How to make a tie-on cover for a chair

Cotton tie tape, cotton thread, sewing machine, pins, scissors, measuring tape, upholstery or other sturdy material.

This is a really simple cover that just ties on to the chair. It could do with being slightly wider than shown here, but I made it from leftovers that were exactly this width and no more!

Here is the original chair. It was nice and cheap and has done its job for the last few years, but with plans for a new cosy courtyard with neutral colour scheme, something has to change!

Measure the whole length of the area to be covered, form the top…

…to the edge of the seat...

…making sure to leave a little slack at the back of the seat. This allows the cover to 'stretch' with the chair as you sit down.

Cut your rectangle of material, giving an extra half inch around all of the edges for a hem.

Fold over the extra half inch to create a hem. This material folds quite crisply which is really helpful! Pin as much as you need to to keep it in place.

Now sew all the way around the edges in a colour that blends with the fabric.

The next measurements you'll need are the positions for the tie-tapes. Have a look at your chair and work out what you can tie to to secure your cover, at the front edge of the seat, ...

…at the back corners of the seat, ...

…and at the top and sides of the back-rest.

For each tie, cut two 10" / 25cm strips of tape. Fold the ends over...

…and place face down on the hem. Make sure they're in the correct position to tie onto the anchor points you measured on your chair.

Sew your tie-tapes securely onto the back of the hem - make them strong, they're going to have the force of a sitting adult to contend with!

Tie your new cover onto your chair, stand back, and admire the lovely new colour scheme! Then sit down for cup of tea and some cake. You deserve it :)