Dine in style: simple slip covers

Transform even the most basic chair by adding comfort and style with a simple slip cover and covered cushion. Cut a piece of foam to fit your chair seat or use a purchased cushion pad. Cut two pieces of fabric, allowing for the thickness of the pad and a 1cm seam allowance all the way round. With right sides together, stitch around outer edge, leaving back seam open. Turn right side out and press. Insert cushion pad. Turn under raw edges and slip stitch together. For the slip cover, cut a rectangle the width of the chair back by the required length, plus 3cm turnings all round. Press under 1cm then 3cm all round. Cut eight 30cm x 4cm strips for ties. Press under 1cm on long edges, then press in half and stitch. Insert ends of ties under slip cover hem at appropriate points and stitch the entire hem.

We used English Tulips printed cotton fabric from The Natural Fabric Company (01386 700900)

Feature: Janet Palmer. Photos: Richard Burns

Create all kinds of cushions