Instant Decorating Upgrades With Old Linens

Recycle a Tablecloth Into a Seat Cover

The tablecloth's floral pattern is not quite bold enough to mask wine stains, testaments to happy times spent around the dinner table. But you can preserve the memories by using the unblemished parts of the cloth to reupholster the pop-up seats of dining-room or occasional chairs. If there isn't enough fabric for all your chairs, re-cover only the armchairs at the ends of the table.
 
Note: Before beginning, make sure that the seat pops out with the removal of a few screws. If the upholstery is attached to the chair frame and not to the underside of the pop-up seat, this project is not for you.
 
What you need: A tablecloth, scissors, a screwdriver, a staple gun, and ¼-inch staples.
 
What you do: 
1. Remove the seat cushion and place it upside down on the wrong side of the tablecloth (be sure to position it so that stained sections of the cloth won't show on the finished seat).
2. Cut around the seat, leaving a three-inch border on all sides.
3. Fold the fabric over, as if wrapping a present, and attach it to the seat with staples placed one inch apart.
4. Pop the seat back into the chair.
 
Also works with: Linen sheets, tea towels, fabric remnants, even a favorite (now lipstick-stained) scarf.