2. Cover the staples on an upholstered chair skirt with a line of braid, attached with fabric glue or decorative upholstered tacks. Attach the skirt of a slipcovered chair by handsewing the back side of the welting to the cover material, using a curved needle and heavy-weight thread.or a tailored skirt, add 6 inches to allow for small seams at the corners and back. For a pleated skirt, add 8 inches for each pair of corner pleats and 1 inch for a closing seam. For a multi-pleated or gathered skirt, allow twice the measured length.