The front of the arm was the only pattern piece I ended up cutting out ~ it was just easier to cut out the shape and then pin it all together with the piping.
The front of the chair is now officially done! Now on to the back...
I debated on what type of closure I wanted to use on the back ~ ribbon ties, zipper, buttons. I decided on a zipper up the back. With the slippery leather underneath, I thought it would be the most secure way to keep the slipcover in place.
I thought the flap over the zipper was a nice way to dress it up a bit and hide the zipper from view. I added a small square of velcro to the bottom to keep the flap closed. I chose a very simple, tailored look, avoiding any frilly skirts or pleating along the bottom. Once hemmed, I like that the feet show slightly.
On the seat cushion cover, I decided to add a zipper along the back for easy removal and to make the cushion reversible. Because I didn't have a zipper long enough to span across the width of the cushion, I used 2 shorter ones and positioned them to meet in the middle. You could also use ribbon ties, velcro, buttons or big snaps here instead.
Fitting the cushion cover was finicky. I wanted it to fit snuggly but still be easy enough to remove for washing. Trying to avoid puckers was tricky.
Done!
Whew! Glad that's done! I love how they lighten up the room and we no longer stick to the leather in our shorts :) Now I just have to work on some new pretty cushions for them.
a few tips:
1} Take your time. This is not a quick project so don't give yourself a deadline. The slower you go, the better your result.
2} Because you are tearing the fabric, there WILL be strings. Everywhere.
3} Make friends with your seam ripper ~ you'll likely be needing it to fix little bloops here and there.
4} You WILL prick your fingers on pins a thousand times.
5} Simplify by omitting the piping all together and using ribbon ties instead of zippers.
6} If you do use piping, remember that smaller piping will be easier to maneuver around curves and corners.
7} Don't stress if they're not perfect. Anything's better than that ugly chair you want to cover!
lisa