You can find a custom look, modernize your furniture, match your new decor, or simply save a vintage comfortable chair by making your own slipcover. Before you may begin sewing, though, you must work out just how much material you need. Finding the right measurements not only ensures that you don’t waste cash on excess material, but also prevents the more expensive mistake of not buying enough material and having to begin the job over from scratch.
Remove the seat cushion, if there’s one. If the seat doesn’t have another cushion, then skip to Step 4.
Measure the seat cushion. This includes three measurements; the width, the length, and the height of the pillow.
Add 3 inches to every seat cushion measurement, then insert all three together for the total size of the pillow.
Measure the seat base. This is either in which the pillow sits, or the seat of this seat, depending on whether it’s a cushion. Take two measurements: the width and the length.
Add 5 inches to every seat base measurement, and add both together.
Measure the height of this seat from the base of the seat to the ground and add three inches.
Remove the rear pillow, if there’s one. When there’s no back cushion, then skip to Step 10.
Measure the rear pillow. This includes three measurements: the width, the length, and the thickness of the pillow.
Insert three inches to every back cushion measurement and then add the three measurements together.
Measure the rear of the interior of the chair. This is just two measurements — from the very top to the seat base and from side to side.
Insert three inches to the measurements of the rear of the seat, and insert them both together.
Gauge the very back of the seat, from top to bottom and from side to side.
Insert three inches to each measurement from the rear of the seat, then insert the two together.
Gauge the arms. The initial measurement is from the rear of the seat, down over the edge of the arm and on to the ground. The second measurement begins at the base of the seat, and extends up and over the arm to the ground.
Insert both arm dimension together and then insert eight inches. Multiply this total by 2.
Add together the totals from steps 3, 5, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13 and 15.
Divide the total by 36. This total is the number of yards needed to cover the seat.