How to Cover a Desk Chair

Remove the screws attaching the seat and back to the chair's frame with a screwdriver. Turn each removed cushion over and pry the staples or tacks holding the current fabric to the back using needle-nose pliers. Remove the old fabric carefully since you will use it as the template for the new fabric. Alternatively, measure the width, length and depth of the cushions, plus 2 inches for seam allowance, and note them.

Spread the selected fabric face down on a hard surface. Run your hand over it to remove creases or folds. Place the old fabric over the new fabric and trace its outline using colored chalk. Alternatively, transfer the measurements for the chair's seat and back onto the new fabric.

Cut along the marked lines using sharp fabric scissors. Set excess fabric aside. Spread the fabric cutout for the chair's back face down on a hard surface.

Center the back of the chair over the fabric cutout and lower it. Press the cushion over the fabric with one hand and extend the fabric along one side so it reaches the back of the cushion. Insert a staple through the edge of the fabric so it penetrates the center of the back cushion and holds it in place. Repeat the process of pulling the fabric along the opposite side over the back cushion and stapling it in place.

Make a 45-degree cut at each corner of the fabric with sharp fabric scissors. Called mitering, this practice keeps the fabric at the corners from bunching up. Repeat the process of pulling the fabric along the remaining two opposite edges of the cushion and stapling in place.

Spread the fabric for the chair's seat face down on a hard surface and lower the cushion over it. Repeat the process of stapling the fabric to the cushion. Trim excess fabric or rough edges with scissors. Replace the covered back and seat cushions to the chair's frame and join with screws.