Make a Pattern

• To make a chair cover, think of the cover in three pieces--a pillowcase-type pouch that slips over the back of the chair, a square to cover the seat, and a fitted skirt that falls from the seat to the floor. The back edge of the seat cover will attach to the front of the pillowcase pouch. The skirt will wrap completely around the legs, with the back of the skirt being attached to the back of the pillowcase pouch. The finished cover will slip over the entire chair in one piece.
  
  Measure your chair to get the dimensions for the pillowcase pouch, the seat and the skirt. Then cut the approximate shapes from newspaper, allowing several extra inches all around each piece. Fit the newspaper pieces on the chair, beginning with the pillowcase back. Pin the edges together where you want the seams of the fabric to be. The fit should be snug but not so tight that you can't slip the cover off. When you are satisfied with the fit, trim around the newspaper pieces 1/2 inch from the pins. Remember to allow for a hem at the bottom of the skirt. Lay your newspaper pattern on your fabric, and cut around the edges of the newspaper.
  
  

Construct the Cover

• Begin by sewing the pillowcase pouch for the back of the chair. Using 1/2-inch seams, sew three sides of the pouch together. Leave the bottom open. Next, sew one side of the seat to the front side of the pouch at the bottom opening. Then sew the skirt around the remaining three sides of the seat and the back side of the pouch, easing the skirt to fit around the corners of the seat.
  
  

Add Back Accents

• For added detail, consider making a bow to put on the back of the chair. This could be made separately and tacked onto the completed cover, or you could cut wide strips of fabric to make ribbons that are sewn into the side seams when you make the back pillowcase pouch. If you don't want a bow, consider sewing on a sash that is twisted or knotted in the middle. For a non-traditional look, consider adding an appliquéd design, embroidering flowers or a monogram, or sewing on an assortment of decorative buttons.