How to Make a Recliner Headrest Cover

by Andrew Smith| Last Updated: January 12, 2022

Disclosure: This site is reader-supported & contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more

How to make a recliner headrest cover

Recliner headrest covers are great for protecting your furniture investment. They also help keep your recliner comfortable and clean. So, whether you need a simple cover or a customized one, there are many ways to create them.

Below are the most straightforward steps on how to make a recliner headrest cover.

You choose a recliner headrest cover based on chair dimensions, durability, patterns, and more. Afterward, you make a recliner headrest cover by cutting measured pieces then adding drawstrings. Lastly, you sew a recliner headrest cover by making an opening and casings while giving allowances.

Table of Contents

How Do I Choose a Recliner Headrest Cover?

You can make an appropriate cover only after you know your recliner’s headrest dimensions. So, the way you measure is critical.

How do you obtain the correct measurement?

You can get these measurements on your supplier’s website or manual. But if unavailable, measure it manually.

Place the chair in an upright position before you begin measuring. When measuring, start with the non-reclined position.

To begin, you should take measurements from the back.

Measure from the top edge and work your way down. Doing this should provide the headrest height. Record it in both centimeters and inches.

Dual measurement recording is vital if you plan to get material online. Some retailers list measurements in inches, while others in centimeters.

Here is a detailed guide on recliner dimensions. Go and learn more.

Next, take the headrest width.

Cushion Design

Cushion design refers to the pattern found on the headrest material. While headrest covers have many styles, they fall into two broad categories:

Regular gives your chair a more conventional appearance. On the other hand, the latter provides a textured and relatively more-appealing look.

Machine Washable or Not?

Before picking the headrest cover material, consider whether you can wash it with machines. Nonetheless, headrest covers are small and may not hassle you to wash them.

If you require a durable and machine-washable fabric, choose canvas, cotton, denim, or twill.

Related read: How to clean recliner headrest

Durability

If you’re covering a frequented couch, you’ll want a fabric that is more resistant to wear and tear. While lighter and more delicate cloths such as silk and linen appear attractive, they need dry cleaning, yet neither is durable.

Cotton, denim, and canvas are all excellent mid-weight fabrics. They are durable, machine washable, and easily conforms to your recliner’s shape.

The best headrest cover materials repel liquids, giving you time to wipe them. It’s preferable to provide an additional layer of protection when you have small children or pets. For instance, you can have washable protector pads beneath the headrest cover.

How to Make a Recliner Headrest Cover

Making a headrest cover is neither challenging nor straightforward. Therefore, choose a simple pattern to understand if it’s your first attempt.

If you’re unsure what works, I recommend selecting a design that appeals to you. There are numerous pattern options, but browse the internet for inspiration if you’re unsure.

How Do You Make a Recliner Headrest Cover?

Fabric choosing is critical, and you should choose a soothing fabric or stuffing that does not slip to the backrest.

Measure your headrest’s width and height. Add two inches to the dimensions. The additional material helps stabilize your cover by tucking into your recliner’s crevices.

Now, cut two fabric pieces with those dimensions.

Next, sew the pieces.

How Do You Sew a Recliner Headrest Cover?

After cutting pieces, sew one side of each together, giving a 1/4-inch seam allowance to create an L-shaped piece. You should come up with something resembling the letter “K.” The opposite side remains open.

Sew Drawstring Casings

Sew long strips on a side of each piece, approximately 1/2-inch off the edge. You’ll want to ensure that it’s large enough to accommodate the drawstring.

(This step is optional. Still, you can create a headrest cover without adding drawstrings to the bottom)

Fix the Drawstring

Make a knot on each string end and insert it into the created casing on a side of each fabric piece. Secure the drawstrings by stitching along the new casings’ inner edges, then cut the threads.

Assemble the Pieces

After stitching the casings:

  1. Stack the pieces with their right sides together.
  2. Sew around all edges while providing a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
  3. Leave a gap on a side, five inches from the end, to allow you to turn the headrest cover in and out.

Trim your opening’s corners, then turn the headrest cover right side out. Lastly, hand stitch to finish the recliner headrest cover.

Install the cover and enjoy.

Further Reading:

FAQs

How Much Material Does it Take to Cover a Recliner headrest?

The amount of material it takes to cover a recliner headrest depends on its dimensions. Once you’ve those down, you must include a few allowances, as discussed, to ensure a good fit.

How Do You Measure a Recliner for a Cover?

You don’t want the exposure of some areas in the reclined position. So, you measure a recliner for a cover by setting your chair to the fully reclined position. Measure from the top, across the back edge of the recliner, to the footrest’s end.

While not a must for all cover types, it’s crucial for custom ones, especially recliners with footrests.

How Do You Make a Recliner Cover?

While it involves several steps, you make a recliner cover by sewing measured fabric pieces based on your chair. Measure with your chair reclined to allow proper coverage at all times.

Final Thoughts

Given the selection criteria, down to sewing practices, I hope you now know how to make a recliner headrest cover, without hiring anyone.

There are many colors and patterns to pick even before choosing the material. So, go ahead and get creative.

Author

  • Andrew Smith

    Andrew Smith is the founder of CozySeating, is a father of 2, and an engineer from one of the leading furniture stores in the country. Due to his 10 years of experience, he has proved to be the best person to offer advice to clients regarding different seating furniture based on their needs and performance. Besides, he is a specialist in product reviews and always keeps up with the current trends in the market.

Leave a Comment

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments