Learn, how to make chair arm covers in this guide. A technique of selecting fabric and sewing the arm covers. And a complete guide for where and how to buy arm covers. You would have noticed an extra grime and dirt on armrests and back rests of your sofas as compared to the other parts of sofa. This grime can damage the whole look of furniture as well as your living space.
The solution is to make chair arm covers separately and cover these armrests so even if they get dirty with time, you will be able to wash them real quick! Question is why you should make them yourself instead of buying? Well, this totally depends on your need, budget, choice and wish to make them or buy them. we recommend a DIY solution, as it can be according to your choice and budget.
Preparation
Measurement
To prepare for arm covers, weather it is for sofa armrests or chair armrests you need to prepare for some essentials, Like proper measurements. For a proper fitted and tailor looking armrest cover, you need to measure your armrest properly.
Selecting Fabric
Before diving into new sheets or fabric for armrest covers, make sure to check your existing sheets, extra fabrics in your upholstery collection. You will find some fabrics matching your requirements. This will save your energy and wallet and also you will get rid of extra clutter by recycling it.
Sewing Kit & Decorative items
Match your thread with fabric you selected and prepare your sewing machine for this process. Prepare some tussles, buttons, zippers according to your choice and matching with covers to decorate them. This will create a refreshing look for the armrest cover.
Selecting Fabric to Make Chair Arm Covers
Importance Of Fabric Selection
Fabric selection is as important as selecting the cover design and style. A well chosen fabric can shine your chair arm cover to two times. Fabric selection is based on what type of sofa slipcover is used on the sofa or what type of chair you are preparing for arm covers.
Type Of Chair Arm
If chair is an easy chair and its armrests are thin and made of plastic, you can simply use cotton, linen or polyester mix fabric to make sure it does not slip off. But if it is a rocking chair, wooden made or love chair and its armrests are wide you need to pay more attention for fabric selection.
Color
choose some vibrant color that should match or complement the chair color and texture. Patterned fabric can hide grime for a long time so it will benefit you for cleaning and maintaining purposes. Fabric must be according to the slipcover fabric (if there is any), and if not use according to your need, seasonal and occasional requirement.
Select On The Base Of Cleanliness
Silk and other slippery fabrics are not a good option for they will attract dirt, grime and stains more than others, will require extra care and may cost more time and effort.
Leather is a good option for wide armrest, because of it’s plush appearance, premium look, easy cleaning and maintenance and matching with almost all type of chairs and sofas. You can design and style with leather more easily and keep it clean and attractive at the same time. As well as it will complement a fresh and premium look to your overall decoration.
Measurement Technique
Height
Before diving into sewing or buying the chair arm covers, you need the complete information of armrest dimensions. It’s height, width, corner design and depth along the chair or seat need to be measured accurately. For a snug fit and tailored look a proper measurement technique need to be followed which is not that hard. Measure the height of armrest from outer side corner horizontally. Note it down to avoid confusion.
Width
Measure the widest part to get width, include the widest part of armrest in it along with unique shapes and corners. Cut it with 1/2 inches seam allowance for a perfect fit and adjustment. According to the shape of corner measure it’s opening and it’s shape.
Depth & Closure
measure from outer corner to inner corner in a half circle to get the depth. Make sure to reach the innermost area of armrest in width along with sofa and loveseats. For closure of the chair arm cover, measure from back side with extra allowance for closure according to the closure style and armrest shape. If you are going to use elastic allow some extra fabric, 1 inch would be enough.
Cutting the Fabric to Make Chair Arm Covers
Double Fold The Fabric
Cut the fabric while keeping it double fold. While cutting it keep the width halfway, because a double-fold will cover it. Leave 1/2 inch from every corner and side. Put some extra fabric of 2 inches from front to cover the front part of sofa armrest. Use elastic or zipper wrap to cover the closure.
Closure Technique
Keep the closure at back. Use some tussles to keep the front decorative and attractive. Cut the fabric according to measurements and leave 1/2 inch for sewing from every side. For making a cover like fitted bed sheet, make measurements to full depth of armrest, like with the starting of seat.
Chair Arm Cover For Office Chairs
If you are going to make chair arm cover fitted with elastic and easily removeable, sew elastic strand in the sides from front to the end. Cover like these does not have to meet the depth of seat. And lastly, for making a cover for office chair, easy chair or for wooden garden chair, an elastic closure will be best, as it will help easy removal and cleaning.
Completing the Process
Secure Your Measured Area
Take some sewing pins and secure the measurements. Fabric must be 16 inches for the depth and width and 22 inches for the front area. Cut front pattern piece from raw and extra fabric to check the fit.
Pinning Technique
Curve the top and side edges (1/2 inch, which we left for seamless look) inward and secure it with pins. As it will take a rectangle shape, pin the long side with front piece and other long side with top, down and back side. Fold the bottom fabric with 1/2 inch seamless allowance, and pin it up.
Start Sewing & Treat Loose Parts
Now start from back edge to sew, make a pocket for front and reverse the fabric. Then, start sewing every part together for final product. Make sure to remove pins after sewing together. Put this cover on the armrest to check the snug fit. If you find any looses there treat them for a snug fit and tailored look. Now, prepare the closure for armrest covers with your selected closure options. Put elastic or buttons for more tailored look.
Benefits of Chair Arm Covers
Extra Care
Chair arm covers are for extra care to protect furniture or slipcover already present on the furniture. Although some extra benefits are here. Arm covers protect the chairs from grime, dirt, stains and oil to penetrate into the furniture. They are easy to remove and clean.
Easy Cleaning
You don’t have to remove the whole slipcover from sofa or chair and you don’t need a big space to wash it. They are easy to handle. You can easily decorate them with different tussles, buttons and zippers for more refresh look.
Premium Looks
Some throw covers for armrests are also made to give a premium look to the furniture. You can style your easy chair, office chair, love seats, sofas, and reclining couches with these armrests easily. Leather arm covers provide more plush and premium coverage to the furniture.
Styling
They are easy to change between different covers. If you choose dark solid colors with light colored furniture or slipcover you can complement the new look. They are easy to style with different decorative materials, as well as easy to style with different slipcovers.
Care To Garden Furniture
If you choose vibrant colors and patterned fabric for chair arm covers, you can easily hide the grime and dirt for a long period of time. This kind of selection is for furniture in open air areas and garden furniture. You can style these covers with already available bed sheets, extra covers from your home.
Some Tips to Style Chairs and Love Seats
Throws & Rugs
Use Throw pillows to style your chairs and loveseats. As are best option to design & style any room furniture. You can use as many of them as you want. Throw rugs, blankets and single throws are best option to style your chair arm. Style your love seats with stuffed cushions, and toys for coziness and comfortability.
Use Slipcovers
Use complementing slipcovers for the love seats to enhance the ambiance. Room chairs are easy to style with matching pillows, armrest covers, chair covers and slipcovers, wall decorative items, throw rugs, blankets and slipcover accessories.
End Tables
Chairs like rocking chair should be styled with matching or complementing cushions and tables. You can add 2 chairs in one to one direction in a room or living area for close gatherings. A side table or end table is best to complete a set with two chairs.
Conclusion
To make chair arm covers, you would need a proper fabric, sewing kit, proper measurement technique and right cutting technique. For a seamless and tailored look, keep the closure at back end and leave 1/2 inch fabric extra for sewing.
Style your chair arm covers with beautiful closure decorative items like tussles, zippers, buttons and elastics. Removable chair arm covers need to be sewed with elastic closure. This make it easy to clean them occassionaly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When measuring for chair arm covers, use a flexible tape measure to determine the length, width, and circumference of the armrest. Start by measuring the length from one end to the other, then measure the width and circumference around the armrest at its widest point.
While some arm covers claim to be one-size-fits-all, it’s essential to check the measurements to ensure a proper fit. Chairs come in various sizes and shapes, so it’s advisable to measure your chair’s armrests to find the best fit for optimal protection and appearance.
To prevent arm covers from slipping, consider using covers with elastic bands or ties that can be secured around the armrests. Additionally, choosing covers made from non-slip materials or adding anti-slip pads underneath can help maintain their position.
Yes, there are arm covers designed to fit various chair shapes, including rounded, square, or curved armrests. Some covers are stretchable or adjustable, accommodating different shapes and sizes.
The choice of materials depends on personal preferences and needs. Common materials for arm covers include cotton, polyester, leather, and blends. Consider factors like durability, comfort, and ease of maintenance when selecting the fabric.
You can personalize and enhance chair arm covers by adding decorative elements such as embroidery, buttons, or contrasting fabrics. Experiment with different designs or embellishments to match your style and interior décor.
