Creating Wedding Chair Slipcovers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating chair slipcovers for weddings is a fun and budget-friendly way to refresh the look of your wedding chairs without having to purchase new ones. It's a simple DIY project that can be done by measuring your chairs, choosing the right fabric, cutting and sewing the fabric pieces together, and adding your personal style with closures like zippers, buttons, or ties. Whether you're covering stained upholstery or wanting to protect nice chairs, making your own slipcovers is a practical and creative solution.

Choosing the right fabric

Washability

It is recommended to choose a washable fabric for your chair slipcovers. Pre-washing the fabric is crucial if you plan to wash the slipcovers in the future. This helps to remove any potential shrinkage or colour bleeding issues.

Durability

Consider the durability of the fabric, especially if the slipcovers will be used in a high-traffic area or are likely to endure wear and tear. Upholstery fabric, cotton twill, and denim are excellent choices for their durability and ability to withstand frequent use.

Fabric Pattern and Design

The pattern and design of the fabric can significantly impact the overall look of the chair slipcovers. If you choose a fabric with a large pattern or repeat, you may need to purchase extra fabric to ensure the pattern lines up correctly. Additionally, consider the colour and style of the fabric to complement the wedding theme or venue décor.

Fabric Grain

Pay attention to the grain of the fabric to keep it as straight as possible during the cutting and sewing process. This is important for achieving clean lines and ensuring the slipcover hangs correctly on the chair.

Closure Type

You can add your personal touch or style to the slipcovers by choosing a specific closure type. Options include zippers, velcro, ties, or buttons. Consider the level of convenience and aesthetics when selecting the closure type.

Fabric Weight

The weight of the fabric is an important consideration, especially if you plan to wash the slipcovers frequently. A heavier fabric, such as 12 oz cotton twill or denim, will provide more durability, while a 10 oz fabric can also offer a good balance between weight and ease of use.

Measuring the chairs

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools, including a measuring tape, pencil or chalk, and paper for recording measurements. It is also helpful to have a fabric of choice in mind so you can consider any patterns or repeats in the design.

Start by measuring the width and height of the chair, marking the widest spot for each section. For the back and arms, the top of the cut is often the widest point, but pay attention to the specific shape of your chair. For example, on some chairs, the lower front of the outside arm may extend farther than the top. Ensure you take accurate measurements of both the height and width of each section.

Next, measure the length of the chair. Start from the bottom of the back of the chair and measure all the way up and around to the front. Then, measure the length of each side, including any "L" pieces if your chair has them. If your chair has a pattern or a repeat in the fabric, you may need to buy extra fabric to ensure the pattern lines up correctly.

After taking these measurements, you will need to plan how to fit all the pieces onto your fabric. Consider the direction of any patterns and try to match up the lines as much as possible. Allow for a couple of extra inches at the bottom of the chair for hemming, and don't forget to leave seam allowances around each edge of your fabric pieces.

Once you have your measurements, it is a good idea to create a simple pattern. Transfer your measurements onto the back of the fabric with pencil or chalk, marking out where each piece will be cut. This will ensure you don't cut your fabric incorrectly.

Finally, before cutting, double-check all your measurements. As the saying goes, "measure twice, cut once!" Accurate measurements will save you time and money by avoiding the need for re-cuts or additional fabric purchases.

Cutting the fabric

Before you cut the fabric, it's important to measure your chair to get an idea of how much fabric you'll need. Measure from the bottom of the back of the chair, all the way up and around, and down to the front. Then, measure each side. If your fabric has a large pattern, you may need to buy extra fabric to ensure the pattern matches up at the seams.

Once you've measured your chair and chosen your fabric, it's time to create your pattern. This can be done by laying the fabric over the chair and cutting rectangles that are a few inches larger than each section of the chair. Remember to add a seam allowance of around 3/4" to each piece. You may also need to add extra length to the fabric where your chair has deep crevices, so that the final slipcover can be tucked in neatly.

Now it's time to cut out your pieces. When cutting out your pattern, leave about an inch around every edge for the seam allowance. If you're using a cheaper fabric to create a pattern, now is the time to use it to cut your final fabric. If you've been working directly with your finished fabric, stop and trace all of your pieces onto paper before you cut them out.

Tips for Cutting the Fabric:

• Measure twice, cut once! Double-check all your measurements before cutting your fabric.
• If your fabric has a pattern, pay attention to the grain of the fabric to keep it as straight as possible.
• Leave a couple of inches along the bottom of the chair so you can hem the whole piece.
• If you're creating a pattern first, use inexpensive muslin fabric or an old sheet to create your initial pattern.
• Add extra length to your fabric where your chair has deep crevices, so that the final slipcover can be tucked in neatly.

Sewing the slipcover

Now that you've chosen and pre-washed your fabric, created your slipcover pattern, and cut your fabric pieces, it's time to start sewing! This process will vary depending on the style of your chair, but here are some general instructions and tips to guide you through the process.

Start by pinning your fabric pieces together, placing them on your chair to ensure a good fit as you go. Use straight pins to pin the fabric, keeping them as close to the chair as possible for a tight fit, and use plenty of pins (about every couple of inches). You may need to tuck the fabric as you follow the contours of your chair.

Once you're happy with the fit, use a standard sewing machine and a 1/2" seam allowance to start sewing your slipcover pieces together. Sew each piece, then place the slipcover on your chair inside out to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. This may involve taking the slipcover on and off the chair several times, but it will be worth it to achieve a perfect fit. Remember to make notes on any alterations you make to your pattern for future reference.

When you're happy with the fit, finish your seams with a zig-zag or serger (interlock) stitch to prolong the life of your slipcover and prevent fraying, especially if you plan on washing it.

Now, it's time to hem the bottom of your slipcover. Press the fabric under twice at your desired length and stitch the hem in place. If you want to add extra details to your slipcover, you can include piping or top-stitching.

If your chair has a removable cushion, you can create a cushion cover using your original seat cushion as a pattern. Measure the cushion and/or trace it onto your fabric, remembering to add a seam allowance (approximately 3/4"). Create a zipper opening on one side of the cushion cover, then pin and sew the pieces together before turning them right side out and inserting the original foam.

Finally, put your new slipcover on your chair, lining up the seams and tucking any excess fabric into the crevices for a fitted look.

Adding finishing touches

Once you've sewn your slipcover, it's time to add the finishing touches. Here are some ideas to make your chair slipcovers look extra special for a wedding:

Embellishments

Add some embellishments to your slipcovers to give them a unique and elegant look. You could try adding a fun detail like a contrast welt cord, or a skirt to your slipcover. Perhaps add some buttons or choose a special type of closure, such as a zipper or ties, to give your slipcovers a professional finish.

Fabric choice

The fabric you choose can also be a finishing touch. Consider using a heavy-duty upholstery fabric to ensure your slipcovers retain their shape and are durable. You could also opt for a fabric with a subtle pattern, which can be easier to work with and will give your chairs a stylish look.

Piping

Piping can be a great way to finish off your slipcovers and give them a polished look. Simply pin and sew the piping to the sides and top of your chair slipcover, ensuring the raw edges are facing out.

Hemming

Don't forget to hem the bottom of your slipcover. Simply fold the fabric under twice at your desired length and stitch the hem in place. This will give your slipcovers a neat and tidy finish.

Wash

If you've used a water-soluble marker on your slipcovers, be sure to wash them according to the fabric instructions to remove the markings. This will ensure your slipcovers look fresh and clean for the wedding.

With these finishing touches, your chair slipcovers will look elegant and professional, perfect for a wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions