Creating Universal Wedding Chair Covers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding chair covers can be made using fabric, tulle, or ribbon. The amount of fabric required depends on the size of the chair, but a good rule of thumb is to allow for 1 yard of fabric per chair, with an extra inch on all sides for seams. Tulle or ribbon should be allowed at 4 yards per chair. Measure the chair, cut the fabric to size, sew along the top and sides, and turn the cover right side out before sliding it over the chair. The tulle or ribbon can then be wrapped around the chair back and tied in a knot, with the ends trimmed to a point for a neat finish.

Measure the chair

Before you start making your universal wedding chair covers, you'll need to carefully measure the chairs they are meant to cover. This will ensure that your covers fit well and look neat. Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring your chairs:

Measure the width of the chair:

• Start by identifying the widest point of the chair, which could be either the leg base or the arms.
• Place your measuring tape at this point and measure from left to right.
• Make sure to begin and end the measurement at the outermost edge for the most accurate result.

Measure the depth of the chair:

• For this step, you will measure the deepest side of the chair, which is adjacent to the width.
• If your chair has a curvature design, start the measurement at the top or bottom of the chair back.
• Measure from the back to the front of the chair.

Measure the height of the chair:

• Simply measure from the ground up to the top of the chair.
• It is recommended to make the cover 1-2 inches shorter than the chair height for breathability.

Re-measure the width and depth:

• Repeat the first two steps by re-measuring the width and depth of the chair.
• This is an important step to ensure you have accurate dimensions for the cover.

Measure the arm depth, width, and height (if applicable):

• If your chair has arms, you will need to take a few extra measurements.
• Measure the arm depth by starting at the tip of the arm and measuring to the back of the arm.
• For arm width, measure the top and bottom of the arm at their widest points.
• To measure arm height, start at the tip of the arm and measure down to the cushion base.

Remember to round up your measurements to the nearest inch, and if your chair seems larger or bulkier, it is advisable to round up to the larger measurements to ensure a good fit. Taking these measurements will provide you with the necessary dimensions to create universal wedding chair covers that fit well and enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding décor.

Cut out two pieces of fabric

To make universal wedding chair covers, you'll need to cut out two pieces of fabric. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Measure Your Chairs

Start by measuring the height of the chair back, from the top to the seat. Then, measure the width of the chair back at its widest point. Next, measure the length of the seat, from front to back, and the width of the seat, from side to side. Finally, measure the distance from the top of the chair back to the seat. These measurements will be used to cut your fabric accordingly.

Step 2: Choose Your Fabric

Select a fabric that is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to launder. Satin, polyester, and spandex are all suitable options, and you can choose the material that best suits your wedding theme and colour scheme. Ensure you purchase enough fabric to cover all the chairs, with some extra for seam allowances and potential errors.

Step 3: Cut the Fabric to Size

Using the measurements from Step 1, cut out two pieces of fabric for each chair cover. The first piece should be the height of the chair back, plus the distance from the top of the chair back to the seat, plus a few inches for seam allowances. The width should be the width of the chair back, plus a few inches for seam allowances.

The second piece will cover the seat, so cut the fabric to the length and width of the seat, plus a few extra inches on all sides for seam allowances. It's better to have a little extra fabric than not enough, as you can always trim it later.

Step 4: Hem the Fabric (Optional)

If you want a more polished look, consider hemming the edges of your fabric pieces. Fold over the edges by about half an inch and iron them flat, then sew a straight stitch along the folded edge. This will give your chair covers a neat and durable finish.

Step 5: Test and Adjust

Before proceeding to the final assembly, test the fit of your fabric pieces on a chair. Place the fabric on the chair, ensuring it covers the back and seat completely. Pin or baste the pieces together at the sides, and make any necessary adjustments. Check that the chair cover fits snugly and looks smooth.

Now you have your two pieces of fabric cut out and ready for the next steps in creating your universal wedding chair covers!

Sew the pieces together

Now that you have the two pieces of fabric for each chair, it's time to sew them together.

Lay the two pieces on top of each other, ensuring that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other. Sew a half-inch seam along the top and two sides of the fabric pieces. This will join the pieces together and create a pocket for the chair back to slide into.

After sewing the seams, turn the cover right side out. This step is important to ensure the cover has a neat and finished look. Now, fold the bottom edge of the cover inwards by half an inch and sew it down close to the fold. This will create a neat finish for the bottom edge of the cover.

You can then slide the cover over the back of the chair, and it should fit snugly with the seams you've just sewn.

If you want to add a sash or drape some tulle or ribbon over the chair, as mentioned in the previous steps, you can do so by cutting the desired material and wrapping it around the chair back, tying it in a knot or bow. This will add a decorative touch to your universal wedding chair covers.

Turn the cover right side out

Now that you have sewn the two sides of the fabric together, it's time to turn the cover right side out. This is a simple process but needs to be done carefully to ensure the seams are correct and the fabric is not damaged.

First, reach into the opening at the bottom of the cover and locate the top. Gently pull the fabric through the opening until the cover is fully right side out. Be careful not to tear the seams or fabric as you pull it through. Once you have turned the cover right side out, you will see the seams are now on the inside, and the fabric is smooth on the outside.

Next, fold the bottom edge of the cover inwards by half an inch. This will create a neat finish and ensure the raw edge of the fabric is not visible. Use an iron to press the fold and create a crisp edge. This will make it easier to sew and will ensure the seam is straight.

Now, sew the folded edge of the fabric. Sew as close to the fold as possible to secure the seam. This will also ensure the cover stays in place when slid over the chair.

Finally, check over your cover. Ensure there are no loose threads or areas where the seam has come undone. Reinforce any areas that look weak, and trim any loose threads. Your cover is now ready to be slid over the chair!

Cut and tie tulle or ribbon around the chair back

Adding tulle or ribbon to your chair covers is a great way to make them more appealing and elegant. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut and tie tulle or ribbon around the back of your wedding chairs:

Step 1: Measure the Chair Back

Note the width and height of the chair back, from the top to the seat. This will help you determine the amount of fabric and tulle/ribbon needed.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric and Tulle/Ribbon

For each chair, cut out two pieces of fabric, adding an extra inch to the width and height to allow for seams when sewing. As for the tulle or ribbon, cut a length of about 4 yards. This should be enough to wrap around the chair back and hang down almost to the floor.

Step 3: Sew the Fabric Cover

Place the two fabric pieces together, with the right sides facing each other. Sew a half-inch seam along the top and two sides. Then, turn the cover right side out and fold the bottom edge, sewing it down close to the fold.

Step 4: Wrap and Tie the Tulle/Ribbon

Wrap the tulle or ribbon around the chair back, tying a knot at the back. Ensure that the tails fall gracefully down the back of the chair. If you prefer a fuller look, tie the tulle or ribbon into a large bow.

Step 5: Trim for a Finished Look

For a polished touch, trim the ends of the tulle/ribbon into points. Alternatively, you can leave them as-is or cut them straight across for a clean finish.

By following these steps, you can easily add a touch of elegance to your wedding chair covers, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your special day.

Frequently asked questions