Looking to refresh your dining room without overspending? Creating your own chair covers is a fantastic way to save money while customizing your space. However, finding the right fabric at a good price is key—especially if you're crafting dining chair covers or chair covers for dining chairs in the UK. In this article, we’ll help you discover where to find affordable, durable fabric perfect for DIY projects.
💡 What Makes a Good Fabric for Chair Covers?
When choosing materials for DIY chair covers or dining chair covers, consider these factors:
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Stretch: Stretchable fabrics like spandex and polyester blends are easier to work with and fit snugly.
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Durability: Choose tightly woven or reinforced fabrics that can handle frequent sitting, washing, and stretching.
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Style: Match colours or textures to your interior décor—jacquard, velvet, or even cotton canvas can work beautifully.
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Ease of Cleaning: Machine-washable fabrics are a must for covered dining room chairs, especially in homes with kids or pets.
🛍️ Where to Buy Affordable Fabric in the UK
If you’re working on a budget but still want high-quality fabric, check out these options:
1. Local Fabric Stores
Don’t overlook small businesses! Local fabric shops often have clearance bins or discounted remnants that are perfect for smaller projects like individual chair covers for dining chairs.
2. Online Retailers
Online fabric suppliers such as:
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Fabricland UK
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Minerva Crafts
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eBay (UK sellers)
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Amazon UK
They often offer bulk discounts or coupon codes for first-time buyers.
3. Charity Shops & Markets
Thrift stores and weekend markets can be treasure troves for unused or vintage fabric—ideal if you want to create a unique look for your dining room chair covers.
4. Home Textile Stores
Look in clearance sections of home goods stores (like Dunelm or IKEA) for curtains, tablecloths, or even bed sheets that can be repurposed into DIY chair covers.
✂️ How Much Fabric Do You Need?
For one standard chair, you'll typically need:
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Seat Only: 0.5 to 1 metre
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Seat + Backrest: 1.2 to 1.5 metres
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Full Cover with Skirt: 2 metres
Always measure your chair first (see our guide on measuring dimensions!) and buy a bit extra for seams, mistakes, or pattern matching.
🧵 DIY Tips for Sewing Chair Covers
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Use a stretchy fabric to avoid wrinkles.
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Double-stitch stress points like corners and elastic bands.
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Add velcro or zippers for easy removal and washing.
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Hem the bottom edges for a polished look.
You don’t need to be a professional—just a little creativity and patience goes a long way!
🔍 Want a Quicker Alternative?
Not ready for DIY? No problem. At SofaCoverUK, we offer a wide range of affordable and ready-made chair covers and dining chair covers that look custom-made but come at a fraction of the price. Our covers are stretchable, stylish, and machine washable—perfect for UK households.
🪑 Final Thoughts
DIY chair covers are a smart way to save money and create a bespoke look in your home. With a little research and the right materials, you can enjoy a completely refreshed dining room without spending a fortune.
Looking for inspiration or a ready-to-use solution? Browse our collections below:
👉 Chair Covers
👉 Dining Chair Covers
Your perfect chair makeover is just a fabric away!
