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

Wedding chair caps are a great way to elevate the decor of your wedding. They can be used to cover mismatched or drab chairs, providing a chic design statement meant to awe and immerse your guests. Chair caps are simple and quick to make, with each taking less than 30 minutes. The process involves measuring the back of the chair, cutting out fabric accordingly, sewing the pieces together, and then sliding the cover over the chair. You can also add tulle or ribbon for a more decorative touch. For those looking to buy chair caps, there are options made from spandex stretch material with sparkling mini round sequins, which can be hand-washed and drip-dried.

Measure the chair

To make wedding chair caps, you'll first need to measure the chair to ensure a good fit. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Understand the Types of Chair Leg Caps

First, it's important to know that different types of chair legs require different measurements. Chair bottoms can be round, square, or irregularly shaped. Knowing which type of chair you have is essential for taking the correct measurements. There are also different types of chair caps available, such as patio chair leg caps, metal chair leg caps, square chair leg caps, and folding chair leg caps.

Tools and Materials Needed

To get an accurate measurement, you will need a ruler with markings for millimetre measurements, or a tape measure. It is recommended to have a pen and paper to note down your measurements as well. You can also find measurement guides online, which can be helpful for measuring chair leg bottoms easily.

Measure the Diameter or Width

For chairs with round chair leg bottoms, use your ruler to measure the diameter. Place the ruler over the bottom of the chair leg and measure the distance in millimetres from one end to the other at the widest point. This will give you the diameter, which you can use to choose a chair cap with the same inner circle diameter for a perfect fit. Remember that rubber chair leg caps are stretchable, so they will appear smaller than their intended diameter.

For rectangular chair leg caps, measure both the width and length in millimetres using your ruler for a more precise reading. These measurements will help you select the proper chair cap size.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

Ensure that you take your measurements in a well-lit room to make reading measurements easier. Record your measurements to guarantee accuracy when purchasing chair caps and to avoid repeating the process for future purchases. It's a good idea to measure twice to ensure consistency, and if there are discrepancies, you can average the measurements for the best results.

Cut the fabric

The first step in making wedding chair caps is to measure the back of the chair. Take note of the width and height of the chair back, from the top to the seat. It is recommended to use 1 yard of fabric per chair.

Once you have the measurements, cut out two pieces of fabric for each chair. It is important to add 1 inch to both the width and height to allow for seams when sewing. This extra fabric will ensure a snug fit when you slide the cover over the chair.

After cutting the fabric, place the two pieces together, with the right sides facing each other. This will form the inside and outside of your chair cover. It is important to ensure that the fabric is properly aligned before proceeding to the next step.

Now that you have the fabric pieces ready, you can begin the process of sewing them together to create the chair cap. Sew a half-inch seam along the top and two sides of the fabric pieces. This will give structure to your chair cap and create the pocket that will slide over the chair back.

At this point, your fabric pieces should start to resemble a chair cap. The next step will be to turn the cover right side out, revealing the final fabric placement and design.

Sew the fabric

To sew the fabric for your wedding chair caps, start by measuring the back of each chair. Note the width and height from the top of the chair back to the seat. Next, cut out two pieces of fabric for each chair, adding an extra inch to both the width and height to allow for seams. This extra fabric will ensure a snug fit when you slide the fabric over the chair.

Now it's time to start sewing! Place your two pieces of fabric on top of each other, with the right sides of the fabric facing together. Sew a half-inch seam along the top edge and two sides. Leave the bottom edge unsewn for now. This will be the opening for sliding the fabric over the chair.

Once you've sewn the sides, turn the fabric cover right side out. Fold the bottom edge inwards by half an inch and sew it down, keeping your stitches close to the fold. This will create a neat finish and prevent the fabric from fraying.

Finally, slide the fabric cover over the back of the chair, and you've successfully sewn your wedding chair cap! You can now add decorations or leave the chair cap as is, depending on your desired look.

If you're feeling creative, you can add some extra fabric, tulle, or ribbon to create a draping effect. Cut a length of tulle or ribbon (approximately 4 yards) that will wrap around the chair back and hang elegantly towards the floor. Wrap it around the chair back and tie a knot at the back, allowing the tails to fall gracefully down. For a more voluminous look, you can tie the tulle or ribbon into a large bow.

Tie the fabric

Once you have cut out two pieces of fabric for each chair, place the two pieces on top of each other with the right sides together. Sew a half-inch seam along the top and two sides. Turn the cover right side out and fold the bottom edge in half an inch, then sew it down close to the fold. Now you are ready to slide the cover over the back of the chair.

Bring the two corner ends of the fabric together and tie them tightly at the back of the chair to create a knot. This style gives the appearance of being finished with a fancy chair sash. You can also add a chair sash, flower, or glittery rhinestone wrap or buckles to further customise the look.

If you are using tulle or ribbon, cut a length of roughly 4 yards long. It should be able 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. The tails should fall down the back of the chair.

You can trim the ends of the tulle or ribbon into points for a more decorative look. Alternatively, tie the tulle or ribbon into a large bow if you prefer more volume on the back of the chair.

Decorate the knot

To decorate the knot of a wedding chair cap, you can add a sash, flower, glittery rhinestone wrap, or buckles. The knot is created by bringing the two corner ends of the fabric together and tying them tightly at the back of the chair. This gives the appearance of a fancy chair sash, but at a lower cost.

If you want to add a sash, you can use tulle or ribbon. Cut a length of tulle or ribbon that is roughly four yards long. This should be enough to wrap around the chair back and hang almost to the floor. Wrap the tulle or ribbon around the chair back and tie it in a knot at the back, allowing the tails to fall down the back of the chair. You can trim the ends of the tulle or ribbon into points for a more decorative look. Alternatively, you can tie the fabric into a large bow if you prefer a puffier look.

Flowers, glittery rhinestone wraps, or buckles can also be used to decorate the knot. Simply tie or attach these embellishments to the knot for a more luxurious and personalised appearance.

Frequently asked questions