Slipcovering Adirondack-style deck chairs

Hubs and I have been eating all our meals out on the deck, except in inclement weather, and we LOVE it!! But, we're coming into the last portion of the summer, and it occurred to me that if I could cozy-up the deck, we could use it almost all year round. We plan to get a chimnea, and (of course) a heat guard, under it, but that only warms you from one side - and I don't tolerate the cold very well. The solution I've come to, for both the cozying up, and decorating the deck, for multi season use, is slipcovers, cushions, pillows and throw blankets. I can't find a single pattern for slip covers - only off-season storage type covers - so, it looks like I'll be designing my own. For 4 chairs, with similar covers for the little, folding bistro set (including a semi fitted table cover), with small, round chair cushions, too.

So far, my plan is to use old sheets to make a muslin/pattern, & experiment with the folds & layout, then to use painters' canvas drop cloths (probably harbor freight), to make the actual slip covers. Since the drop cloths are a light neutral, that lets me wash them, when needed, as well as swap out cushions, pillows, and throws, to accommodate the seasons & holidays inexpensively, and almost entirely with items already on hand. I'm thinking of doing them with as little actual cutting and sewing, as possible - using more of an origami approach.

It's been a VERY long time since I've done anything of this size, I'm working alone, and my sewing machine and I are not exactly on the best of speaking terms. I abhor Velcro, so I'm debating how to secure everything - ties? If so, grommets? Or webbing with buckles? Or D-rings?  Heavy duty snaps? Something else? Ideas? Has anyone else put slip covers on Adirondack chairs?

Hubs and I have been eating all our meals out on the deck, except in inclement weather, and we LOVE it!! But, we're coming into the lady portion of the summer, and it occurred to me that if I could cozy-up the deck, we could use it almost all year round. We plan to get a chimnea, Something like one of these:

https://www.tripnesia.club/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/small-clay-chimineas-for-sale-la-hacienda-kairos-chimenea-mexican-chiminea-our-review-of-the-best-2-home-improvement-charming-large-floral-its-important-to-keep-in-mind-that.jpg

and (of course) a heat guard, under it, but that only warms you from one side - and I don't tolerate the cold very well. The solution I've come to, for both the cozying up, and decorating the deck, for multi season use, is slipcovers, cushions, pillows and throw blankets. I can't find a single pattern for slip covers, for Adirondack chairs, like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Woodworking-Project-Paper-Build-Adirondack/dp/B007N0UECE/ref=asc_df_B007N0UECE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366352853698&hvpos=1o6&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12896511958355252374&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023493&hvtargid=pla-787879071961&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=76503872856&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366352853698&hvpos=1o6&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12896511958355252374&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023493&hvtargid=pla-787879071961
I can only find off-season storage type covers - so, it looks like I'll be designing my own. For 4 chairs, with similar covers for the little, folding bistro set (including a semi fitted table cover), with small, round chair cushions, too.

So far, my plan is to use old sheets to make a muslin/pattern, & experiment with the folds & layout, then to use painters' canvas drop cloths (probably harbor freight), to make the actual slip covers. Since the drop cloths are a light neutral, that lets me wash them, when needed, as well as swap out cushions, pillows, and throws, to accommodate the seasons & holidays inexpensively, and almost entirely with items already on hand. I'm thinking of doing them with as little actual cutting and sewing, as possible - using more of an origami approach.

It's been a VERY long time since I've done anything of this size, I'm working alone, and my sewing machine and I are not exactly on the best of speaking terms. I abhor Velcro, so I'm debating how to secure everything - ties? If so, grommets? Or webbing with buckles? Or D-rings?  Heavy duty snaps? Something else? Ideas? Has anyone else put slip covers on Adirondack chairs?

Oh, you mean Muskoka Chairs.

I have never seen them covered, probably because in my climate,  they'd be infested with earwigs after each dew.

But if it works for you,  please show us pictures. They are quite comfy chairs, and it hadn't occurred to me to cover them at all. I mean,  I enjoy the wood, and the fact that I don't have to worry about a little weather, but that doesn't mean it won't work in other situations.

Let us know how it goes,  and good luck.

-CK

I've never heard them called that, lol. And, no - it's not something I've ever heard of anyone doing, either. And, it's not going to be a summer thing - only for cooler weather, when I want something more protective, to block the wind off of me. Ithink in the summer, the bugs underneath would be very problematic here, too. :D

I've done lots of wild and crazy sewing projects and you asked for input, so here are my thoughts for you to embrace or reject as you please! For an example of one of my more complex projects, see here: https://permies.com/t/40/73482/permaculture-projects/day-permie-challenge#616638
1. I prefer large buttons and tabs for attaching. I agree that velcro's a pain, particularly when laundering, but I find most ties equally annoying. Tabs can be wide to help prevent twisting.
2. For outdoor projects, I like to used closed cell foam for insulation, padding and contouring for back support. I used it when I recovered a set of folding lawn chairs and they were *much* more comfortable after the changes.
3. If warmth is a big chunk of the issue, consider having a flap that goes down to the ground behind your legs at the front of the chair? That could even been lined with that mylar reflective stuff if you want to get *really* fancy.
4. Personally, I would go ahead and use the old sheets to make a proper pattern. I know from sewing coats that you will end up with multiple layers making it a challenge to sew through, even with a decent machine and a jeans needle. Do you have a sewing awl?
5. I made slip covers for a friend's patio cushions, and I used a folded gap to hold the cushion in but still be easily removed for cleaning. That was easier than messing with zippers, which I've done in the past for a different friend and much higher class cushions. I would not make something that wasn't removable in a situation like this, as I just *know* that someone will spill something on it the first week!

Thanks, Jay! Yes, a skirt all the way down, and around, is definitely part of the plan. My experience (initially, from hammocks!) is that an air pocket surround helps drastically improve the level of warmth to be had. I do have an awl, or three, but I'm not sure I'd have thought to implement them, lol. They folded gap would be perfect, too. Great ideas! Now, I'll go check out your link! ;)

I'd *really* like to see pictures of what you come up with!

Jay Angler wrote:I'd *really* like to see pictures of what you come up with!

It's going to take some time, since the chairs aren't even in the budget, yet. I'm kinda waiting for them to go on end of season clearance, locally. But, I'll try and get the pics back here. If it goes well enough, maybe I'll make a wiki post out of it.