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I needed to fix our mess of kids craft table. A homemade chair cover was my solution. Our children’s stages of development can be measured by types of messes that they leave behind. D-Man is in kindergarten and getting homework for the first time as well as learning how to write sentences. Big-C is in early childhood and is working on writing the letters of his name and using a scissors. In our dining room we have a children’s table and chair set. Much of our kids’ crafts, homework, and kids fodder ends up here. This corner of our dining room had become a disaster area in need of a makeover.DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and charm to your homework and kids craft area.
Dollar Tree

Clean up the space

To find a place for the items instead of the table was my first step. I ended up emptying a drawer in our buffet for extra coloring books, sticker activities and play-doh items. The 6-pack of beer I upcycled last year into a simple craft supply organization box is staying on the table because it is used most often. The next would be a place for the boys’ actual homework.

I already have misplaced D-Man’s math homework three times and I really don’t want to keep misplacing his homework. We needed a spot that was only meant for his homework. Big-C gets items to work on at home, although not truly homework. He should have a place to put his practice work also. Both of the boys are going to get a pocket chair cover.

Let’s get sewing!

First we need to assemble our supplies. I used 2 materials one solid color and one with a striped pattern. I bought 1 1/2 yards of each, just in case a mistake was made or if I wanted to make something extra to also match. You will need coordinating thread, sewing machine, pins and cutting supplies.




Next taking measurements and cutting the material (just so you know this is my least favorite part of the craft time). The measurements will vary on your chair and the thickness of the back rail. My material measured 15 inches wide and 28 inches long. Take your tape measure from the mid back of the chair, up over the top rail, down the back and up again to form the pocket. The material will be cut into 2 matching rectangles for each chair. DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and charm to your homework and kids craft area.

Pin the right sides together. Sew around the outside using a straight stitch leaving your opening along the long side. You will close this opening when you sew up the pocket. Trim off the corners to avoid overcrowding when folding it into a pocket and cover. Reverse the material to right sides out and press. I like to press so that it’s easier to arrange into a pocket over the chair.

Pin twice Sew once (hopefully)

Drape the material over the chair and begin to pin. Secure the lower end (blue pin), tuck down the top like you are wrapping a present and pin the top end (red pin). Repeat on the other side of the chair back. DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and charm to your homework and kids craft area.




Form the pocket on the bottom and pin it about midway up the chair back and pin in place. Do the same on the other side. DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and charm to your homework and kids craft area.

Take a look at your pocket straight on make sure you have the pocket straight. Once it’s how you want it, press the pocket bottom. You want to press the bottom so you don’t lose where you decided to place the pocket. DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and charm to your homework and kids craft area.Undo your pins holding your pocket and remain the chair rail pins in place. Sew up each side using a zig zag stitch. I removed part of my sewing machine’s base to be able to get up into the tight space at the top of the chair rail. DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and charm to your homework and kids craft area.

it’s okay if mistakes happen

Sew the sides then fold the pocket back up following your pressed line. Re-pin to hold while you sew up the pocket. Be warned at this point your children may return and distract you enough that when you begin sewing you will inadvertently get a part of the material tucked under the needle. Never fear that’s what a seam ripper is for. DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and charm to your homework and kids craft area.

Once redone I made sure I secured the pocket with a few passes of the zig zag stitch. I intended these pockets to hold only a few pieces of paper. Big-C immediately took the pocket chair cover off the chair and used it as a sleeping bag for a “few” of his guys. DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and charm to your homework and kids craft area.

I love how they turned out this make it Monday! My hope is that they continue to enjoy writing, coloring, cutting and crafting as they go through school. I will continue to adapt their area so they can use their creativity and I can keep my need for organization in check.

DIY pocket chair covers to add some organization and decluttering to your homework and kids craft area.

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