How-to

How to Make Dining Room Chair Covers

How to make dining room chair covers at home: measure the chair, pick a fabric, cut three pieces, sew them and add closures or a skirt.

Basil Carmel Editorial Team·Independent kitchen-gear reviews

A dining chair slipcover is three pieces of fabric, a back, a seat and a skirt, and most of the work is in checking the fit before the last seams go in. Sewn from washable cloth, it is a cheap way to cover worn seats and stains, and it comes off for the wash when the next spill happens.

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Measure the chair before buying fabric

Measure the height, width and depth of the back, the seat and the legs, and write the numbers down so you can check them twice. The seat shape matters as much as its size: note whether it is wider at the front than at the back, because the seat piece will need the same taper.

Also decide on the length. A short cover looks casual, while a floor-length skirt is dressier, and the choice changes how much fabric you need. Armrests or an unusual back shape call for extra allowance in the pattern.

Choose a fabric that suits how the chairs get used

Washable, tightly woven cloth suits households with children or pets, since the cover can come off and go straight in the machine. See our recommendations on which dining room chair covers to buy if you would rather compare ready-made sets than sew one.

These fabrics are the usual picks:

Cotton: breathable and easy to wash, good for everyday use.
Canvas: heavy and sturdy, the most durable of the group.
Polyester: resists wrinkles and stains, suited to busy dining rooms.
Linen: a natural, textured look, but it creases and needs careful care.
Velvet: plush and formal, though it collects dust and lint.

Seven steps to sew a slipcover

Wash and iron the fabric first so it cannot shrink after the cover is made. A trial piece cut from scrap cloth is worth the time, because fitting a sample is cheaper than recutting the real fabric.

Make a pattern from your measurements with three pieces: the chair back, the seat and the skirt, adding seam allowance to each.
Cut the pieces with fabric scissors, label them, and cut the long skirt strip across the grain.
Fold the back piece with right sides together, sew the sides, and press the seams open.
Turn the back piece inside out and try it on the chair to check the fit.
Sew the seat piece to the front of the back piece, centered, then test the fit again before adding the skirt.
Hem the bottom and short ends of the skirt strip.
Sew the skirt to the seat piece, pivoting carefully at each corner, and let the skirt overlap at the back.

Make it stay on and easy to remove

Elastic sewn into the bottom hem helps a cover hold around the seat, and ties at the back add a decorative way to secure it. For covers that must come off often, a zipper or Velcro strip at the back makes removal quick. For the on-chair routine once a cover is finished, see how to install chair covers.

Elastic: sewn into the bottom hem so the cover hugs the seat.
Ties: attached at the back for a decorative hold.
Velcro: fast to open, good for covers washed often.
Zipper: a firmer closure that keeps the cover in place.
Skirt: hides the chair legs and suits formal dining rooms.

Washing and keeping them fresh

Follow the care instructions for whichever fabric you chose, as that is what prevents shrinkage and damage. Cotton and polyester are the easy-care options, and cold water is normally enough for them. Delicate cloths such as velvet or silk are better spot-cleaned or sent out for professional care.

Frequently asked

Which sewing supplies does a slipcover project call for?

A sewing machine, fabric scissors, a measuring tape, pins, an iron and thread that matches the fabric cover the basics.

Can I customize my chair covers?

Yes. Colors and patterns can be chosen to match the room, and trims, piping, embroidery or fabric paint add a personal touch.