How to Cover Folding Chairs Inexpensively with DIY Chair Covers

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Two women enjoy a serene picnic by a picturesque lake with folding chairs and a table under the summer sun.
Credit: pexels.com, Two women enjoy a serene picnic by a picturesque lake with folding chairs and a table under the summer sun.

You can give your folding chairs a fresh new look without breaking the bank by making your own chair covers. You can use inexpensive materials like cotton fabric, which costs around $5 per yard. This fabric is also easy to work with, making it perfect for DIY projects.

To start, you'll need a few basic supplies, including scissors, a sewing machine, and some thread. You can also repurpose old sheets or tablecloths to save even more money. These types of materials are often inexpensive and can be easily transformed into chair covers.

One yard of fabric can make two chair covers, depending on the size of your chairs and the design you choose. You can find plenty of free patterns online or create your own using a simple rectangular shape. This will help you get the most out of your fabric and save even more money.

No-Sewing Method

To cover folding chairs inexpensively without sewing, you'll need a few simple materials. Scissors, a measuring tape, and some fabric are the basics you'll need to get started.

Credit: youtube.com, DIY Chair Covers in 5 Minutes (No Sew!)

You can also use wide ribbons and a bonding agent like fabric glue to secure the fabric in place. Pins can also be helpful for temporarily holding the fabric in place while you work.

Here are the materials you'll need to cover a folding chair without sewing:

  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Material or fabric
  • Wide ribbons
  • Fabric glue or any bonding agent
  • Pins
  • Iron
  • Ironing board

To wrap the fabric around the chair, start by draping it from the top of the back of the chair to the floor, and then down to the seat and to the floor in the front.

Making Chair Covers

You can make chair covers in under an hour, literally! These covers are a great way to dress up cold, unattractive metal folding chairs.

To make folding chair covers, you'll need a large piece of fabric, preferably thick and with some "body" to it. You can use almost any type of fabric, but it's best to choose one that's fairly thick.

Cut out the shape of the chair back using a template or a piece of paper, and then fold your fabric so that you have a double thickness. This will allow you to cut two pieces at once.

Credit: youtube.com, Folding Spandex Chair Covers | Chair Decor | eFavormart.com

You'll need to allow a ½ inch seam allowance when cutting out the fabric. Using scissors, cut out the fabric, place the right sides together, and pin.

Sew all the way around the sides, either by hand or using a sewing machine. You can also hot glue some trim onto the cover for a decorative touch.

Some people like to stencil a design onto their fabric before sewing the cover together. For example, you can use a stencil brush and some acrylic paint to create a design like the one on the "Camp Crossroads" chair cover.

Alternatively, you can use a staple gun to attach a new fabric to the cushion of a folding chair. This is a great way to add some personality to your chairs, as shown in the DIY project on the "Easy DIY Folding Chair Makeover" tutorial.

Here's a quick rundown of the tools and materials you'll need for this project:

  • Large piece of fabric (preferably thick)
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine (optional)
  • Needle and thread (optional)
  • Hot glue gun (optional)
  • Staple gun
  • Stencil brush and acrylic paint (optional)

Remember, you can always make some adjustments to the cover as you're sewing it together. And don't be afraid to get creative with your design – after all, that's what makes DIY projects so much fun!

Affordable Alternatives

Credit: youtube.com, NO SEW Wedding chair covers. Make & Sell $$$$ home biz. Downloadable printable pattern

You can create a more stylish and comfortable seating arrangement for your guests without breaking the bank. Consider using a staple gun and a heavier fabric to cover the chairs' seats, like we did with our cotton-canvas grey and white chevron fabric.

A staple gun is a great tool for this project, and it's relatively inexpensive. We used ours to attach the fabric to the cushion, making sure to correctly align the patterned fabric first.

If you're short on time or budget, you can skip the spray painting step altogether. We initially planned to paint our chairs, but ended up liking the slate color and deciding to leave it as is.

Here are some alternative fabric options to consider, depending on your style and budget:

Remember to save the corners of the fabric for last when recovering a chair, and to cut away any excess fabric that blocks the rivet holes.

Design and Aesthetics

Credit: youtube.com, How to Fold a Chair Cover Tutorial

Folding chair covers can be made in under an hour, making them a quick and easy DIY project.

These covers can completely transform the look of a cold, unattractive metal folding chair.

You can make them to match your holiday decorating scheme, like the "Camp Crossroads" covers used on a vintage camper Christmas front porch.

Burlap and peppermint-themed covers can add a festive touch to your autumn or Christmas decor.

The Thrifty Style Team has shared various ideas for making folding chair covers, including burlap, peppermint, and aqua-themed designs.

You can dress up a folding chair with a simple cover, making it more visually appealing and elegant.

DIY Overhaul

You can give plastic folding chairs a stylish makeover with a little creativity and some basic materials. To start, consider recovering the cushions with a sturdy fabric like cotton-canvas or burlap. This will not only add a pop of color but also make the chairs more comfortable.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Refurbish a Folding Chair | Folding Chair Makeover

A staple gun is a must-have tool for this project, as it allows you to easily attach the fabric to the cushion. If you're using a patterned fabric, make sure to align it correctly before covering the cushion.

Recovering the cushions can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to save the corners for last. This will prevent any fabric from getting in the way of the rivet holes.

Once the cushions are recovered, you can reattach them to the chair base using rivets. This will not only secure the cushions but also add a decorative touch.

If you want to take your DIY overhaul to the next level, consider adding a decorative trim or stencil to the fabric. This can be done using hot glue or a stencil brush, and it's a great way to add some personality to your chairs.

Here's a list of materials you'll need to get started:

  • Sturdy fabric (cotton-canvas or burlap work well)
  • Staple gun
  • Rivets
  • Decorative trim (optional)
  • Stencil and stencil brush (optional)

The Bottom Line

Credit: youtube.com, Reupholstering Folding Chair with Retainer Clips

In the long run, using a folding chair cover made from a breathable fabric like cotton or mesh can save you money by reducing the need for frequent washing.

You can expect to pay between $5 to $15 for a high-quality folding chair cover, depending on the material and size.

By choosing a cover that's easy to clean, you can save time and effort in the long run.

A simple folding chair cover can last for years with proper care, making it a cost-effective solution.

Investing in a good quality folding chair cover can pay for itself over time by extending the life of your chair.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to cover chairs without chair covers?

You can cover chairs without chair covers by adding a cushion, decorating with ribbons, bows, or tassels, or even repainting the chair for a fresh look. This simple makeover can add comfort and personality to your chair.

Vera Forte

Senior Writer

Vera Forte is a passionate blogger who loves to write about travel, food, and lifestyle. She has been blogging for over 5 years and has gained a significant following due to her engaging writing style and relatable content. Vera's love for exploring new places and trying out different cuisines is evident in her posts, which often feature stunning photographs of her adventures.

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