You can refresh your furniture by using a slipcover or reupholstering with heavy-duty fabric, as covering a club chair takes about 6 to 10 hours of work. This process suits someone with basic sewing skills or those using a custom-fitted slipcover kit.
Supplies for your chair project
To get the job done, you need to gather specific tools before you begin. Having the right gear ensures the fabric stays tight and the finished look remains professional.
- Heavy-duty upholstery fabric (usually 7 to 9 yards for a standard club chair).
- Upholstery stapler with 3/8-inch stainless steel staples.
- Staple remover or a flat-head screwdriver.
- Fabric scissors with sharp, long blades.
- Measuring tape and tailor’s chalk.
- Strong upholstery thread and a heavy-duty sewing needle.
You can use a staple gun for frame attachment, but for loose covers, a sewing machine is required. Professional upholstery training isn’t required, but you should consult local fire safety codes and state-specific flammability standards if you’re choosing new materials for public spaces.
Steps to cover a club chair
- Remove the old fabric carefully using your staple remover. Keep the old pieces intact to use as templates for your new fabric cuts.
- Lay your new fabric face down on a clean, flat surface. Place the old fabric pieces on top, trace the outlines with chalk, and add a 2-inch seam allowance around every edge.
- Cut the new fabric shapes using your scissors. Ensure the pattern or grain of the fabric runs in the same direction for all pieces to maintain a professional look.
- Sew the panels together following the layout of the original cover. Start with the inside back and seat sections, as these require the most precision.
- Pull the fabric over the chair frame, starting from the center of each side. Secure the fabric with staples at the bottom of the chair frame, pulling it taut to avoid wrinkles.
- Fold the raw edges under at the corners and staple them into place. Use a hidden stitch if you’re working on a visible seam that can’t be stapled.
Tip: Always start stapling from the center of a rail and move toward the corners to keep the fabric centered. Careful: Don’t pull the fabric too tight over foam cushions, as this can cause the foam to distort and create a lumpy surface.
Adjusting for different chair styles
Time and effort vary based on chair complexity and material choice.
| Chair Type | Estimated Time | Difficulty | Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple boxy chair | 6 hours | Low | Pattern alignment |
| Rounded back chair | 9 hours | Medium | Fabric stretching |
| Tufted back chair | 15+ hours | High | Button placement |
Always cut fabric slightly larger to allow for trimming later.
How to judge your results
A successful project results in a smooth, wrinkle-free cover that fits the chair frame snugly. If the fabric sags or bunches near the seams, the tension was likely uneven during the stapling process. To prevent this, always work in a cross-pattern: staple the top, then the bottom, then the left, then the right.
Standards and maintenance
Professional upholsterers often use fabric performance data derived from testing methods established by the American Society for Testing and Materials to evaluate durability and wear. Vacuum the chair weekly to remove debris that grinds into fibers. Check the fabric cleaning code for dry cleaning or spot washing instructions. Expect to perform minor repairs after 3 to 5 years of use.
Alternative methods to try
Pre-made slipcovers
You can buy a pre-made stretch cover that fits over your existing upholstery. This is the fastest method, taking under an hour, but the fit is rarely as clean as a custom reupholstery job.
Professional reupholstery
If your chair has complex springs or frame damage, hire a professional. This costs more but ensures the internal structure is sound, which saves you from having to take the piece apart again later.
Fabric paint or dye
For a quick aesthetic change without sewing, you can use specialized upholstery paint. This changes the color significantly but will stiffen the fabric texture, making the chair feel less comfortable for long periods.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cover a chair without removing the old fabric?
Yes, you can place a new fabric cover over the old one, but only if the original upholstery is thin and flat. If the old fabric is bulky or tufted, it will show through and make your new cover look uneven.
How long does it take to reupholster a club chair?
It takes between 6 and 10 hours for a beginner to complete a standard club chair. This assumes you’re working with a simple frame and have all your tools ready to go before you start the first cut.
Is it safe to use a staple gun on wood frames?
Yes, it’s safe, but you must ensure the staples are the right length for your frame. If the staples are too long, they may poke through the other side of the wood and scratch your floor or your hands.
What happens if I make a mistake while cutting?
If you make a mistake, you must cut a new piece of fabric from your excess material. Always buy 15% more fabric than the exact measurement of your chair to allow for errors or pattern matching.
How often should I tighten the cover?
You should check the fabric tension every 12 months. If you notice sagging in the seat or back, you may need to remove the bottom dust cover and re-staple the fabric to remove the slack that develops over time.
Conclusion
Recovering your chair is a rewarding way to extend the life of a piece you love. By taking your time with the measurements and ensuring the fabric is pulled evenly, you can achieve a result that looks brand new. Focus on securing the fabric properly at the hidden anchor points, and you’ll enjoy your refreshed chair for many years to come.
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