Crafting Ruffled Wedding Chair Covers: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make ruffled chair covers for wedding

Adding ruffled chair covers to your wedding decor can be a stylish way to dress up your wedding chairs and make them more appealing. You can make them yourself by using fabric in your wedding colours, or you can purchase them online. This guide will take you through the steps of making your own ruffled chair covers, as well as provide some inspiration for other ways to decorate your wedding chairs.

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Measure the chair

Before you start making your ruffled chair covers for your wedding, you'll need to carefully measure the chairs they are meant to cover to ensure a good fit. Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring your chairs:

  • Measure the width of the chair from left to right. Start the measurement at the leg base or arms, whichever is the widest point.
  • Measure the depth of the chair, adjacent to the width, from the back to the front. If your chair has a curvature design, start the measurement at the top or bottom of the chair back.
  • Measure the height of the chair from the ground to the top. We recommend making the cover 1-2 inches shorter than the chair for breathability.
  • Note the width and height of the back of the chair from the top to the seat. This measurement will be important when creating the fabric cover.
  • Measure the seat length as the length of the seat cushion between the arms.
  • Measure the seat height from the floor to the top of the seat cushion.
  • For the overall chair length, measure the base from left to right, about 4 inches below the seat cushion.
  • Measure the distance between the arms at their widest point.
  • Measure the side depth at the bottom of the seat cushion level.
  • If your chair has arms, measure the arm depth from the tip of the arm to its back.
  • Measure the arm width at the top and bottom of the arm at the widest points.
  • Measure the arm height from the tip of the arm down to the cushion base.
  • For a skirted chair cover, measure from underneath the seat cushion down to the floor at the centre of the chair.
  • For an accurate back height measurement, remove the seat cushion and measure from the base of the chair to the top.
  • For the back overlay, remove the seat cushion and measure from the seat cushion base, over the back, and down to the floor.

By following these steps, you will have accurate measurements for your wedding chair covers, ensuring a perfect fit for your special day. Now you can proceed to choose your fabric and start creating those beautiful ruffled covers!

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Cut and sew the fabric

To make ruffled chair covers for your wedding, you'll need to start by measuring the chairs. Measure the height and width of the back of each chair, from the top to the seat. This will give you the dimensions you need to cut your fabric to. It is recommended to get fabric that is 1 yard per chair.

For each chair, cut out two pieces of fabric, adding 1 inch to both the width and height to allow for seams when sewing. This extra fabric will ensure that your covers fit snugly around the chairs.

Once you have your fabric pieces cut to size, it's time to sew them together. Place the two pieces of fabric together, with the right sides facing each other. Sew a half-inch seam along the top and two sides of the fabric pieces. This will create the pocket that will slide over the chair back.

After sewing the sides, turn the cover right side out. Fold and iron the bottom edge in half an inch, then sew it down close to the fold. This will create a neat finish and ensure the cover stays securely on the chair.

Now you can slide the cover over the back of the chair. Adjust it so that it hangs evenly on both sides. If you're happy with the fit, you can move on to adding the ruffles or other decorations of your choice.

If you want to add ruffles, you can sew or attach them to the top or bottom edges of the cover. You can also experiment with different types of fabric, textures, and colours to create a unique and elegant look for your wedding chairs.

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Add tulle or ribbon

Once you have measured the chair, cut out your fabric, sewn the pieces together, and turned the cover right side out, you can add tulle or ribbon to your chair covers for a more decorative finish.

You will need 4 yards of tulle or ribbon per chair. Cut the tulle or ribbon to the desired length, which should be long enough to wrap around the chair back and hang almost to the floor. Wrap the tulle or ribbon around the chair back, tying it in a knot at the back of the chair so that the tails fall down gracefully. You can trim the ends of the tulle into points to create a stylish finish. Alternatively, tie the tulle or ribbon into a large bow if you prefer a fuller, more voluminous look.

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Trim the tulle

Once you've cut your tulle to the right length, it's time to trim it. This is an important step to ensure the tulle drapes elegantly over the chair and complements the overall wedding aesthetic.

The first thing to consider is the style of your trim. A popular choice is to cut the tulle into points at the end, creating a stylish finish. This method is simple yet effective, adding a subtle touch of elegance to the chair covers.

If you prefer a more whimsical or romantic look, consider trimming the tulle with soft curves or gentle waves. This style is perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.

For a more unique and contemporary look, you could explore different shapes like scalloped edges or even geometric patterns. Experiment with different shapes to find the one that suits your wedding theme. For example, a scalloped edge can add a touch of sophistication, while a geometric pattern can create a modern and edgy vibe.

When trimming the tulle, it's essential to use sharp fabric scissors to ensure clean cuts and a professional finish. Take your time and cut slowly to achieve precise edges. It's also a good idea to measure and mark the tulle before cutting to ensure symmetry and consistency across all the chair covers.

Remember, the trim is a crucial element in the overall presentation of the chair covers, so it's worth spending time to get it just right. By choosing a style that aligns with your wedding theme and carefully executing the cuts, you'll create a beautiful and cohesive look for your special day.

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Create a bow

Creating a bow for your wedding chair covers can be a simple yet creative task that adds a charming and elegant touch to your wedding decor. Here is a step-by-step guide to making beautiful bows for your wedding chair covers:

Measure and Cut the Fabric:

Start by measuring the size of your chairs to determine the required fabric length. A standard measurement for a chair bow is 14 inches wide by 50 inches long. Cut your chosen fabric accordingly, ensuring you have enough to wrap around the chair and create a bow.

Prepare the Fabric Tube:

Fold the fabric in half, with the right sides together, and sew along the top and one side, creating a tube. Turn the tube right side out and iron it flat. On the remaining open end, fold, press, and sew shut to complete the tube. You can also use fabric glue instead of sewing if you prefer a no-sew method.

Create the Bow:

Take the prepared fabric tube and tie it into a knot, leaving enough fabric on each side to create the bow. Fluff and adjust the fabric to achieve the desired bow shape and size. You can create a simple bow or experiment with more intricate designs, such as a puffy bow or an asymmetrical style.

Attach the Bow to the Chair:

Wrap the bow around the back of the chair, ensuring a snug fit. Position it at the smallest part of the chair back to create a stylish accent. Secure the bow in place using a hot glue gun, or for a more decorative touch, add a stylish brooch or rhinestone buckle.

Embellish the Bow:

To enhance the visual appeal of your chair bows, consider adding embellishments such as faux flower stems, brooches, or rhinestone buckles. These details can be incorporated into the centre of the bow for an extra punch of glamour.

By following these steps, you can create elegant and sophisticated chair bows that complement your wedding theme and colour scheme. Play around with different fabrics, such as silk, satin, organza, or lace, to achieve varying looks, from rustic charm to opulent sophistication.

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Frequently asked questions

You will need 1 yard of fabric per chair.

You will also need tulle or ribbon—4 yards per chair.

Measure the width and height of the back of the chair, from the top to the seat. Add 1 inch to each measurement to allow for seams when sewing.

Lay the two pieces of fabric on top of each other with the right sides together. Sew a half-inch seam along the top and two sides.

Cut a length of tulle or ribbon that wraps around the chair back and hangs almost to the floor. Wrap it around the chair back and tie a knot at the back. Trim the ends of the tulle into points for a stylish finish.

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