My first real posted project! It only took me a few months to get going, but like anything else, once it is finished, then it doesn't really matter how long it takes to do it.
I started with an icky plastic chair cover
(YUCK!)
and a nice pin from
which has great directions
on how to measure the chair that needs to be covered,
However, I was looking for some more detailed directions
on how to put it together and I couldn't find any I liked,
so I decided to do it myself :0)
So, start with a chair that you want to cover,
measure it, and make a template of how you want the chair cover.
I used a sheet of packing paper as my template.
It helps to put the template on the chair after cutting it out
to make sure that it fits well.
Make sure to add at least a 5/8-inch seam allowance,
esp. if you are using upholstery fabric like I did.
This is the fabric I cut out using my template.
I have two pieces of fabric per chair
as I want to make my covers double sided.
(when they get stained, simply flip over, and viola! new looking cover)
Next, I made the ties by cutting two 30-inch x 1-1/2-inch strips
per chair cover.
I ironed the fabric in half, with nice sides facing out.
I unfolded it and then ironed a 1/4-inch in on both sides
so when you fold the fabric down the middle again, it creates a nice tube
with the nice side facing out.
Before I started sewing, I tucked the ends in, so no raw edges were showing.
(and if that sounds too complicated, go buy some nice sturdy ribbon. It will do just as well)
After that tricky business is over,
pin the middle of the tie to the nice side of one of the pieces of fabric, like so.
Make sure to line up your ties with back of the chair.
It won't do any good if the tie is too far away from the back post.
Next, put right sides together and place the fabric on the chair.
Pin where each corner is.
Flip it over and repeat on the other piece of fabric.
(if you are more confident than I am
that things always line up perfectly, then go ahead
and cut the extra fabric off, leaving a nice seam allowance.
I prefer to sew, then cut)
Take your pinned corner and sew parallel to the pin, like so.
Repeat 3 more times.
Turn your chair cover right side out, and try it out.
If the corners match up, then continue on.
If not, find your trusty seam ripper and try again.
Once you get the right fit, cut off the excess material at the corner.
With right sides together, pin together,
with corner seams matching.
Start sewing where the corner seams meet the fabric
for the front of the chair,
making sure you have a nice seam allowance.
When you get to the ties, back-stitch a few times,
as this will help keep them from pulling out.
When you have gone corner to corner, but not sewn the front,
stop sewing.
Turn the chair cover right-side out, flipping the raw edge in the front
to the inside.
Pin in place; sew the opening in the front shut,
sewing close to the edge.
When the opening has been sewn closed,
continue sewing around the rest of the chair cover.
This will create a nice finished edge all the way around
and make it so you don't see the seam you had to sew shut in the front.
After that, put it on the chair and enjoy with a nice meal!
(just maybe not with spaghetti :0)
Ta-da!
