| Chair Slipcovers |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-503 |
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Q: I need a makeover for my kitchen chairs that will match my newly remodeled kitchen. As a designer, what would you recommend? A: (from DIY Decorating expert Nancy Golden) You can create slipcovers for your chairs that will be distinctive, and you can select fabrics that will match or complement the color themes in your room. For our demonstration, we made slipcovers that used one fabric on the front, and a second color and pattern on the back (figure A). Slipcovers like these easy to make. Here 's how to do it. Materials: Sewing machine; zipper-foot
Cotton upholstery fabric
Craft paper
Scissors
Braided trim with selvage edge
Decorative ribbon
Fabric glue (optional) Steps: - Begin by cutting a paper template from craft paper. Measure the paper against the back of your chair (figure B), and be sure to cut out the template large enough to include a seam allowance.
- Choose the fabric or fabrics that you want to use. Select fabrics that complement or match the colors in your room. For our demonstration, two different but carefully coordinated fabrics (figure C) were used for the front and back to give the slipcovers an even more distinctive look.
- The fabrics selected were both cotton. Since the cut edges of cotton fabrics tend to fray, a zigzag stitch was used along the edges to prevent the fabric from unraveling and give it a finished edge (figure D). Other options could include serging the edges or using a fabric glue.
- Finish the bottom edges of the covers by sewing a straight hem (figure E).
- To join the two pieces together, use a braided trim with a selvage edge (figure F). The selvage edge will be used between the edges of the two pieces of fabric.
- Face the two pieces together, with the right sides together, and place the braided trim between them so that the selvage edge runs between the edges of the fabric.
- Ribbon trim can also be added at this point. The ribbon trim adds a decorative touch, and will also be used in tying the finished slipcover securely when it's put on the chair. Place the ribbon between the two pieces of fabric, and over the braid (figure G).
- With the fabrics, trim and ribbon aligned properly, sew them together with a straight stitch (figure H). Use a zipper foot in your sewing machine. Since the edge of the braid is so thick, it is sewn in just as a zipper would be.
- Sew the stitch so that it's close to the braiding. If sewn properly, the braid forms the boundary between the two pieces of fabric, and the ribbon is secured tightly (figure I).
- Once you've sewn all the way around the three sides (excluding the finished bottom edge), you can turn the slipcover inside-out to reveal the finished cover (figure J).
RESOURCES :
Do-It-Yourself Fabric Decor: Pillows, Window Treatments, and Slipcovers for Your Home
Model: 0865733457
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
(August, 2000)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
Simply Slipcovers
Model: 0376015144
Author: Sunset Books Editors
(January, 1997)
Sunset Publishing Company (Division of Time Warner)
Website: www.sunset.com
Simple Upholstery and Slipcovers: Great New Looks for Every Room
Model: 0806981598
Author: Carol Parks
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
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