Crochet Ghost Chair-Back Slipcover – Free Pattern

This original crochet ghost chair-back slipcover answers the crochet ghost chair cover search with a complete construction rather than a decorative idea alone. The written instructions use US crochet terms and explicitly name shaping, assembly and fit checks. Gauge and measurements are planning targets; make a washed swatch before committing to a size.

A removable cream sleeve turns the back of an adult dining chair into a quiet ghost. Two flat panels meet at their rounded upper corners and short top edge. The bottom stays completely open; three shallow fans on the front add movement without dangling cords. Two small embroidered eyes carry the expression.

Pattern Details

• Hook Size: 5 mm, adjust to washed gauge
• Finished Size: Sample panel 19 inches wide and about 13 inches high; fits a roughly 17-inch-wide, 1-inch-thick chair back after a trial fit
• Gauge: Target 16 sc and 18 rows = 4 inches
• Estimated Time: 8-12 hours
• Construction: Two flat bottom-up panels, four paired-edge decrease rows, sewn top and sides, open base
• Skill level: Intermediate

Why You’ll Love This Project

The project has a practical use and a recognizable silhouette. Each component has its own checkpoint so you can compare the count and size before joining. The stitch choices and finishing are intended to give the object a distinctive handmade texture without relying on another pattern or image.

Materials

• Approximately 600 yards cream worsted cotton/acrylic blend and 8 yards black matching yarn
• 5 mm hook, yarn needle, locking markers, tape measure and scissors

Gauge, Measurements, and Planning

Measure chair width W at its widest covered point and thickness T. Each panel must span W + T + 1 inch, giving one inch of circumference ease on each face. At four sc per inch the sample width 19 inches uses 76 stitches for W=17 and T=1. For another chair, use N = ceiling((W+T+1) times your washed stitches per inch), with N at least 24. Check the actual chair, not just its label. The bottom of the finished sleeve must stop above the seat and clear the moving joints. Sample height has 54 straight rows plus four rounding rows: about 12.9 inches. For resizing, choose total rows for your desired safe depth and subtract four to find the straight-row count; use at least eight straight rows. Both panels must match.

Make and wash a gauge swatch before beginning. Measure only after the swatch is completely dry. If the stitch width differs, change hook size rather than pulling the working yarn tighter. Keep a written count at the end of every section so the finished edges remain balanced and the assembly points line up.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd: round
• BLO: back loop only
• inc: two stitches in one stitch
• sc2tog: single-crochet two stitches together
• hdc2tog: half-double-crochet two stitches together

Special stitch guidance: Sc2tog consumes two stitches and produces one: pull up a loop in each of two consecutive stitches, yarn over, draw through all three loops. Ch 1 does not count. A lower-edge fan uses eight foundation positions: sl st in first, skip two, 7 dc in fourth, skip two, sl st in seventh, sl st in eighth.

Important Notes

• Images are AI-generated illustrations of the intended design, not photographs of a physically tested sample. Follow the written stitch counts and construction instructions rather than counting stitches in an image.
• Development note: the written stitch arithmetic has been checked computationally, but this design has not been physically sample-tested. Gauge, yardage, fit and dimensions are planning targets. Make a swatch and a trial fit or assembly before gifting.
• Turning chains and joining slip stitches are not counted unless a step explicitly says otherwise. Mark the first counted stitch of each round or the first and last stitches of a flat row.
• Use the washed gauge to check dimensions at each named checkpoint. If the count is right but the measurement is wrong, change hook or yarn and reswatch rather than adding unplanned stitches.
• Keep all yarn tails on the wrong side and weave them through three different stitch paths before trimming. Do not use glue for structural joints.

Complete Instructions for Crochet Ghost Chair-Back Slipcover

Measure and Crochet Two Panels

1. For the sample, ch 77 in cream. Row 1: sc in second chain and each remaining chain. (76 sts) Mark the first and last sc. Ch 1 and turn. Work into both loops unless stated otherwise.
2. Rows 2-54: sc in all 76 stitches; ch 1 and turn. (76 sts) The foundation is the lower opening and the working edge will become the top. At Row 54 measure width and depth against the chair. Make a second identical panel, keeping the same washed gauge and row count.
3. For a custom width replace 76 by your calculated N and begin with N+1 chains. Use your calculated straight-row count instead of 54. Do not narrow the sleeve so much that it must be forced over the chair. Mark each panel with a removable front/back tag before shaping.

Round the Top Corners

1. Row 55: sc2tog over first two stitches, sc in next 72, sc2tog over last two; ch 1 and turn. (74 sts)
2. Row 56: sc2tog, sc in next 70, sc2tog; ch 1 and turn. (72 sts) Row 57: sc2tog, sc in next 68, sc2tog; ch 1 and turn. (70 sts) Row 58: sc2tog, sc in next 66, sc2tog. (68 sts) Fasten off with a long sewing tail.
3. For custom N, each of these four rows decreases one stitch at each end, giving N-2, N-4, N-6 and N-8 stitches. Make the second panel to the identical outline. Block both flat to matching measurements without stretching the corners into points.

Embroider Eyes and Sew the Sleeve

1. On the front only, place eye centers at one-third and two-thirds of panel width, about four inches below the final top edge. Outline two vertical ovals approximately 3/4 inch wide by 1 inch high with short black backstitches; fill each with short stitches anchored through the fabric every 1/4 inch. Keep all tails on the wrong side. Do not add buttons or long loose floats.
2. Place wrong sides together with the front facing you. Match both foundations, every fifth row end and the top corners using markers. Starting at one bottom corner, whipstitch through a full edge loop from each panel at each paired row end up the straight side and the four shaped row ends. Continue through all 68 paired top stitches, then down the opposite shaped and straight side. Leave the entire bottom unsewn.
3. Ease the sleeve over the empty chair from above. It should sit freely with no strain, wobble or obstruction of the seat, chair grip or moving parts. If it is too tight, undo the seam and remake wider panels; do not stretch it until the chair becomes hard to handle. Remove the cover before adjusting folding furniture.

Add Three Shallow Front Scallops

1. Remove the sleeve from the chair. With front facing, mark its middle 24 unused foundation loops. For the 76-stitch sample leave 26 loops unworked at each side: positions 27-50 carry the trim. Join cream in position 27 with a slip stitch, which counts as the first anchoring sl st of the first repeat.
2. Across the first eight marked loops: sl st in first (already made), skip next two, work 7 dc in next, skip next two, sl st in next, sl st in next. Repeat the same eight-position sequence twice more, working a new first sl st in each next unused loop. There are exactly three fans. For a custom N use floor((N-24)/2) unworked loops before the trim and the remaining unworked loops after it.
3. Each fan consumes eight old loops and produces seven dc plus three sl sts: ten visible stitches; the three-fan trim has thirty stitches. Do not crochet across or close the rear opening. Fasten off and secure all tails. Verify that scallops remain above the seat and cannot catch shoes, chair hardware or hands. This is removable adult seasonal decor, not a child restraint, cushion or play cover. Remove before laundering and follow the yarn label.

Assembly and Shaping

With wrong sides together, join matching side row ends, the four sloped row ends at each upper corner, and the shortened top edge. Leave all foundation stitches open. A shallow upper contour is intentional; this is not a round amigurumi head. Put the three scallops on the front foundation edge only.

Lay every component on a flat surface before joining. Match the marked centers first, then divide each remaining edge into equal sections. Work through both layers with consistent tension and pause after each section to check that the fabric lies flat. This measured approach prevents twisting and keeps decorative details facing the intended direction.

Finishing

1. Weave each yarn tail through several same-color stitches, reverse direction twice and stretch the fabric gently before trimming.
2. Block to the stated shape according to the yarn label and let every component dry fully before final assembly.
3. Inspect the first and last row, joins, edges, and any sewn attachment from both sides; repair loose stitches before use.
4. Include the fiber content, finished dimensions and care instructions when gifting. Keep yarn projects away from open flames and direct heat.

For a polished result, weave each tail through several same-color stitches, reverse direction once, and trim only after the fabric has been gently stretched. Block to the listed dimensions without flattening textured stitches. Inspect joins, borders, straps, and decorative pieces before the project is used or gifted.

Helpful Tips

• Place removable markers at each shaping repeat and record the count before beginning the next row.
• Use a contrasting cloth behind dark yarn so it is easier to see both loops of every stitch.
• Lay the piece flat and compare opposite sides at each measurement checkpoint rather than pulling one side to match.
• If an edge ripples or cups unexpectedly, stop and check stitch count and washed gauge before adding a border.

Good lighting and a contrasting stitch marker make counting much easier. If a section looks uneven, compare the current count with the previous checkpoint before continuing. Fixing one missed stitch early is faster than compensating later, and it preserves the measurements used by the assembly instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pattern physically tested?

No physical sample test is claimed. The stitch counts were checked computationally. Swatch, measure and trial-fit the piece before relying on the suggested dimensions.

Can I substitute another yarn?

Yes, if a washed swatch matches both stitch and row gauge and the resulting fabric has the required structure. Recalculate yardage and recheck every measurement checkpoint.

Can I change the colors?

Yes. Preserve yarn weight and contrast where a shaping or decorative feature must remain visible, and make a new swatch for the substitute yarn.

Conclusion

Keep the measured dimensions and yarn details with your pattern notes. Check the construction and safety guidance before styling or gifting the finished crochet project.

BabyYarnie Printable Crochet Pattern Card

BabyYarnie — easy-to-follow crochet for everyday makers.

Project: Crochet Ghost Chair-Back Slipcover

Skill level: Intermediate   Hook: 5 mm, adjust to washed gauge   Yarn: Worsted

Finished size: Sample panel 19 inches wide and about 13 inches high; fits a roughly 17-inch-wide, 1-inch-thick chair back after a trial fit

Card Materials

• Approximately 600 yards cream worsted cotton/acrylic blend and 8 yards black matching yarn
• 5 mm hook, yarn needle, locking markers, tape measure and scissors

Card Instructions

1. Measure and Crochet Two Panels: Make two 76-stitch panels with 54 straight rows for the sample; measure the actual chair.
2. Round the Top Corners: Four decreases at each edge reduce 76 to 68 and soften the upper corners.
3. Embroider Eyes and Sew the Sleeve: Embroider front eyes, join the two sides and top, and keep the base fully open.
4. Add Three Shallow Front Scallops: Center three eight-position fans on the front only; leave the lower opening usable.

Finish: Check every count, weave in all ends, block to measurement, and inspect each join.