Replies

1. 
   Becky-book | Jul 25, 2006 03:23pm | #1

   Well...... a lot depends on how you use the chairs and who sits on them (and what do they eat!)

   If the chairs are for a formal dining room where only the "chosen few" will be served in sumptuous style, then by all means remove and reupholster the actual seat.

   If the chairs are every day, family table chairs where Junior eats peanut butter & jelly toast that sometimes falls in his lap and on the seat; then the removable covers in a sturdy fabric (with a busy print to hide stains) is what you want.

   Either approach has its own challenges and benefits! Neither is "rocket science"!

   Becky

1. 
   ratherberidingorsewing | Jul 27, 2006 01:37am | #3

   Thanks Becky, maybe not rocket science for some, others like myself, hmm dunno??

   Anyway very good point.  I would have to say 50-50 for use between the table and eating at the island.  As I said both are a challenge for me.  Hubby feels not a good idea to fool with screwing and unscrewing, as it is maple kind of soft I guess.  I am not real good w/o a pattern using muslin and tracing oh well I will give it a try, thanks again.

1. 
   Becky-book | Jul 27, 2006 03:35pm | #5

   Sorry to seem "uppity"!  Gladly willing to "talk" you through this project!  No question is too small to ask and get a helpful reply.  I usually check this board once every morning (except Sunday).

   Muslin is a good place to start, do you have an idea of how you want your covers to look?

   Becky

2. 
   Becky-book | Jul 28, 2006 03:01pm | #6

   Take a look at the McCalls pattern book Home Dec section.  They have a couple "patterns" for chair covers, with different options for the edges.   At least look at the pictures for ideas of what you might do.  You can look at the stuff on-line at the McCalls web site so you don't even need to leave the house!

   I would like to know how they turn out!

   Becky

   Edited 7/28/2006 8:08 am ET by Becky-book

2. 
   Teaf5 | Jul 27, 2006 01:01am | #2

   I agree with Becky-book's advice, but have a third option that may work for you.  I permanently recovered my dining room chairs and then made an additional slipcover out of the same fabric for the one that my messy youngster always used.  I used a durable upholstery fabric and have had to wash that slipcover only once in the last twelve years, while all the chairs still look good.  Good quality upholstery fabrics often have stain resistant coatings, and chair seats take so little that you can usually get a deal on a remnant.

1. 
   ratherberidingorsewing | Jul 27, 2006 01:39am | #4

   Thanks for your imput.  I am going to give sewing a try, wish me luck.