Updating your chairs with new seat covers is a great way to communicate what you want to say about you and your style.Remove the fabric and padding from your chairs and replace it with something new for a permanent upgrade.If you want to change the look of your room for the seasons or special events, or if you're just looking to stain-proof the chair underneath from messy kids,removable seat covers are a great way to give your space a temporary face-lift.You will enjoy the new and improved look of your chairs, whichever option you choose.
Step 1: The seat needs to be removed.
If you are working with a chair that was originally assembled, this might look a little different.To see how the seat is attached to the frame, flip the chair over.You can usually detach the seat with a screwdriver, but sometimes you need to use something like an X-ACTO knife or a hammer to pry it loose.You will be able to put the seat on the table when you are done.Attach the seat to the frame with the screws or nails off the side.
Step 2: Remove the cushion and fabric from the chair base.
Pull out the staple that is used to attach the dust cover, fabric, and batting with a flathead screwdriver or pliers.Once the fabric pieces are removed, you can use them as a pattern to cut the new fabric to the right size.Put the edge of a screwdriver or a sturdy knife under the staple, and then tap the end of the apparatus with a hammer to create a fulcrum that will lift it up.If you are working with more than one chair, use masking tape to mark each seat with its frame.Put a piece of tape on each part of the chair and write down the same letter or number.
Step 3: The seat should be replaced.
If your chairs are in good shape, you don't need to worry about this.After removing the cushion and fabric, look at the seat.To cut a new one out of plywood, use the original seat as a template and use a circular saw or table saw.The edges need to be sanded so that they are smooth and won't scratch the fabric.The color of the plywood does not matter.No one will ever see it because it is covered with fabric and a dust cover.
Step 4: Cut out foam for the seat.
Use a bread knife to make long, smooth cuts in the foam, and pull the knife toward yourself with light pressure so that the material doesn't tear.Depending on how much padding you want, most upholstery experts recommend using a medium-soft upholstery foam that is 1 to 2 inches ( 2.5 to 5.1 cm) thick.As a guide, trace and cut out the new foam, you can use the foam you removed earlier.This will make sure that the chair size is uniform.
Step 5: Attach batting to the back of the seat.
If you use enough batting, it will extend past all the sides of the chair.Use a single staple to hold the batting down.You won't need to worry about the foam slipping out of place because this will make it easier to attach the fabric later on.Batting costs $5 for about 7 feet of material.You should buy enough packs from your local craft store to meet your needs for 1 to 2 feet (12 to 24 in) for each chair.Use a stapler that is pneumatic or electric.It won't provide enough force to keep the fabric in place so use a normal office supply stapler.
Step 6: The pattern should be straight if the fabric is arranged correctly.
You can find upholstery grade fabrics at your local fabric or craft store and they are usually stain resistant.If you don't find what you're looking for at the store, look online.You don't need to worry about lining the fabric up if you use a solid color, but you will want to make sure the pattern looks right when you attach it to the chair.Measure the fabric you removed from the chair to find out how much material you need for each seat.If you use the old fabric as a guide, you can get a more precise measurement for each chair.
Step 7: Attach the fabric from the center to the edge.
When you flip the chair over, put a few sewing pins along the edges to keep it in place.Carefully flip it over so you can see its underside.Put a staple in the middle of the side closest to you.Pull the fabric taut so that it doesn't fall apart.It's a good idea to stop about 2 inches from each corner.On each side repeat this.You should flip the seat occasionally to make sure the pattern is still straight.You can make adjustments as you go rather than having to remove the staple later on.If your seat is round, make small pleats around the edges to keep the fabric flat.
Step 8: Attach the material in the corners with a staple.
If the chair is still flipped over on its back, fold the material in each corner so that it doesn't protrude from the seat.If you want the center of the chair to be flat against the seat, fold it up.The material should be folded on each side.Depending on what is needed to secure the fabric, staple the material down with 1 or 2 staples.There are unattractive bumps under the chair.
Step 9: To hide the edges of the fabric, install a dust cover.
The material for the dust cover can be found at your local craft store.The material should not exceed the perimeter of the seat bottom.Use your stapler to staple the material to the back of the chair.Make sure the corners are stapled in place so that they don't flap loose.No one will be able to see the ragged cut lines on your chair, so it makes it look a lot neater.
Step 10: Attach the seat back to the chair frame.
Once everything is installed on the chair, it's time to flip it over and put it back on its frame.The seat was put together in a certain way.Use your stapler to secure the fabric if it loosens at any time.
Step 11: Measure your chair to see what size covers you need.
The width and depth of the seat are important when covering a chair seat.If you are going to purchase a cover that goes over the back of the chair, you need to make sure you have the right measurements.It is possible to make the covers tighter or looser depending on the chair size, but most of them are stretchy and can be extended as wide as your seat.
Step 12: If it would be less expensive to make your own covers, then price it out.
If you have a strong preference for either way, then you should do that.If you are on the fence about which option to choose, look up prices for buying the covers versus what it would cost for the materials to make your own.You should consider the cost of shipping if you buy covers online.It will take you several hours or more to make the covers, depending on how many chairs you have.
Step 13: You could make your own covers.
Look for material that can hold up to wear and tear.If you want your covers to look more elegant, use cotton, linen, and microfiber.spandex is an option that will protect and keep your chair clean from stains.If you are looking for a bargain, you could thrift and use a set of colorful sheets, thin blankets, or curtains.
Step 14: You can buy seat covers online or at a home goods store.
Do you want to cover up worn fabric or are you just looking for a visual upgrade?Maybe you want to match your dining room decor for a special event or protect the fabric that is underneath.Seat covers can be a quick and easy way to update a room.If you want to know if you can wash the seat covers yourself or if they need to be dry cleaned, check out the reviews from other customers.
Step 15: Put the covers over the chairs in your dining room.
Some elastic covers are good to go because they pop over the chair seat.They need to be tied around the chair legs.Line everything up and secure the cover so that you can use it.Don't double-knot or tie the strands too tightly if you use the tie system.You will be able to untie them when you need to clean or replace the covers if you have a loose loop and bow.
Step 16: When the covers get dirty, remove and wash them.
Follow the instructions.Seat covers made of more durable material can be washed in the washing machine and hung up to dry.After the cover has dried, you may need to iron out the wrinkled area.You should not need to clean the seat covers more than once every 3 months.If your kids or pets are more prone to stains, you may need to clean them more often.