Choosing the Right Fabric: Diy Pillowcase Chair Covers
The fabric you choose for your pillowcase chair covers will significantly impact their look, feel, and durability. Consider the following factors to find the perfect fabric for your project.
Cotton
Cotton is a popular choice for pillowcase chair covers due to its breathability, softness, and affordability. It’s a natural fiber that’s gentle on the skin and easy to care for.
- Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Breathable and absorbent
- Easy to wash and care for
- Widely available in various colors and patterns
- Relatively affordable
- Cons:
- Can wrinkle easily
- May shrink slightly after washing
- Not as durable as some other fabrics
Cotton pillowcase chair covers will provide a soft, comfortable feel, perfect for casual settings. They’re easy to care for and can be washed regularly. However, they may wrinkle easily and are not as durable as some other fabrics.
Linen
Linen is another natural fiber that is known for its durability and breathability. It has a slightly rougher texture than cotton, but it becomes softer with each wash.
- Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Breathable and absorbent
- Naturally wrinkle-resistant
- Gets softer with each wash
- Cons:
- Can be more expensive than cotton
- May wrinkle more than cotton
- Can feel slightly rougher than cotton
Linen pillowcase chair covers will have a more rustic and sophisticated look. They’re incredibly durable and breathable, making them suitable for various settings. However, they can be more expensive than cotton and may wrinkle more.
Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious fabric that adds a touch of elegance to any room. It’s known for its soft, plush texture and its ability to create a rich, dramatic look.
- Pros:
- Soft and luxurious feel
- Creates a rich and dramatic look
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Requires special care and cleaning
- May not be as durable as other fabrics
Velvet pillowcase chair covers will create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. They’re ideal for formal settings or adding a touch of glamour to a space. However, they can be expensive and require special care and cleaning.
Faux Fur
Faux fur is a great option for adding warmth and texture to your chair covers. It’s available in various colors and styles, allowing you to create a unique look.
- Pros:
- Soft and cozy feel
- Adds warmth and texture to a space
- Available in various colors and styles
- More affordable than real fur
- Cons:
- Can be difficult to clean
- May shed
- Not as durable as other fabrics
Faux fur pillowcase chair covers will add a touch of whimsy and warmth to your space. They’re ideal for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. However, they can be difficult to clean and may shed.
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect fabric, it’s time to measure your chair and cut the fabric to the appropriate size. This step is crucial for ensuring a snug fit and a professional-looking result. Let’s get started!
Measuring the Chair
Measuring your chair accurately is essential for a perfect fit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Measure the width of the chair seat: Measure the distance across the seat, from one armrest to the other.
- Measure the depth of the chair seat: Measure the distance from the front edge of the seat to the back edge.
- Measure the height of the chair back: Measure the distance from the top of the chair seat to the top of the chair back.
- Measure the width of the chair back: Measure the distance across the chair back at its widest point.
- Measure the length of the chair arms: Measure the length of each armrest from the top to the bottom.
Important Tip: Add a few inches to each measurement to allow for seam allowances and ease of movement.
Cutting the Fabric
Once you have all the measurements, you can cut the fabric to the appropriate size. Here’s how:
- Cut two pieces for the chair seat: Each piece should be the width of the chair seat plus the seam allowance, and the depth of the chair seat plus the seam allowance.
- Cut two pieces for the chair back: Each piece should be the width of the chair back plus the seam allowance, and the height of the chair back plus the seam allowance.
- Cut two pieces for the chair arms: Each piece should be the length of the chair arm plus the seam allowance, and the width of the chair arm plus the seam allowance.
Important Tip: It’s always better to cut the fabric a little bit larger than you need. You can always trim it later if it’s too big, but you can’t add fabric if it’s too small.
Illustrations for Different Chair Types
Here are illustrations showing how to measure different types of chairs:
Illustration 1: A standard armchair with a back, seat, and arms. The measurements should be taken as described above.
Illustration 2: A chair with a high back and a low seat. The measurements should be taken as described above, with special attention paid to the height of the back and the depth of the seat.
Illustration 3: A chair with no arms. The measurements should be taken as described above, but you will not need to measure the length of the arms.
Sewing the Pillowcase Chair Cover
Now that you have your fabric cut to size, it’s time to sew your pillowcase chair cover together. This is a simple project, even for beginners, and with a little care and attention, you can create a beautiful and functional cover for your chair.
Sewing the Pillowcase
Before sewing, it is essential to finish the raw edges of your fabric to prevent fraying and ensure a professional look. You can do this by using a serger, zig-zag stitch, or a simple straight stitch with a narrow seam allowance.
First, fold the top and bottom edges of the fabric to the inside by 1/2 inch and press. Then, fold the edges again by 1/2 inch and press again. This creates a clean and finished edge.
Next, pin the edges together, right sides facing, and sew along the folded edge with a straight stitch.
Adding a Zipper Closure, Diy pillowcase chair covers
To make your pillowcase chair cover easy to put on and take off, you can add a zipper closure.
Choosing the Right Zipper
Select a zipper that is the same length as the opening you want to create in your pillowcase. A zipper with a metal slider is generally more durable and easier to operate.
Installing the Zipper
Pin the zipper to the right side of one of the long edges of the pillowcase, aligning the zipper teeth with the raw edge. Make sure the zipper tape is facing the right side of the fabric.
Sew the zipper to the fabric with a zipper foot on your sewing machine. It’s best to sew close to the zipper teeth to ensure a secure attachment.
After sewing the zipper, fold the zipper tape back onto the fabric and sew it down to secure it.
Finishing Touches
Once you have sewn the zipper, turn the pillowcase right side out.
You can add a decorative touch to your pillowcase chair cover by using different fabrics, trims, or embellishments. For example, you can add a decorative ribbon or lace trim to the edges of the pillowcase.
If you want a tailored fit, you can sew darts or pleats into the fabric before sewing the pillowcase.
DIY pillowcase chair covers are a classic for a reason – they’re quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable. But if you’re looking for something a little more polished, why not explore the world of easy DIY chair covers ? From simple slipcovers to more elaborate designs, there’s a project for every skill level.
And remember, the beauty of DIY is that you can always customize your creations to perfectly match your style and personality. So grab your fabric, your sewing machine, and get ready to transform your chairs into stunning focal points!
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple DIY pillowcase chair cover! It’s a quick and easy way to refresh your furniture, and you can use whatever fabric you love. But if you’re looking for something more durable and ready-made, check out the wide selection of director chair covers at Walmart.
They offer a variety of styles and colors, perfect for adding a touch of personality to your space. And remember, whether you’re crafting your own covers or choosing pre-made ones, always prioritize comfort and style!
