Chair Slipcovers with Dressmaker Details

Get creative with your slipcover design by borrowing dressmaker details from your favorite clothing. Add a box pleated skirt, pretty ties, or button closures to make your custom-made cover stand out in a room. Here are six of my favorites.

Ticking chair slipcover with ties on back.

1. Ties

Whether you use a single knot or a few floppy bows, tie closures can add charm and function to any slipcover. Check out this post, Tie Closure Ideas for Slipcovers, for inspiring designs plus easy instructions for making your own ties.

Linen flange hem detail on floral chair slipcover.

2. Flange Hem

A flange hem is subtle tailored detail that adds a polished finish to a slipcover. It’s a pretty alternative to a turned and stitched hem. I like using a contrast fabric and color for a bit of pop, like the natural linen flange on the floral slipcover above. Learn how to make it here, Slipcover Flange Hem Tutorial.

Covered buttons on a white canvas chair slipcover.

3. Buttons

When it comes to designing a slipcover with buttons, sky’s the limit. Showcase them on tabs or with loops on a center back opening or with button holes at side closures, as shown above. I like using fabric covered shank buttons, wood toggles, faux pearl, and 4-hole flat buttons in wood, corozo, and coconut shell.

4. Bound Edges

Instead of using welt cord to trim around openings, use self-fabric bias binding. The look is clean, and it adds an element of surprise, especially when you want to highlight a special detail like an exposed wood arm, as shown above. See more in this post, Custom-Fit Slipcover for Bergere Chair.

Linen chair slipcover with box pleat skirt.

5. Box Pleat Skirt

I don’t think there is a prettier dressmaker detail for a slipcover than a box pleat skirt! It adds so much character no matter if it’s a bunch of chunky box pleats, cute little butter pat pleats, or a single tailored pleat at each corner. Check out this post, 5 Pleated Slipcover Skirt Designs, for inspiration galore.

Yellow print slipcover with black welt cord detail.

6. Contrast Piping

Contrast piping, also called welt cord, is a decorative seam detail that draws attention to your slipcover’s contours and design features. Use it to outline every seam or only a few specific shapes such as box cushions. Any sold color or print will do as long as it’s a no-bleed fabric. Check out the resources and ideas in this post, Contrast Welt Fabrics for Washable Slipcovers.

Examples of decorative closures for slipcovers.

As the saying goes, it’s all in the details. Have fun designing your slipcover with a special dressmaker feature! I think you will love the look. – Karen