Measuring and Cutting

• Measure the entire chair, including length, width and depth, and make sure to add the correct seam allowances, at least 1/2 inch, on all seams. When measuring the arms of the chair, Elizabeth Dubicki recommends in her book "Custom Slipcovers Made Easy," that you look at the existing upholstery for any seams where the inside arm section meets the inside wing section on the chair. If there is a seam that defines these two sections, then measure the inside, outside and wing sections separately. These panels will be pieced together on the chair.
  
  If there is no seam, then measure the entire inside and outside panel, including the wing in each measurement, to create two panels that will be fitting on the chair.
  
  If you are making a paper or muslin pattern of the slipcover, transfer the measurements to the paper or muslin and cut out the pieces. Although making a pattern will save time the next time you cover the chair, there is an added step of having to fit the pattern pieces, along with the fabric, onto the chair and making any adjustments to the pattern. If you are not making a pattern, then use the measurements and cut out the fabric.
  
  

Pin-Fitting and Sewing

• Pin the fabric pieces face down or the pattern pieces to the chair using T-pins, starting with the inside arm panels. Clip the corners so the curves lay flat. Pin-fit the inside wing panels to the inside wings, creating tucks or darts along the outer curves and clipping where necessary. Continue pin-fitting the rest of the chair.
  
  Sew the pieces together, making sure you are within the seam allowances to ensure a good fit, and sewing any darts as necessary. Dubicki notes that slipcovers aren't meant to mimic upholstery, so a wrinkle here or there is acceptable.