Crafting Wedding Bliss: Diy Chair Covers

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but making chair covers for the occasion needn't be. Whether you're looking to cover up unsightly chairs or simply want to add a touch of colour and texture, making your own chair covers is a great option. It's an affordable way to add a personal touch to your wedding and ensure the chairs match your theme. You can use a variety of materials and colours to create the perfect look, and it's a simple process that can be done in less than 30 minutes per chair. All you need is fabric, tulle or ribbon, and some basic sewing skills. So, if you're feeling crafty, read on for a step-by-step guide to making your own wedding chair covers.

Measure the chair

Before you start making your chair covers, you'll need to carefully measure the chairs they are meant to cover. This will ensure that you get the best fit and know how much material you need.

First, measure the width of the chair. Start at the leg base and measure from left to right to the widest point. If the arms are the widest point, start your measurement there instead.

Next, measure the depth of the chair. This is the distance from the back to the front of the chair. Start at the top or bottom of the chair back if the furniture has a curvature design.

Then, measure the height of the chair. Do this by measuring from the ground to the top of the chair. It is recommended that you make the cover 1-2 inches shorter than the chair for breathability.

Now, measure the width of the chair again, from left to right, starting at the leg base or arms (whichever is the widest point).

After that, measure the depth of the chair again. Measure from the back to the front of the chair, starting at the top or bottom of the chair back if it has a curvature design.

Finally, measure from the ground to the top of the chair.

Round up your dimensions to the nearest inch. If you are in between sizes, or your chair seems larger or bulkier in dimension, round up to the larger measurements.

Choose a material

The material you choose for your chair covers will depend on the type of chair you have and the style you want to achieve. Here are some popular options:

• Polyester is a durable and matte fabric, making it a versatile base for any event. It is suitable for folding, banquet, and lifetime chairs. Polyester chair covers can be dressed up with sashes, bands, or a curly willow chair sash for a sophisticated look.
• Spandex is made with lycra spandex and provides a sleek and contemporary fit. It is available for banquet and folding chairs. Spandex chair covers come in various styles, including cross-back, swag back, ruched, and glitz sequins. They are easy to put on and take off and require minimal laundering.
• Satin is a smooth and glossy fabric that can add a touch of elegance to your chair covers. It is often used for universal self-tie chair covers, which can fit various chair models, including metal folding, banquet, wood folding, and Chiavari chairs.
• Specialty linens, such as sequins, velvet, or vintage veils, can be used to create unique and luxurious chair covers. For example, sequin chair covers offer a glamorous option for banquet, Chiavari, or folding chairs.

When choosing a material, consider the colour and theme of your wedding, as well as the overall ambiance of your venue. You can match your chair covers to your primary wedding colour or any accent or base colours. Additionally, you can add extra decorations, such as chair sashes, bands, or brooches, to enhance the look of your chair covers.

Purchase the material

The type and amount of material you will need for your chair covers depend on the type of chair you want to cover and the style of chair cover you want to make.

First, you will need to measure the chair. Measure the width of the chair and the length, from the front top of the chair to the front legs and from the back top of the chair to the back legs. Total the front and back measurements and add extra to the width to account for securing the material together on the chair.

Next, you will need to decide on the type of material you want to use. Materials such as satin, damask, organza, cotton, muslin, polyester, spandex, and tulle are all popular options for chair covers. The amount of material you need will depend on the number of chairs you are covering and the style of the chair cover. As a general rule, you will need one yard of fabric per chair for the cover, and four yards of tulle or ribbon per chair for decoration.

Once you have measured your chairs and decided on the type and amount of material you need, you can purchase the material from a craft store or fabric supplier. It is recommended to purchase a little extra material to allow for any mistakes or last-minute changes.

If you are covering a large number of chairs, it may be more cost-effective to purchase the material in bulk. You can also look for pre-made chair covers that can be purchased online or from specialty rental companies. These typically come in sets of 12, 24, 50, or 100 and can be more affordable than making your own, especially if you need a large number of covers.

Cut the material to size

To make chair covers for weddings, you will need to cut the material to size. This is best done by taking the measurements of the chair with a tape measure to estimate the quantity of the material you will need for the cover. Measure the width of the chair and the length, from the front top of the chair to the front legs and from the back top of the chair to the back legs. Total the front and back measurements and add three inches extra to the width to account for securing the material together on the chair.

For each chair, cut out two pieces of fabric, adding one inch to the width and height to account for seams when sewing.

If you are making multiple chair covers, it is important to measure each chair as they may differ in size.

Sew the material

Now that you have your measurements and fabric of choice, it's time to sew your chair covers. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Cut out two pieces of fabric for each chair cover, adding a little extra width and height to account for seams. For example, if your chair back is 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall, cut your fabric to be 19 inches wide and 25 inches tall. This will give you some breathing room when sewing and ensure a proper fit.
• Place the two pieces of fabric together, with the right sides facing each other. This is important, as you'll be sewing inside out and then flipping the cover right side out later.
• Sew a seam along the top and two sides of the fabric pieces. Use a sewing machine or hand stitch with a needle and thread, ensuring your stitches are neat and secure. A standard seam allowance of 1/2 inch should be sufficient.
• Turn the cover right side out. You now have a pouch-like structure with one open end.
• Fold and sew the bottom edge. Fold the raw edge of the fabric up by about half an inch and sew it down. This will create a neat finish and prevent the fabric from fraying.
• Slide the cover over the back of the chair. It should fit snugly, with the seams hidden from view.
• Secure the cover in place. You can use safety pins or hand stitch the sides together at the back of the chair. This will ensure the cover stays in place during your event.
• Add a sash or tulle for extra flair. Cut a long strip of tulle or fabric, such as satin or organza, to create a sash. Drape it over the chair back and tie it in a knot or bow at the back. You can also add a flower or other decorative accents for a more elegant touch.

Remember to choose a fabric that complements your wedding theme and colours. Satin, damask, organza, cotton, and muslin are all popular choices for chair covers. You can also opt for self-tie chair covers, which are easy to put on and adjust.

Frequently asked questions