As I mentioned on my About page, I’ve recently moved and I’ve been working on a number of small projects as I settle into the new home.  One simple project I started was to make a simple valance for my office.  Little did I know that I would surprise myself with another use for that valance.

chair project

This project is quite simple and can be done by anyone!  Measure the width of your dining chair back and cut the fabric to that width plus 2″ (fold over on all sides and stitch to hem so it won’t unravel).  Measure from the top of the seat up and over the back and determine the drop (distance from the top of the chair back to the end).  If your length is longer than the fabric is wide, I suggest seaming it at the point where it would reach the top of the chair back.

 Don’t worry if you’re not handy with a sewing machine.  Use iron-on hem tape or stitch witchery (found in sewing notion departments) and the whole thing can be accomplished with an iron!

CREATIVE CHAIR COVER IDEAS

• create the chair ’sleeves’ using a holiday themed fabric and change out for special holidays.  There are so many inexpensive themed fabrics available now (look in the quilting departments).
• another no-sew option would be to use table runners (make sure to have your measurements with you as you watch the sale tables).
• use solid colors: red/white/blue chair backs (2 each to cover 6 chairs) for patriotic occasions; red/green/gold for Christmas; rust/brown/gold for fall; pastels for spring – you get the idea.
• use a wide 2 or 3″ ribbon to tie the sleeve in place.
• add beading or other trim to the lower edge (wow, this could really add some punch).

The great thing about these ’sleeves’ is that they store folded flat so you can have as many as you want for as many seasons or occasions as you want.   Do you have any other ideas of how this simple project can be used?  Share in the posts……..