Thanks to Laurie Johns and Heather Crawford, I had the opportunity to sew for our local schools (Northington Elementary, in this case), many of which suffered damage from the tornadoes and continue to suffer for lack of budget priorities in this state. Heather provided all the materials plus instructions on how to sew these chair covers for the schools, so this tutorial really belongs to her. But I don't think she'd mind if I shared it and more moms sewed chair back covers for their schools.
you will need:
- A denim needle
- Strong thread, preferably upholstery thread
- Sturdy fabric yardage (we used red canvas)
- A sewing machine
instructions:
- Measure and cut your fabric pieces. If you are only going to make one chair back cover, then you will only be cutting one piece. However, it is so easy to make another one once you've started that I strongly suggest cutting fabric for more. Schools, churches, and local centers for battered and abused children always appreciate useful gifts for kids. So..... go ahead and cut a rectangle measuring 15" by 40".
- Hem one short end of your fabric piece. Take the short end in hand and press under 1/2" and then another 1/2". Stitch down.
- Prepare to finish your other short end. Fold the finished short end (folded and sewn side up) towards the middle of the rectangle to form a pocket 10 1/2" deep. Pin. Then stitch each side with a 1/2" seam allowance.
- Now sew a pocket on the other end. Fold up that end to form another pocket on the opposite side of the fabric. The depth of this pocket should be enough so that the edge of this fabric almost meets the edge of the first pocket (though they are on opposite sides of the fabric). Pin down. Stitch each side with a 1/2" seam allowance.
- Turn right side out and you are done!
