Mastering the Art of DIY: How to Sew Armchair Covers Like a Pro

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of constantly replacing your armchair covers due to wear and tear? Are you looking for an affordable and creative solution to jazz up your living space? Look no further, as in this article we will be discussing a fool-proof guide on how to sew armchair covers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sewist, this step-by-step tutorial will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to create beautiful and durable armchair covers that will revitalize any old and worn-out furniture. Get ready to transform your home with your very own custom-made armchair covers.

When it comes to home decor, one of the easiest ways to give a room a new look is by changing the furniture covers. This is especially true for armchairs, which are often the centerpiece of a living room or bedroom. However, buying new armchair covers can be quite expensive. The good news is, you can save money and unleash your creative side by sewing your own armchair covers. Not only will it be a cost-effective solution, but it also allows you to customize the design and fabric according to your personal style. In this guide, we will provide detailed steps on how to sew your own armchair covers.

Measuring and Preparing Your Armchair

Before starting any sewing project, it is crucial to take accurate measurements of your furniture to ensure a proper fit. For armchairs, you will need to measure the width and length of the seat cushion, back cushion, and armrests. Remember to add a few inches for seam allowance when cutting your fabric.

Once you have all the measurements, it’s time to prepare your armchair for the cover. Start by removing any existing covers or cushions from the chair. If there are any loose buttons or embellishments on the chair, make sure to remove them as well. Next, clean any dirt or stains on the chair using a gentle cleaner. If there are any tears or damage on the chair, now is also an excellent time to repair them.

Choosing Fabric and Sewing Materials

Choosing the right fabric for your armchair cover is essential as it affects both the aesthetics and durability of the cover. For a casual and cozy look, opt for natural fabrics like cotton or linen. For a more formal and elegant look, consider velvet or silk fabrics.

When choosing fabric for your cover, make sure to select one that has enough stretch so that it can fit snugly on the armchair. Also, consider the color and pattern of the fabric and how it will complement your furniture and room decor.

In addition to fabric, you will also need sewing materials such as a sewing machine, thread, pins, scissors, measuring tape, and a chalk or fabric marker for marking measurements on the fabric.

Creating a Pattern

Creating a pattern for your armchair cover is an essential step in the sewing process. This can be done by either using an existing cover as a template or creating one from scratch. If you do not have an existing cover, you can use newspaper or butcher paper to create a pattern by tracing around the different sections of your armchair.

Start by laying out your fabric on a flat surface and placing the paper template on top. Use weights or pins to secure the paper onto the fabric. Then, trace around the template using your fabric marker or chalk. Remember to add extra inches for seam allowance when tracing.

Sewing Your Armchair Cover

Once you have created your pattern and cut out your fabric pieces, it’s time to start sewing. Begin by pinning together all the pieces of fabric following the traced lines from your pattern. Make sure to leave open spaces for any zippers or closures that may be needed to put on or take off the cover.

Next, using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew along the pinned lines while ensuring that you maintain seam allowance throughout. You may also want to reinforce some areas such as corners or edges with a zigzag stitch for added durability.

When all pieces are sewn together, turn the cover inside out and slip it onto your armchair. Make any necessary adjustments or alterations before securing any zippers or closures in place.

Caring for Your Armchair Cover

To ensure that your newly sewn armchair cover stays in good condition, it’s essential to take proper care of it. First, check the care instructions on your chosen fabric and follow them accordingly. For most fabrics, this would include washing in cold water and air drying instead of using a dryer.

In case of any spills or stains, spot clean the cover with a mild detergent or take it to a professional cleaner if necessary. It is also a good idea to periodically remove and wash the cover to maintain its cleanliness.

Sewing armchair covers may seem like an intimidating task, but with the right materials and technique, it can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. By following these steps and putting in some time and effort, you can create custom-made armchair covers that will not only add a new look to your furniture but also protect them from wear and tear. So why spend money on expensive ready-made covers when you can sew your own? Grab your fabric, sewing kit, and get started on creating beautiful armchair covers for your home.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to sew armchair covers! Armchairs are a great addition to any living space, providing both comfort and style. However, over time, they can get dirty or worn out. This is where armchair covers come in – they not only protect your chairs but also give them a fresh new look. The best part? You can easily make them yourself with just a few materials and some sewing skills. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of creating your own armchair covers that will fit perfectly with your décor.

Gathering Materials

Before we dive into the sewing process, let’s gather all the necessary materials for this project. You will need:

  • Fabric (enough to cover your armchair)
  • Pins
  • Tailor’s chalk or pencil
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
  • Iron

When choosing your fabric, make sure it is durable enough to withstand wear and tear. A medium-weight fabric such as cotton or canvas works best for armchair covers. You can also opt for patterned fabric to add a pop of color or stick with solid colors for a more classic look.

Taking Measurements

The key to creating well-fitting armchair covers is accurate measurements. Start by measuring the width of your chair from armrest to armrest. Then measure the length from the back of the chair to the front edge of the seat cushion. Next, measure the height from the top of the chair to where you want your cover to end.

To ensure a snug fit, add an extra inch to each measurement for seam allowances. Write down these measurements so you can refer back to them when cutting out your fabric.

Cutting Out the Fabric

Using your measurements, cut out two pieces of fabric – one for the backrest and one for the seat cushion. Make sure to add another inch to each measurement for seam allowances. Lay your fabric on a flat surface and use a ruler to mark the cutting lines with tailor’s chalk or pencil.

Next, cut out four long strips of fabric for the armrest covers. These strips should be the length of your chair’s armrests and about three inches wide. You will also need two more pieces of fabric for the skirt – one piece for the front and one for the back.

Sewing Process

Now it’s time to put your sewing machine to work. Start by sewing the two pieces of fabric together (right sides facing) along one long side and both short sides, leaving one short side open. This will create a giant rectangle with an opening at one end.

Next, sew together your four strips of fabric lengthwise (right sides facing). Then turn them inside out so that the seams are on the inside. This will create a neat-looking tube that you can slip over your chair’s armrests.

Take your remaining 2 pieces of fabric and sew them together with right sides facing, leaving one side open. Again, this will create a large rectangle with an open end.

Completing Your Armchair Cover

Now comes the fun part – putting all your pieces together! Start by placing your cover over your armchair (inside out). Adjust as needed until it fits perfectly. Then, pin it into place around all edges.

Next, attach the armrest covers by sliding them over each armrest and pinning into place around all edges.

Finally, add the skirt by placing it over the bottom portion of your chair (again, inside out) and pinning it into place along all edges.

Finishing Touches

Before sewing everything together, double-check to make sure everything is properly aligned and that the cover fits snugly. Then, using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along all pinned edges.

Once your cover is securely attached to your chair, turn it right side out and make any final adjustments.

Caring for Your Armchair Cover

To keep your new armchair cover looking fresh, it’s important to care for it properly. If your fabric is machine washable, simply throw it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. For non-machine washable fabrics, spot clean any spills or stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

In between washings, you can also use a lint roller or fabric brush to remove any dust or pet hair from your cover.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You have just created your very own armchair cover that not only protects your chair but also adds a personal touch to your living space. With these easy steps and some basic sewing skills, you can update the look of your armchair anytime you want. So go ahead and get creative with different fabrics and patterns – the possibilities are endless!

1) What materials do I need to sew armchair covers?
– You will need fabric (preferably durable and machine-washable), scissors, measuring tape, pins, thread, and a sewing machine. Optional materials include a sewing gauge, fabric marker, and iron-on adhesive for hemming.
2) Can I use a pattern to sew armchair covers?
– Absolutely! You can either purchase a pre-made pattern or create your own by measuring your armchair’s dimensions and adding seam allowances. Online tutorials or books can also provide guidance on creating patterns.
3) How should I measure my armchair for the covers?
– To ensure a proper fit, measure the width of the armchair’s backrest, seat cushion, and armrests. For curved designs, use a flexible measuring tape or string to get accurate measurements. Don’t forget to include extra fabric for seam allowances.
4) Do I need to prewash my fabric before sewing armchair covers?
– It is recommended to prewash your chosen fabric to prevent shrinkage after sewing. This step also removes any chemicals or residues that may cause discoloration over time.
5) What type of stitch should I use for sewing armchair covers?
– A straight stitch is typically used for assembling the main panels of the cover. However, you may need to adjust the stitch length depending on the thickness of your fabric. A zigzag stitch is also useful for reinforcing seams and preventing fraying.
6) How do I attach closures like zippers or buttons on armchair covers?
– Using a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine can help you create neatly stitched zippers. As for buttons, hand-sewing is the most secure option but make sure to reinforce them with double stitches or interfacing. Alternatively, you can use Velcro for easy closures.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew armchair covers is a valuable skill that can save time and money, while also adding a personal touch to your home decor. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully create custom armchair covers that fit your furniture perfectly and match your aesthetic preferences. It is important to carefully choose the fabric and take accurate measurements to ensure a professional-looking end result.

Additionally, by learning how to sew armchair covers, you can have the flexibility to update your furniture’s appearance whenever you want. This allows for easy season or mood changes without having to invest in new armchairs. Furthermore, making your own armchair covers allows you to personalize them according to your specific needs and preferences.

Moreover, sewing armchair covers can also be a fun and rewarding hobby. It requires creativity, patience, and attention to detail, all of which can enhance overall well-being. It also gives a sense of accomplishment when you see the finished product on your armchair.

However, if sewing is not your forte or you do not have enough time available, there are alternative options such as purchasing pre-made armchair covers or hiring a professional seamstress. Whichever route you choose for covering your armchairs, it is important to remember the importance of regularly

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.