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Make a Loose Chair Cover

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Make a Loose Chair Cover

Don't go to the expense of buying a new chair if you don't have to - here's an easy way to give an old chair a stylish new look. And you can choose exactly the style of fabric you want! It doesn't take too much sewing expertise to make this loose, slip-on cover, and the end result is sure to impress.

Time to complete the job: Approximately three hours.
Approximate budget: £30, depending on the fabric.

You will need:

An old chair
Enough fabric to cover (see measurements below)
Matching thread
Scissors
Pins
Soft measuring tape

Tip: This cover is easy to take off for cleaning, so buy fabric you can machine wash.

Click to enlarge

Step 1: Measuring and cutting out

With your measuring tape, take the basic measurements of your chair to determine the size of your fabric pieces. You will need 4 pieces all together.
1. Arms and back piece - outside: Measure around the chair sides from one front arm to the other and around the back for the width of this piece, adding 2in (50mm) for the side seam allowances. For the height, measure from the floor to the top of the arm, adding a 6in (150mm) seam allowance. Cut out as one piece.
2. Arms and back piece - inside: Use the same width as the outside back piece. For the height, measure from the seat to the top of the inside back, adding 7in (175mm) for seam and tuck-in allowances. Cut out as one piece.
3. Seat piece: Measure the seat from the chair back to the front edge, adding 7in (175mm) for seam and tuck-in allowances. Measure the width of the seat from the base of the arms and add 6in on each side for tuck-in allowance. Cut out as one piece.
4. Front piece: Use the width measurement of the seat as above, and for the height measure from the top of the seat to the floor. Add 3in (75mm) for seam allowances. Cut out as one piece.