, will serve as an excellent interior decoration.
Options that are easy to use
Let's look at all the options that you can easily do with your own hands. All the nuances and step-by-step implementation are below.
We sew a cover for a chair with a back
After we have measured the height of the back, legs, and width of the chair, we make a pattern of three elements: rectangles covering the sides and the back with the seat. Don't forget to add a couple of centimeters to the seams.
- Transfer the pattern to the fabric. Since we are dealing with rectangular parts, you can use a ruler for greater accuracy.
- Carefully cut out all the details, taking into account the shared thread.
- First of all, we sew the side edges.
- Then we move on to the side and bottom sections of the back of the back. They should be folded and then stitched.
- Sew the side parts to the seat.
- We tuck and stitch the sections of the side and front parts of the product.
- Ready-made covers can be decorated with a bow or other decor on the back of the chair.
Are you sewing for the first time and doubt your abilities? Try making a test piece first from inexpensive fabric, or at least basting it by hand.
We sew a simple seat
The easiest option, which is suitable even for beginners, is a regular stool seat. It's fairly quick to sew.
- We make a template from cardboard or other material according to the shape of the stool seat;
- using the resulting pattern, we cut out three parts of the same shape and size from the fabric (for the front, back side + padding polyester);
- We place the padding polyester between two pieces of fabric and secure it with pins;
- to quilt the future seat, you need to sew even lines parallel to each other;
- we baste the pre-prepared bias tape for edging, leaving the ends as future ties;
- We carefully fold the ties in half and stitch them on a typewriter;
- We sew bias tape on the sides of the product using a machine.
If you plan to sew several identical covers at once, you should cut them all at once. This will save fabric.
Elastic cover for a round stool
Such an accessory can be sewn even from a small piece of fabric.
- First, as usual, we make a pattern. In order not to bother with measuring instruments when calculating the diameter, you can simply attach a sheet of cardboard or newspaper to the surface of the stool, then cut it along the contour.
- We transfer the drawing to a new sheet of paper, adding a few centimeters along the contour.
- Based on the resulting template, we cut out the piece from the fabric.
- We put an elastic band on the edge of the fabric, fold the fabric, and stitch it.
- Our cover is ready - all that remains is to put it on the stool.
- To add softness, you can sew foam rubber or padding polyester into the seat.
Crochet chair covers
A knitted cover can be an interesting option for decorating a room. Crocheting will take more time than sewing a simple pattern, but the result will be a special and original item.
Crocheted furniture will look especially cozy in winter, as it creates an atmosphere of comfort and warmth.
Most often, round or square models are crocheted for seating stools. Let's look at an example of knitting a simple round cover:
- We make the upper part from rows of lush columns, separated by short chains of air loops.
- We make the hem by knitting several rows in stitches without adding. This way they will form an even side (for greater stability we make the side higher).
- In the last row we knit air loops - at the end you can insert a fixing elastic band or cord into them to secure the product to the stool.
Using various knitting patterns, you can knit absolutely any model with your own hands. For example, the so-called flower cover or models crocheted from motifs (they can also be decorated with crocheted flower appliqués).
There is no need to be shy in choosing bright, rich colors. Multi-colored knitting threads can add originality and enliven the interior.
Cover made from an old sweater
If knitting is not your thing, but the beauty and comfort of knitted covers haunt you, try making them from an old sweater. Any item of the desired size and color, knitted with knitting needles, large or medium knit, is suitable for this.
The edges of the sweater must be carefully processed so that the resulting item does not unravel in the future.
Depending on the size of the sweater, you can sew a cape only on the seat or on the back, or you can get a whole accessory, for example, by using several old products.
Large volumetric patterns in delicate bed colors look especially atmospheric.
Knitted items can stretch, so it is better to make them 1-2 cm smaller in width or diameter.
You can also sew models not only from knitwear, but also from other old things in good condition. For example, from jeans or coats that have become too small. The main thing is that the style of the resulting product matches the interior of the room.
On a children's chair
Chair covers in a children's room are more relevant than anywhere else. Bright, elegant fabrics can decorate the interior of a nursery and interest little fidgets. In addition, they are indispensable in protecting furniture from dirty handprints, spilled drinks or traces of children's creativity.
When sewing such accessories for the nursery, you can give free rein to your imagination: images of cartoon characters, funny animals, flowers, cars, princesses - everything that the child will be incredibly happy about.
The product is sewn according to a standard pattern, as for a regular stool. All measurements are taken in advance. Very often, for children's furniture, capes are sewn only on the back: two rectangular pieces are cut out and sewn in three places. At the end, you can apply a design or decorate it with fabric, sew on “bunny ears” or, for example, design it in the shape of a snowman.
On the inside, so that the cover does not slip, you can sew decorative laces that will be tied behind the legs of the stool. You can also use buttons, ribbons or elastic.
Photos of DIY chair covers
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