Do it Yourself Custom Slip Cover

Turn Plain into Elegant 

I'll show you the steps I took in order to 
make this custom cover.  

You'll need about 3-4 yards of quality material 

and a piece of foam large enough to cover the seat.

  

Use chalk or magic marker to draw an outline

around the seat allowing a 1/2 overhang.

Cut the foam with an electric carving knife

or a machete. 

(note I came up a little short on my foam but will adjust if needed)

To keep the process simple, I clamped a

piece of material over the back of the 

back-rest then cut it to fit the outline of the chair. 

I tend to cut large and trim back as I go

to get the best fit.

When cutting allow about 1" overage to compensate 

for seam and width of the chairs frame. 

Cut a second piece using the first as a pattern,

stitch them face to face, 

turn right-side out and test the fit 

With the foam on the chair I used

straight pins to hold the material in place 

while I marked the curve of the back rest

with chalk.

Cut the back rest cover to fit. 

Follows along your chalk line but not on it

remember to allow for the salvage edge.

Rough cut a piece of material for the seat cushion,

to ensure a good fit slide it under the back rest cover

and mark the curve to match the backrest.

Cut seat cover out allowing about 1/4" overhang

from the size of your foam.

(note; the tails on each side are there to navigate around the chairs frame)

Sew seat cover to back rest cover.

The tails on each side of the seat cover will provide

a easier transition for sewing on the seat-side.

Next is to cut and sew the side piece of the cushion

it's 5" wide and wraps completely around the chair 

over the top of the back of the back rest.

Unfortunately I deleted the photo

Hem the bottom edge of the cushion side

with a 3/4 overage to allow for a draw string.

Test the fit

The cover should lay flat if you got

it right. I got it close enough. 

Measure for length and cut skirt material,

pleat and pin in place as desired   

Bast stitch pleats in place   

Sew a length of welt cord and attach it to

the skirt, finish the ends with a gusset.

Fold over gusset and stitch

Check the fit 

Mark the cushion cover

with chalk to keep a straight seam line for the 

skirt. Then stitch the skirt to the line.

You will want to add a tie down

to the inside seam where the back rest cover

meets the seat cover, tie around the

chair back slots it will help

 keep every thing in place. 

After pressing with an iron 

it's ready for use.