How to Make Slip Covers for RV Chairs

rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

If you've recently purchased a used RV that needs restoration or just want to protect the surface of your current RV chairs, a slipcover is the best option. Using just a few tools and a short period of time, you can make inexpensive, yet durable and decorative, RV slipcovers. Choose between casual and elegant prints or solid colors to match the woodwork and wood panels in your RV.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Tape measure
Scissors
Roll of brown paper
Fabric
Upholstery pins
Sewing machine (optional)
Thread
Thimble

Step 1

Use a tape measuring stick to measure the length and height of each chair including the seat, arms, front, back and sides. Write out each measurement on brown pattern paper and then add 1 inch for seam allowance, which is the 'line' that is formed at the bottom of a slipcover. Purchase fabric of your choice based on these measurements.

Step 2

Create a pattern for the slipcovers using the measurements taken in Step 1. Cut pattern pieces out. You must cut the exact measurement or the slipcover will not be accurately sized.

Step 3

Place the fabric on a sewing table and sweep your hand across to remove wrinkles. Lay the each pattern piece over the fabric, right side up, and trace until the pattern is transferred to the fabric. Cut out the fabric using sewing scissors. Pin a 1-inch seam, so the fabric hangs as it will when sewn.

Step 4

Lay the pattern pieces over the chair and fasten with upholstery pins to check the fitting.

Step 5

Sew the largest piece first such as the piece for the back of the chair. You can sew by hand or using a sewing machine. Fold over the bottom edge to sew a seam at the end of each piece. Your measurements already include the allowance needed to do so.

Tips & Warnings

It is best to add a zigzag stitch for sturdier seams.

After you finish sewing, cut any loose threads.

RV chairs are commonly larger in size for added comfort and can range from leather to upholstery fabric.

If sewing by hand, always wear a thimble to protect your finger(s).

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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