A recliner cover is a great way to protect your expensive furniture from wear and tear. They also have the added benefit of providing some extra style.
In this blog post, I am going to walk you through how to make a recliner cover with just 4 simple steps!
Steps on Making Recliner Cover
Step One: Gather your materials. You will need two yards of fabric, a pair of scissors, and an iron for this project. I recommend choosing a durable yet soft fabric like corduroy or canvas to make the best cover possible.
Recliner Cover Material List (materials needed)
- Fabric: two yards
- Scissors: one pair of sharp fabric scissors
- Iron: a handheld iron will work best, but an electric appliance is also fine.
Optional: sewing machine to sew the cover together if you want it sturdier. A needle and thread can be used to track down any excess material as well. Thick interfacing will make the cover more durable.
Step Two: Measure your recliner’s armrests. Take a measuring tape and measure from the top edge of one armrest to the bottom edge of its opposing counterpart, then add an inch for seam allowance. Cut two pieces of fabric in this length with sharp fabric scissors.
Optional: if you want a sturdier cover, measure the width of your recliner’s armrests then add an inch for seam allowance and cut two pieces of fabric in this length with sharp fabric scissors. Step Three: Iron both fabrics to make them flat so they are ready for sewing together. Add some interfacing to one of the fabrics.
Step Four: Fold both pieces in half so that they are stacked on top of each other with their right sides together (interfacing fabric facing out). Pin them at the outside edges and then sew a seam along with those pins.
Optional: if you added interfacing, fold it up and away so that you can sew a seam along the entire length of your newly-sewn cover.
Step Five: Turn both fabric pieces right side out and press them with an iron to flatten any seams or wrinkles.
Optional Step: If you have a sewing machine, do some decorative quilting in one layer on top of the other fabric (or add a third layer of fabric).
Step Seven: Cut the edges off at your desired length.
Optional Step Eight: You can also sew upholstery piping around the edge to make it look nicer and more finished. I added one inch on all sides for my seam allowance, so cut two inches from the edge.
Step Nine: Sew the edges together, making sure to backstitch at each corner so that your seams will be strong and secure.
Optional Step Ten: Fold your piping over one side of the cover (the right or left) and sew it down with a straight stitch while covering the fabric’s edge underneath. Repeat on the other side.
Step Eleven: Put your cover on the recliner and enjoy!
Optional Steps
I recommend using a sewing machine to sew as opposed to hand stitching all of your pieces together, but if you are confident in how well you can hand stitch (or just want an even more personal touch), feel free to do it by hand.
Optional Step Thirteen: If you want a little more detail, feel free to embellish the cover with your designs and patterns using embroidery or lace trim.
Extra notes: I recommend adding at least one inch on all sides for seam allowance if you are not sure how much fabric will be needed.
How to Prevent Stains on Recliner Covers
The best way to prevent stains on recliner covers is to make sure that you take the time to clean them after every use.
Leaving a stain sitting for too long can cause it to become really difficult and/or impossible to remove later down the line, so it’s important not only to do this as often as possible but also to get in the habit of checking your chair before you sit down.
If a stain does happen to occur, try removing the bulk of it with something like dish soap or laundry detergent and then soak the area in water for at least thirty minutes.
For stubborn stains that won’t come out otherwise, adding some white vinegar into the mix can help break down any protein-based substances that may be remaining.
How to Care for Recliner Cover
Step One: Wash the cover every two weeks by hand in cold water with a mild detergent.
Step Two: Hang dry your recliner cover or use an outdoor clothesline if possible, but don’t worry about it too much as long as you remove any excess moisture after washing.
Step Three: Store your recliner cover when not in use.
Extra notes: If you notice that the foam is exposed, simply rotate the fabric to a different side and continue using it as normal until it’s time for another wash. Recliner covers are really easy to make but if they’re too much work then feel free to purchase a new one.
Step One: Wash the cover every two weeks by hand in cold water with a mild detergent. Step Two: Hang dry your recliner cover or use an outdoor clothesline if possible, but don’t worry about it too much as long as you remove any excess moisture after washing.