How do you cut fabric to fit around wooden arm on occasional chair back.?

To make a pattern for a specific chair back or arm, use a piece of cardboard large enough to trace the entire part of the chair needed. Secure the cardboard so that it won't move when you trace. Trace with a pointed marker.

Once the tracing has been made, cut around the traced lines on the cardboard with a seam allowance (approx. 1/2 inch from the traced line). Most sewing machines have a ruler that you can guide the edge of the fabric 1/2 inch from the needle.

Or, you can cut the cardboard on the traced line and cut the fabric with a seam allowance, if you trace the cardboard pattern onto the fabric before removing the pattern.

If you don't have large pieces of cardboard, poster board can be used. Poster board is usually available at stationery or craft stores.