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Partial Slipcover To Repair An Upholstered Chair Seat Tear

July 02, 2013

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Don't toss that torn chair. Make an easy slipcover for the seat to cover it up instead.

This sew or no sew repair can be done in minutes and bring your old furniture back to life.

Partial Chair Slipcover DIY

So today I have a little story for you about a chair. It's a lovely little chair and it resides in my kitchen. It's relatively new and until about an hour ago, it had a big tear right in the seat. Oh boy.

Not good.

Especially since, like I said, it is pretty new.

You see, I've always loved the look of upholstered furniture in the kitchen. It gives the space such a warm and cozy feeling.

If possible, I would put a sofa in there, but I don't have the room.

My kitchen is large, but the space around the dining table is tight, so it took me a very long time to find a piece that was going to fit properly.

I was also looking for a very particular style. I didn't want a slipcovered chair and I needed something without arms to fit under the table and I wanted wooden legs.

And it had to be cheap!

It was big news when I came across this chair on Ebay. It was plain, but easily adorned with pillows or throws the right price and the right size.

It quickly became my favorite place to sit in the room and it looked fabulous.

So imagine my horror, when one morning a few months ago, I saw this giant tear.

Of course, no one knew how it happened.

Mmmhmmm.

How To Repair A Torn Upholstered Chair

Unfortunately, there was no real easy fix. The chair has an odd shape, no straight corners or pronounced arms. It was going to be a challenge to repair and I stewed about it for a long time.

I thought about a patch, but yuck.

Then I thought about a slipcover, but one that wouldn't cover up the lovely legs and tailored style.

Then tonight, I was struck with an idea to make a tiny slipcover, just for the seat portion.

I wasn't really sure how it was all going to pan out, but I grabbed my bag of sewing leftovers and scraps and went to work.

How To Cover A Torn Upholstery Seat


First, I tucked a piece of fabric into the back portion of the chair. I made sure that I left a good five to six inches of fabric for tucking, so it would stay anchored.

Trash To Treasure Upholstered Chair

Next, I gathered the fabric at the corners, wrapped it like package and sewed it together.

How To Recover A Wing Chair Seat DIY

I was on a roll and it was looking good, but the fabric need some kind of trim to finish it off.

I luckily had some pretty ivory rope leftover from a pillow project.

I pinned it onto the red fabric.

Partial Slipcover For A Wing Chair

I hand stitched the trim onto the red fabric.

It would've been much easier to do this with the machine, but I was working on the fly and the project was evolving on the chair itself, so I did it by hand.

When the trim work was complete, I stitched the cover gently to the chair itself, at the side folds.

I didn't want to sew the entire piece to the chair.

The slipcover is going to move when people sit on it and shift around.

If I sewed it on everywhere, it could rip the chair. By leaving it loose, the cover should give and float.

I also like the idea that I can gently remove a few stitches, if I get bored with this look and want to replace this cover with another when the spirit moves me.

I have to say, overall, I'm really pleased with my quick little project, especially since it was free.

*Quick note: if you don't sew, do not despair, fusible tape or fabric glue can be used instead.

You can even use a glue gun to add the trim.

I was very upset with that tear, but honestly, I think I like the chair better this way. It has a little personality now and it looks really great in the space!

Upholstered Chair Makeover

What do you think about my repair?

I'm curious if you have any other ideas for a quick fix...you know, in case I get tired of this look!

Hey~ guess what? A few years after this makeover, I needed another fix for my chair.

You can peek at it here!

How To Make An Upholstered Chair Skirt

I also had to repair my sofa. That was much easier.

How To Fix A Torn Sofa

Even easier?

I added fabric to my glass cabinets with an easy trick.

How To Cover Glass Cabinet Doors With Fabric
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 31 Comments

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  1. I really like the quickie project, the chair does look better :)

    Beth

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    1. Thanks Beth! I really like it, but honestly, anything looks better than that nasty tear!

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  2. Hi Kim! I agree with you....you've made it a better chair! It has more pizazz! Good idea to just reupholster the bottom! You should share this at the Rock 'N Share...I think it is something that might benefit others that have had or will have a similar situation. Have a wonderful holiday! Blessings, D@TheShadyPorch

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    1. Thanks D! I am pleased with the way it turned out...I really thought the chair was ruined! I will share, thanks for the invite and thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I am a first time visitor to your blog. Great solution to repair the seat. If the back comes untucked and it bothers you an easy solution is to use a short piece of dowel to help anchor the fabric in the back.
    I am looking forward to reading more of your blog.

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    1. Sylvia, thank you! Of course when I sit there, the fabric sits nicely...when the kids and husband sit, not so much! Off to get a dowel now! Awesome! :)

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  4. Hi Kim! What a great idea. Love the splash of color as well. Please come share your wonderful ideas on our Tuesday BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Link and Hop.

    Love your blog! All the best ~ Sharon and Denise
    Follow us:
    Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bloglovin ~ Pinterest

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    1. Thanks ladies, I like the splash of color as well! :)

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  5. Brilliant idea!! That is a fabulous chair - I would have been so upset as well! You did a great job fixing it! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

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    1. Thanks so much, Jenna! I am really happy with the way it turned out. I honestly thought the chair was a goner!

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  6. Great solution, turned out beautifully!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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    1. Thanks Cindy! Who knew a few leftovers could make such a difference!

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  7. Such a simple solution!!! Very nice! Found you on the Pin Hop Party!

    Shelly- minettesmaze.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Shelly! I really thought my only option was a full slipcover, so I was very happy with this fix!

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  8. Very cute!! I almost wish I had a chair with a tear in it now! :) Stopping by from Party in Polka Dots' Linky Party.

    Christine :)
    My Epicurean Adventures

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    1. Haha! Thanks Christine, I was so upset when I found that rip, but I actually like it better now, too! :)

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  9. I'm popping over from Marty's party and I love your chair. That's a great way to cover up the tear!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Sheila. It took some brainstorming, but I think it really worked out well!

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  10. Great fix, I love it. It is so hard to try and repair a tear, and this is such a great solution. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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    1. Thanks Marty! I am really happy with how it turned out!

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  11. I think it turned out great! Love the roping on the fabric. That just tops it off!

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    1. Thanks Kathy! I agree, that leftover roping really makes it! :)

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  12. What a beautiful fix! I think I like the chair better with the red seat. Adds some lovely color.

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    1. Me too! I actually really love that pop of color now!

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  13. Your brilliant chair repair was featured at Give Me the Goods Monday! I'd love for you to head over to check it out and grab a button! http://rainonatinroof.com/2013/07/give-me-the-goods-features-16/

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  14. Hi Kim,

    I love what you did to cover that tear. Thank you for sharing it Pin It Monday Hop. We are featuring your project in our Top 10 Post this week around Wednesday. Please stop by when you can. See you!

    Judy
    Pursuit Of Functional Home

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  15. Beautiful!

    I am co-hosting this week on the My Favorite Posts Showoff Weekend Blog Party. Thanks for connecting up!

    I host a (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop and a TGIF Link Party over at my place -- A Peek Into My Paradise... http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/ I would love for you to link up and follow if you like what you see. =) I follow back - I love making new friends!

    Have a terrific week!

    Hugs, Cathy

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  16. That was a great idea. I used the same fabric for curtains. Pretty. :)

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    1. Stacey, I LOVE that fabric! I found it one day and I had nowhere to use it, but I bought a few yards of it anyway, because I just had to have it. Eventually, I added it to the glass cabinet doors in my kitchen. I was so glad when I had some left over to do the chair!

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