Monogrammed chair covers create
a formal look.

Letter Perfect

Plain fabric accented with an appliqued monogram and piping creates a formal look. Use one letter for all the chairs, or give each chair its own initial.

Find project tips and a materials list below.

• 54-inch-wide fabric (about 3 yards, but the amount will vary with chair size)
• Kraft paper for pattern
• Contrasting nonwoven (non-fraying) fabric for the monogram, such as imitation suede
• Paper-backed fusible webbing
• Computer-generated letter for monogram or stencil (the one shown measure 10 x 7 inches)
• 2 yards 1/4-inch-diameter piping or cording

1. Measure the chair according to the diagram. For the skirt width, double the seat depth and add the seat front width, plus 36 inches for box pleats, back closure, and hems. For the skirt length, measure the seat height, and add 2-1/2 inches for the seam allowances and hem. Cut out the skirt piece.

2. Trace the seat shape onto paper. Add 1/2-inch seam allowances around the side and front edges. Extend the seat shape 20 inches in the back to create a flap that will hang to the floor with a 2-inch hem. Add 1/2-inch seam allowances to make the sides and length of the flap. Make small notches in this piece to fit around the structure of the chair. See the Fabric Cutting Diagram below. Cut out the paper pattern and try it on the chair. Make any adjustments, then cut the fabric from the pattern.

3. Fuse the paper-backed fusible webbing to the contrasting monogram fabric. Trace the letter onto fabric and cut out. Peel off the backing and center the letter on the seat. Fuse it in place according to the manufacturer's directions. If you wish, sew around the appliqué with a narrow tight zigzag (satin stitch) to hold it in place.

4. Using handmade or purchased piping, sew the piping to the seat along the seam line. Sew the piping to the front and sides only.

5. Hem one long bottom edge and both short edges of the skirt. Pin the center of the skirt to the center front of the seat with right sides facing and raw edges aligned. Pin out toward the corners. At each corner, fold back 3 inches of skirt fabric, then fold the fabric forward again. Repeat in the opposite direction to make box pleats as shown. Continue pinning the skirt around the seat. Sew the skirt to the seat. Clip the fabric seams.

6. Cut four 12 x 1-inch ties. Hem the short edges. Turn the long edges under 1/4-inch, then fold the ties in half lengthwise encasing the raw edges. Topstitch along both edges. Tack one end of one tie to the top of the skirt back and a second tie to the center of the skirt back. Repeat for the other end of the skirt back.

7. Place the cover over the chair and tie the ties. Flip the back flap over the back of the skirt.